Fringe 2024 – how to eat well all day

For enthusiastic Fringe goers eating is important but it can be hard to find the time to eat a proper meal at any point.

This means eating out, so here is some timely advice from Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) on how to eat all day at Pleasance – the venue which is usually a student hangout. And all for under £30.

Start Your Day with Brunch at Total Meltdown 

Begin your morning at Total Meltdown in the Pleasance Courtyard, where Fringe vibes meet the “best grilled cheese sandwiches” in town. Using sourdough bread, mature cheddar and high-quality ingredients, this classic costs £6. And if £6 doesn’t quite cut it, then you can enjoy a breakfast roll for just £4 at Pleasance Dome’s Bar & Kitchen.  

Lunch at Pizza Geeks, Mint, Pleasance Dome or Mac Love 

For a midday meal, do stick around the Pleasance Courtyard, where street food vendors offer a wide range of affordable options. If you’re craving a classic margarita from Pizza Geeks (£10) or a Za’atar chicken or halloumi wrap from Mint Eats (£9.5), then you can enjoy lunch for under a tenner. The vibrant atmosphere and variety ensure that there’s something to satisfy every taste. 

In and around Bristo Square, pick a spot under the Pleasance Dome’s domed ceiling. There, try the Bar & Kitchen, which provides a full food and drinks menu from £7.50. This is perfect for a proper pit-stop between shows.  

Just outside the Dome the Pleasance Plaza, which is named as one of the Fringe’s top places to be is great for lunch. Here, it is recommended to eat lunch at Mac Love (£9). It is lso where to experience the popular interactive simulation Flight from Pleasance Theatre Trust. It is advisable to do this before ordering a deluxe cheesy pasta…

 
Afternoon Treats on Pleasance Courtyard Green 

Take a break and indulge at Mimi’s Bakehouse on Pleasance Courtyard Green. Known for its delicious treats, Mimi’s serves up mouthwatering cakes, traybakes and hot drinks. With prices starting at £3.50, it’s an ideal spot for an afternoon pick-me-up without stretching the budget. 

Dinner at Luxford Burgers or Harajuku Street Food 

Round off your day with dinner back at Pleasance Courtyard, now buzzing with shows and performances. Tuck into Luxford’s gourmet burger for £13.50 or Harajuku Street Food’s award-winning noodles for £9, with dishes like their famous Karaage Fried Chicken and Stir-Fry Yaki Udon Noodles. With its quirky cobbles and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect end to a day of Fringe fun. 

For more information on these venues, visithttps://www.instagram.com/courtyardanddome/