Gilded Balloon Teviot

I’ve never ever stepped into this place apart from the ladies toilets and the main foyer … But today I stepped further into this grand place of festivities!
It feels like something from a Harry Potter film, no kidding, it really does. Due to it being very busy with hosting the Edinburgh Festival, there are people there to direct you to where you need to be for your show — thank heavens!
It’s quite a cool building and I like how they have kept the real feeling of it. The stonework and woodwork are just beautiful.

One of the more well known venues during the month long organised chaos otherwise known as The Fringe; yet this was the first time I’d been in. And it’s BIG!
There’s a myriad (good word, huh?) of corridors and pathways and big gothic style arches to wander through, but before you even get in, there’s an outside beer garden with all sorts of wonderous smelling foods to choose from. Amazingly for Edinburgh Fringe beer garden prices, it’s very reasonable too.
In the sunshine, as it was last night, with great views of the building itself, and even the upside down purple cow tent of Udderbelly next door — yes, seriously — it’s a great place to chill out before, or after your chosen show.
I was in the Sportsman’s stage, in the lower floor, a handy little 90 – 100 seater with a small stage — ideal for a one person comedy stand up set; which is lucky, as that’s what I saw — the incredibly funny Celia Pacquola (well worth checking out, folks) took control of the room, even had some lighting and sound effects as well.
A fine venue to check out, and instantly up on my favourites list.