(Out of The Blue) Drill Hall Edinburgh
Cafe/arts hangout
Mark from Edinburgh
Out of the Blue's Drill Hall is a community arts centre, exhibition space and cafe/bar in the very heart of Leith.
Its name comes from the fact that it was an army barracks and drill hall for many years since its opening in 1901.
Of particular historical significance is its role in the 1915 Gretna disaster, the worst crash in the history of British rail travel.
Of the 227 dead, 102 came from the 7th (Leith) Battalion of the Royal Scots, heading for Gallipoli. Their bodies were laid out in the Drill Hall prior to burial in Leith.
There are poignant memories of these young men on show amidst an often eclectic series of exhibitions and events. I've been to gigs (King Creosote anybody?) vintage sales, photography exhibitions and 'Kilo Sales' of quality used clothing here.
There's a couple of Christmas arts markets and bruncheons in December (a fancy word for Leith I have to say).
But events aside, it's a building of architectural interest and the cafe is really good.
It's a cool place to hang out and meet artistic and creative 'Leithers' (residents of Leith - the up and coming Greenwich Village of Edinburgh.)
The mural outside (pictured above) by Kirsty Whiten is a sight to behold.
Edinburgh Spotter Mark
About this spot
Our Edinburgh City Guide
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh
Pickles
Cosy wine bar
"Pickles" is a tiny wee wine bar in Edinburgh. The bar has a rustic Scottish feel to it, but the main reason I like it is their cheese and wine...
by
Fiona
Diack
Manna House Bakery
Incredible bakery/eatery
"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!
by
Mark
Gorman
Craiglockhart Hill
The overlooked hill
Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!
by
Fiona
Diack
Corstorphine Hill
Not just the zoo
The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!
by
Fiona
Diack
Antony Gormley Sculptures
River statues
The "Antony Gormley Sculptures" are six human-like statues across Edinburgh. Four of them are actually in the river! I love introducing visitors to them...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
The Forgotten Railway Tunnel
Scotland Street
There's a forgotten railway tunnel on Scotland Street in Edinburgh. I like toake people down there to give them a lesser-told history lesson...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Little Free Library
Birdhouse book stops
"Little Free Library" in Edinburgh is a project for neighbourhood book exchanges. It has really caught on here -- look for the birdhouse mini libraries!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
The ‘Heave Away’ Hoose
"I'm not dead yet"
"The ‘Heave Away’ Hoose" tells the story of a young boy who was the sole survivor of the collapse of a tall house in Edinburgh. So many such stories...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Grow Urban
Plant & coffee shop
"Grow Urban" in Edinburgh is an independent plant shop that also has its very own coffee shop! Entering feels like stepping inside a jungle...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
The Cactus House
Henderson Row
"The Cactus House" is one of my favourite little hidden gems (and photo stops). This impressive doorstep is adorned with flowers, cacti and so much more!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Wild West Town
Hidden cowboy street
"Wild West Town" is a mini town in Edinburgh that's just like... well, a town from the American Far West. The ghost town-style feel only adds to it!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Nor Loft
Rooftop champagne bar
"Nor Loft" in Edinburgh's Market Street Hotel's loft champagne bar has marvellous views and an unrivalled champagne selection. Lovely sunsets in summer!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Heading to Edinburgh?
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Edinburgh?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 138 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Edinburgh
Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh
As featured on:
