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If you're looking for a venue for your drinks reception, you're in the right place. There are plenty of reception venues in Edinburgh, from intimate reception rooms to lavish reception halls and unusual venues. 

Have a browse of our favourite venues in Edinburgh and select the perfect space near you for your next drinks reception. Or, simply ask one of our venue experts for suggestions today and they'll be happy to help!

Edinburgh is well connected by air, road, rail and sea, making it easy to get to from anywhere in the world.

TRANSPORT

From Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the city is full of iconic landmarks.

LANDMARKS

Edinburgh is known for its festivals, museums and galleries, and is home to some of Scotland’s most famous writers and artists.

CULTURE

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a beautiful and historic city with plenty to offer. The city is home to a number of world-renowned festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Edinburgh is also a popular destination for business events, with a number of conference and exhibition centres. The city has a great selection of hotels, restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to host an event.

Edinburgh

The United Kingdom has an excellent transport infrastructure, with a wide variety of options for getting around.

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, from Big Ben to Stonehenge.

The United Kingdom has a rich cultural heritage, with a wide variety of traditional music, art and cuisine.

The United Kingdom is a country in northwestern Europe, off the coast of France. It is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK has a long and rich history, and its culture has been influenced by many different peoples and nations. The UK is a leading economic and political power, and is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. The UK is an excellent place to hold an event, with a variety of world-class venues and a wealth of experience in hosting events of all kinds.

United Kingdom

Organising a drinks reception in Edinburgh? Check out our selection of the best reception venues and halls near you, from the glitzy to the quirky.

Reception Venues

600-capacity historic hall at University of Edinburgh with original architecture, marble busts and wheelchair access. Ideal for drinks receptions from £15,000 daily hire.

Playfair Library Hall is a stunning and spacious venue located within the University of Edinburgh. The hall boasts awe-inspiring original architecture, an immense design, and a ceiling that stands out the most. It is an ideal venue for hosting awards ceremonies, presentations, drinks receptions, events, and large gatherings. The spaciousness of the hall allows for easy movement and comfortable accommodation of a large number of people. 

Elegant Playfair Library Hall with high ceilings, perfect for upscale events and meetings.

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Playfair Library Hall with high ceilings, ideal for upscale events and conferences.

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Playfair Library Hall with elegant columns, ideal for formal events and ceremonies.

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Playfair Library Hall with elegant columns, ideal for upscale weddings and meetings.

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Playfair Library Hall with elegant columns, ideal for upscale galas and corporate events.

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Reception

Events

Playfair Library Hall

700-capacity Victorian church dubbed 'Edinburgh's Sistine Chapel' with stunning Traquair murals, perfect for grand receptions. £2,000 daily venue hire with private garden

With vast mural decorations painted by Phoebe Anna Traquair, the brilliant colours and soaring spaces of Mansfield Traquair create an enchanting backdrop for weddings in Edinburgh. This stunning venue, often referred to as Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel, combines historical elegance with modern amenities, making it the perfect choice for couples seeking a unique celebration. The venue boasts abundant natural daylight and a private garden, ideal for outdoor ceremonies or intimate receptions. Its versatile spaces can accommodate everything from grand ceremonies to elegant dinner dances, ensuring your special day is both memorable and stylish. Celebrate your love story in a setting that reflects the beauty and artistry of Edinburgh’s rich heritage.

Elegant event space in Mansfield Traquair with ornate walls, perfect for banquets and receptions.

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Elegant Mansfield Traquair venue with high ceilings for weddings and corporate events.

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Elegant event space in Mansfield Traquair with high ceilings and stained glass for upscale gatherings.

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Event space in Mansfield Traquair with large screen, ideal for conferences and workshops.

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Elegant event space with fairy lights at Mansfield Traquair for networking and social gatherings.

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Weddings

Nave

Mansfield Traquair

University of Edinburgh reception venue accommodating up to 250 guests, wheelchair accessible with modern facilities, from £300 per hour for intimate gatherings.

South Hall Complex, located within the Pollock Halls at the University of Edinburgh, offers a versatile space suitable for a wide range of events and meetings. The venue is known for its friendly and helpful staff, making it an ideal choice for hosting events. The space provides a comfortable and clean environment with modern facilities, making it suitable for conferences, parties, dinners, receptions, and other corporate or personal events. The venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that it is inclusive for all guests. With positive reviews from visitors, South Hall Complex is a popular choice for those seeking a well-equipped and accommodating event space.

Modern South Hall Complex with large glass windows, ideal for corporate events and gatherings.

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Elegant banquet hall in South Hall Complex, perfect for upscale events and receptions.

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South Hall Complex: modern venue with scenic views for meetings and events.

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South Hall Complex exhibition venue with booths, ideal for networking events.

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Elegant event space in South Hall with round tables, perfect for meetings and gatherings.

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South Hall Complex

60-capacity Edinburgh reception venue with flexible layouts including standing and buffet styles. WiFi included. £500 minimum spend weekends after 5pm.

Our room can be laid out in boardroom, meeting , quiz, standing , classroom, buffet, theatre style
Minimum spend is for Friday Saturday after 5pm, minimum spend other times please contact us.
Also have more pictures to upload but they are in different folders o cannot select at once.

Stylish lounge area in The Raging Bull, perfect for networking events and intimate meetings.

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Stylish lounge with tufted leather sofas, ideal for networking events and meetings.

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Whole Venue

The Raging Bull

300-capacity reception space in elegant Georgian hotel near Edinburgh's New Town, divisible into two rooms with separate reception areas, from £600 daily hire.

The Gallery is the largest of the event spaces at the hotel, with room for up 
to 350 guests. A sliding wall of acoustic panels means that it can be divided into two smaller rooms, each of which has a separate reception space for welcome drinks, registration and breaks.

Stylish bar at Kimpton Charlotte Square, perfect for networking events and cocktail receptions.

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Versatile meeting room with round tables, ideal for workshops and conferences.

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The Gallery

Kimpton Charlotte Square

Kimpton Charlotte Square - The Gallery

180-capacity Glenfiddich Suite with private heated terrace, ideal for drinks receptions. Historic Baroque hotel near Royal Mile, £500 afternoon hire.

The hugely flexible Glenfiddich Suite has been newly designed and built, making it one of the most adaptable and well finished private event spaces in the city. It benefits from an engineered timber floor and classic wood panelling in a neutral finish. Immediately adjacent, this suite also benefits from it’s own unique outdoor terrace. Concealed entirely from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside, it has its own weather proof roofing system and is fully heated, making it the perfect space to break away and take a breather.

Glenfiddich Suite, Scotsman Hotel: stylish outdoor space for meetings and events.

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Glenfiddich Suite outdoor event space with stylish seating for networking and gatherings.

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Glenfiddich Suite outdoor meeting space with lush greenery, ideal for networking events.

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The Glenfiddich Suite

Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh

Historic Georgian library in Edinburgh's Old Town with ornate classical ceiling, seats 120 theatre-style for receptions, from £70 per delegate including lunch.

Impress delegates in the magnificent Upper Library. Your Signet Library conference will benefit from modern facilities you expect of an Edinburgh conference venue while the impressive, historic architectural features, ornate cornices and soaring classical ceiling will be an inspiration for attendees and make a refreshing change from the norm.

Elegant Upper Library in Signet Library, ideal for upscale receptions and formal dinners.

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Elegant Upper Library in Signet Library, ideal for conferences and formal gatherings.

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Theatre

Business

Upper library

Signet Library

Rooftop SKYBar with panoramic Edinburgh skyline views, ideal for drinks receptions up to 200 guests, from £45 per person minimum spend.

SkyBar is a stunning rooftop space located within DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre. With breathtaking views of the Edinburgh skyline, it is an ideal venue for events, meetings, and receptions. The space offers a dedicated planning assistance, A/V equipment, and catering services for up to 150 people. The rooftop terrace provides a unique and memorable setting for private proposals and wedding ceremonies. The contemporary and renovated wedding venues, including the penthouse with panoramic castle views, make SkyBar a perfect choice for one-of-a-kind events. The space is well-equipped to host a variety of events, from corporate meetings to elegant wedding receptions.

SKYBar at DoubleTree Edinburgh with sunset view of Edinburgh Castle, ideal for events.

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Elegant ceremony space at SKYBar, DoubleTree Edinburgh, perfect for weddings and events.

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SKYBar at DoubleTree Edinburgh with festive decor, ideal for holiday events and gatherings.

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SKYBar meeting space with Edinburgh Castle view, ideal for events and corporate retreats.

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SKYBar meeting space with purple chairs and Edinburgh Castle view, perfect for events.

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SKYBar

DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre

550-capacity ballroom with £200k professional AV systems, ideal for reception venues. Historic Edinburgh estate with gardens, from £25 per person.

The Stables at Prestonfield House is a versatile event space in Edinburgh, suitable for gala dinners, balls, corporate events, award ceremonies, and large-scale events. It can accommodate 120 - 500 guests and comes equipped with over £200,000 worth of professional sound and lighting equipment. The space offers easy access, ample parking, and convenient level access, making it a natural choice for high-profile events in Scotland. The flexible set-up times allow for easy installation of elaborate stage sets, television, audio-visual, and lighting schemes. The in-house AV systems, elaborate lighting rigs, dance floors, and flexible staging make it exceptionally cost-effective for large-scale events. The Stables also offers superb menus with locally sourced seasonal food and an extensive wine list, ensuring an unparalleled level of service for any event.

Prestonfield Stables Ballroom with vintage cars, ideal for upscale weddings and events.

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Prestonfield Stables Ballroom, historic venue for weddings and corporate events.

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Prestonfield Stables Ballroom banquet setup with gold accents for Lunch with an Old Band 2023.

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Prestonfield Stables Ballroom with elegant tables, ideal for events and celebrations.

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Prestonfield Stables Ballroom art exhibition with elegant decor and black-and-white photographs.

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Dining

Prestonfield Stables Ballroom

Prestonfield House

Historic Old Town terrace overlooking Victoria Street, ideal for drinks receptions. Accommodates 100 standing guests with cocktail service from £3,000 daily minimum spend

Scotts Kitchen offers a unique Terrace space that is the perfect spot to enjoy the atmosphere of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. It overlooks the famous Victoria Street and is suitable for hosting breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks, supper, cocktails, coffee, and drinks. The Terrace is available for private parties and events, and booking is recommended. The menus are a celebration of Scotland’s natural larder and local producers, offering a variety of dishes and locally produced drinks. The Terrace is a versatile space suitable for a range of events and gatherings.

Vibrant outdoor venue at Howies Restaurants, perfect for summer events and casual meetings.

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Outdoor seating at Howies Restaurants, perfect for casual meetings and networking events.

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Vibrant outdoor venue at Howies Restaurants, ideal for summer gatherings and networking events.

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Terrace

Howies Restaurants

Howies Restaurants - Terrace

Elegant 5-star hotel reception space with Edinburgh Castle views, accommodating up to 100 guests standing, featuring chandeliers and Scottish wildlife frescos from £500/h

Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian is a magical realm where mixology is treated like art. The bartenders are true flavor conjurers, turning drinks into art with exclusive recipes and playful hints of apple, chocolate, and walnut. The space hosts live Jazz music every Friday evening, creating an atmosphere of pure class and charm. It is also known for its Classic French Afternoon Tea cakes, meticulously hand-crafted with a touch of magic. Peacock Alley is a perfect venue for hosting events, meetings, parties, and other gatherings, offering a luxurious and enchanting ambiance for guests to enjoy.

Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, elegant event space with lush greenery.

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Peacock Alley lounge at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, ideal for networking events and meetings.

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Elegant Peacock Alley venue with high ceilings for upscale events and gatherings.

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Peacock Alley lobby at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, ideal for networking and meetings.

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Peacock Alley

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - Peacock Alley

Vibrant craft beer bar in Edinburgh city centre, ideal for drinks receptions up to 100 standing, from £16 per person minimum spend.

The Bar at BrewDog Edinburgh Lothian Road is a vibrant space perfect for hosting a variety of events, from casual gatherings to corporate functions. Known for its extensive selection of craft beers, including regular guest brews, this space offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for social events, team-building activities, and informal meetings. With a large outdoor section, guests can enjoy drinks in the fresh air, making it a great choice for summer parties or casual get-togethers. The Bar is also suitable for private celebrations, providing a unique venue for birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions. Its friendly staff are dedicated to ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees, making it a top choice for event organizers looking for a lively and engaging environment.

Stylish BrewDog Lothian Road bar with rustic tables, ideal for networking events.

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Stylish BrewDog Lothian Road bar with communal table for networking events and gatherings.

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BrewDog Lothian Road bar with communal table, ideal for corporate events and gatherings.

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Vibrant BrewDog Lothian Road bar, ideal for networking events and gatherings.

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Spacious BrewDog Lothian Road bar with natural light, ideal for networking events.

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Standing

BrewDog Lothian Road

Edinburgh reception venue for up to 200 standing guests with bold catering, impeccable service and creative presentation. From £25 per person daily hire.

House of Dun is a unique and versatile event space that offers bold and exciting food and drink, inventive presentation, and impeccable service. With a decade of investment in their teams, technology, and quality processes, House of Dun provides a dependably different experience for events, meetings, and other gatherings. The space is suitable for corporate events, private events, weddings, and other special occasions. The venue offers a range of facilities including master planning, personal and creative event services, and outdoor event hospitality. The space is part of the Hickory venue portfolio and is managed by a dedicated team. House of Dun is a perfect match for those seeking a unique and memorable event experience.

Historic House of Dun mansion, ideal for upscale weddings and corporate events.

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House of Dun gazebo in landscaped garden, perfect for outdoor events and receptions.

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House of Dun venue with historic building and vibrant gardens for outdoor events.

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Elegant dining room at House of Dun, perfect for weddings and corporate events.

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House of Dun

Hickory

Hickory - House of Dun

Easter Road Stadium reception venue with pitch views, accommodating 200 guests standing, dual bars, bespoke catering options from £400 daily venue hire.

The Albion Bar is located on the first floor of the west stand. Named after the old iconic pub The Albion which was located on the same street of the stadium. The bar has features such as tables made from the very first turnstiles from the stadium.

This space is perfect as a welcome point before your event. Whether it is a holding room with tea & coffee before your conference or a welcome drinks reception before dinner. 

The space is also brilliant for a canape and drinks reception. With ample seating, a mix of bar stools and comfortable casual seats this makes it an ideal location.

Modern Albion Bar at Hibernian FC, ideal for networking events and casual meetings.

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Industrial reception desks at Albion Bar, Hibernian FC, perfect for events.

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Albion Bar at Hibernian FC: modern event space with high-top tables for networking.

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Modern Albion Bar with vibrant yellow seating, ideal for casual networking events.

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Albion Bar

Hibernian FC

Hibernian FC - Albion Bar

13th-century castle terrace with Firth of Forth views, ideal for reception drinks. Accommodates 200 reception guests, from £10,000 daily hire near Edinburgh.

The Terrace at Barnbougle Castle offers breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and the surrounding scenery. It is an adaptable venue suitable for a variety of events, from lavish dinners to intimate gatherings. The space includes majestic reception rooms such as the barrel-vaulted Banqueting Hall and the Scottish Library, leading to the terrace with panoramic views. The Terrace is perfect for product launches, special events, anniversary and birthday parties, and more. It also features the Top Library, ideal for boardroom meetings or private dining. The first-class caterers at Barnbougle offer outstanding menus to suit any taste, and the specialist events team takes care of all the details, making it an excellent choice for event organizers.

Terrace at Barnbougle Castle: coastal venue for outdoor events and receptions.