FringeGuru's review of this venue

Located a minute's walk from the castle, and once resplendent in the name of The Highland Tollbooth St John's, the converted church now known as The Hub is a striking landmark on the city's skyline. But from close up, hemmed in by the tenements of the Old Town, it's hard to sense the scale of its towering spire - whose gothic mass surpasses even the castle as highest point in central Edinburgh.

The Hub is the headquarters of the highbrow Edinburgh International Festival (EIF); its central box office is downstairs, and events take place in the main hall, which occupies the upper half of the building. The hall's gaudy conversion - all chandeliers, twiddly wood and garish wall-hangings - can't quite disguise the inherent majesty of its high, vaulted space, and the ascent of the grand stair leading to the room is almost worth a ticket itself.

As well as hosting talks during the EIF, the Hub is a key venue for the Jazz Festival, when cabaret-style tables and mood lighting create a surprisingly intimate feel. The air conditioning is a merciful exception to the normal sweaty venues, and the bar remains open throughout the performances. Book a table near the front and go with some friends.

Eating and drinking at this venue