Our cafe and bars offer a wide range of refreshments to enjoy before the curtain goes up, during the interval and post show too.
Make the most of your visit with something tasty to eat or drink. From relaxed coffees to pre-show tipples or even an interval ice cream, our bars and Festival Theatre Cafe are open before the show and during the interval.
On this page you can find out more about our cafe and bars, and browse our menu before you visit.
Our cafe
Whether you are looking for a healthy lunch or a guilty pleasure; a quick fizzy drink or a long relaxing cuppa; a place to enjoy the sunshine or watch the rain fall, the Festival Theatre Cafe is the place to be.
Great coffee, good company
Enjoy a rotating selection of soups, sandwiches and sweet treats whatever the weather.
Cafe opening hours
Mon to Sat: 10am to 4pm – Or until curtain up on performance days
Sun: Closed
*Food service will end at 1800 on Performance days
Our bars
Our bars open 90 minutes before the show, at the interval, and for some performances post-show.
Local flavours, served with a view
Whether you’re after a pre-show drink, an interval top-up or something to toast the night, our bars have you covered. Enjoy locally crafted gin, beer, chilled champagne, fresh coffee or tea, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, all just steps from your seat.
Champagne AYALA Bar
Just above the foyer on Level F1 you’ll find the elegant Champagne AYALA bar. Founded in 1860, AYALA is one of the oldest Champagne houses and boasts Chardonnay as its signature grape. The perfect way to add a little sparkle to your visit.
The Secret Garden Bar
Also on Level F1, this bar is perfect for guests seated on Levels 1 or 2. It features the full range from Edinburgh’s own Secret Garden Distillery — from classic London Dry to unique botanical blends like Rose and Elderflower & Jasmine.
Stewart Brewing Bar
Located on Level F2, this bar is ideal for guests on Level 3 and above. Enjoy a brilliant range of craft beers from Edinburgh’s Stewart Brewing — available here and at all three bars throughout the theatre. Pick up a can, soak in the views of Arthur’s Seat and skip the interval queues.
Bar menu
Help us reduce single-use plastic
With over 90% of plastic currently not being recycled, it is more important than ever to reduce the use of single-use plastic. To help do our bit, we have introduced reusable plastic cups at the Festival Theatre. If you wish to take your drink into the auditorium, remember to ask for a reusable cup.
At the end of the performance, you can deposit your cup in one of our collection buckets and it will be washed and re-used. Your cooperation helps us continue to make our venues greener and we thank you.
