The Banshee Labyrinth
BEST FOR
Adults only (18+)
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
An underground Edinburgh bar with karaoke, gigs and comedy nights, strictly for the over 18s, no kids at all.
This one's a straight no for a family day out, and it says so plainly: everyone on the premises has to be over 18, no exceptions, not even a baby in a carrier. So if you're reading this hoping for a sneaky loophole, there isn't one. Staff will ask for ID from anyone who could pass for under 25, and they won't take a Young Scots Card because it's too easy to fake.
What's actually on down there is karaoke on Tuesdays and Sundays, plus rock and metal gigs, magic shows, science lectures, comedy and a full backline open mic on Wednesdays. It opens from 7PM on Sunday to Thursday and 5PM on Friday and Saturday, running through to 3AM, which tells you this is a night-time crowd rather than an afternoon one.
Food is bar snacks only, nuts, crisps, Babybels, Pepperamis and popcorn, no kitchen, so nobody's coming for a meal. The building's a warren of small rooms and most need you to manage a few steps to get in, with only three of the seven rooms properly wheelchair accessible and the toilets not accessible at all. Niddry Street can get slippy underfoot in winter too, worth knowing if you're navigating steps in the dark.
Given the age limit, this listing is really just here to save any parent a wasted trip. It's not a venue you can bring children to under any circumstances, so there's no sense in planning around it.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- On-street parking available on Niddry Street (paid, city centre spaces can be busy)
- Food
- Bar snacks only: nuts, crisps, Babybels, Pepperamis, and popcorn
- Wheelchairs
- Limited access: 3 of 7 rooms wheelchair accessible (Mary Queen Scots Lounge, Cave Bar, Pool room)
- No under 18s under any circumstances, including infants, so this isn't one for a family visit
- ID needs to be a passport or driving licence, Young Scots Cards aren't accepted
- Only bar snacks are served, there's no kitchen
- Most rooms are reached by a few steps and the toilets aren't wheelchair accessible
- Niddry Street can get slippy in winter
Plan your visit
Can we bring the kids?
No, under 18s aren't allowed on the premises at all, including babies. The licence is strict on this and staff will check ID.
What are the opening hours?
7PM to 3AM Sunday to Thursday, and 5PM to 3AM Friday and Saturday.
Is there food?
Just bar snacks, nuts, crisps, Babybels, Pepperamis and popcorn. There's no kitchen.
Is it easy to get around if you use a wheelchair?
Access is limited, only three of the seven rooms are wheelchair accessible and the toilets aren't. There's a low step and portable ramp at the Mary Queen Scots entrance if you ask for it.
Can we book a table?
No table bookings for small groups, you just turn up. Groups over 20 staying the whole evening can book a private bar.
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