Assembly Gardens George Square

This is one of my favourite gardens to hang out in during festival time, which is probably surprising given it has a decent sized kiddies play area which would usually drive me potty. Here though it’s outweighed by the strength of the food offering, both the line of food vans outside the entrance lining the cobblestones and also inside the enclosure. A chicken pad thai from Pad BKK this year would set you back £6 and was a great pick-​me-​up (or maybe that was the effect of the chillies). The next day my mate enjoyed his Well Hung And Tender burger (as well as the name) whilst I grabbed a tasty veggie dumplings with sweet chilli sauce snack from the Wings vs Dumplings van nextdoor, which was making a new appearance for this year. There’s enought variety to cover any fussy eater friends I would think.
Another plus point is the toilets. Portaloos yes, but kept among the cleanest at the festival so well done them. The gardens also have 2 spacious bars, one at either end, as well as other counters serving coffee and cake type snacks — so the whole place lends itself nicely to all day chilling. The patio heaters scattered around are good to cosy up to when it gets a bit chilly, though there isn’t much cover from the inevitable rain — but obviously you wouldn’t leave the house without a cagoule and a brolly in Edinburgh now would you?!
Best enjoyed with friends in the early evening when all the lovely coloured fairy lights around the edge turn on :)

This year I was able to visit Edinburgh during the fringe festival. The city’s atmosphere is fantastic, full of music and performers and of course drinks. Throughout the city center, Assembly set up outdoor beer gardens complete with food trucks and performance spaces.
Two large bars occupy opposite corners of the square with many specialty drink stations along the way. This year Edinburgh Gin was a big sponsor of the festival so many fancy gin drinks were available (I love gin so this worked in my favor heavily). Food trucks line the outer perimeter with huge variety in cuisines (tacos, greek, pad thai). During the day, families can picnic on the «grass» with their kids rolling about. I even saw a few magician shows offered to appease your children while you continue to day drink.
Once stumbling upon George Square, I made sure to return. They are open much later than many of the bars and offer a great relaxed space to end your night rather peacefully. If you’re lucky, you are able to grab seating under one of the many heat lamps set up for the cold, Scottish, summer nights. If not, huddle up for warmth and get to drinking. Beers, wine and cocktails cost anywhere from 3 – 5 pounds.

During the Festival, this fantastic beer garden pops up and takes over the University’s George Square. I love the laid-​back beer garden atmosphere here. They have good popup food and drink stalls as well as venues for various festival shows. The standard, not-​too-​original drinks are mainly on offer (Fosters is featured prominently) but there was also a margarita stand and fun outdoor seating. It’s great here both during a sunny day or during a warm evening, but they have heating lamps if it gets chilly!