United Kingdom

Edinburgh

Jacob Alon

On the surface, Edinburgh is quite unlike any other city - where simply to cross it you have to navigate the steep inclines of a valley, stagger up narrow steps and spend at least 20 minutes walking around a 900-year-old castle. It can be easily experienced as a picture perfect postcard destination - quainter and even tame compared to the unhinged energy of 

 - yet Edinburgh can be as enigmatic as its hidden streets and shadowy corners.  

This is especially felt during the Fringe festival, when the city's population swells by hundreds of thousands flocking to comedy, music and art performances installed in makeshift stages in virtually any place imaginable. 

For Fife-born queer folk star Jacob Alon, the city's core creative spirit was vital to their artistry. In the city, they carved out their brand of folk music in noisey bars, able to quieten the rowdiest of Edinburgh drinking holes with their bewitching performance. 

At the Fringe, they opt to check out the 

"This can be some of the best and worst shows and a great way to spend the day & night experiencing arts of every shape and size and they are all free, but rely on donations (if you can!)" they tell Trippin. 

"I often pick a random title from the list that is starting soon, find out where it is, and just go for it - I’ve met some of my favourite people at these shows.. And laughed and cried and cringed and cheered some of the hardest."

Here, they share their favourite (vegan-friendly) spots to experience Edinburgh, authentically, during the Fringe festival and beyond. 

Loyal, affordable and reliable. I usually go there after rehearsing with my band or recording at my friend’s studio Knockwood. When I’m there I get the falafel wrap meal (without the yogurt sauce), and I sit downstairs at the big round table.

One of the most welcoming and magical queer cafes I may be biased as I used to work here, but this is a place of true community and kindness. Not to mention the delicious coffee and cozy loving vibes

An iconic queer dj collective and club night. Their slogan is something like “everyone welcome …” (nb. look at insta bio)- This is a safe space and would like to be respected in that way. Cvnty outfits, fabulous divas, and genuinely great tunes.

Found at the bottom of Leith Walk. Cheap coffee. Queer coded & friendly - big lgbtq+ book sections.. Quiet, cute, soft spot for the more introverted days.

Check out the Late with Kate at bannerman’s bar in the fringe at 12am every night. Cult following iconic and hilarious, although the bar staff might not be the friendliest… Part of the PBH free fringe too!

Best for a nice greasy spoon. A reliable hangover cure. There are two spots - Meadows and Princes Street. I get the big vegan breakfast if it’s sunny, or I’ll get a takeaway and sit in the meadows

Mistica glamour’s show (look up desc!).. Probably the only queer bar/club in Edinburgh I would go to. DJ Rochet Rabbit is a beautiful queen - leave them a tip!

I always go here when I need new guitar strings or when I’m seeking some new inspiration from a strange and peculiar instrument 

NeighbourWood

Related Guides