O2 academy/corn exchange - questions for the Edinburgh crowd

[yellowbentines]

Heading through to the capital for a gig at the O2 academy, didn't realise it was out of town and unsure of the best options for food, drink and getting there and back from the City Centre - will be staying in a hotel overnight close to Waverley.

I know I can get the bus, train, assume taxi and uber also - what would you locals recommend? Also is it worth staying in town for food and drinks before, or are there any good options (even just for drinks) near the venue? Assume it'll have a bar, but probably not worth rushing in early for.

TIA.

[s2kjock]

yellowbentines said:

Heading through to the capital for a gig at the O2 academy, didn't realise it was out of town and unsure of the best options for food, drink and getting there and back from the City Centre - will be staying in a hotel overnight close to Waverley.

I know I can get the bus, train, assume taxi and uber also - what would you locals recommend? Also is it worth staying in town for food and drinks before, or are there any good options (even just for drinks) near the venue? Assume it'll have a bar, but probably not worth rushing in early for.

TIA.

There's not so much out there as mainly residential and some low end retail park type stuff/offices. I would be getting food/drink in the centre before you go as much more choice.

I have never used the train to Slateford but if it fits your timing it would be OK I guess - plenty busses will go within easy walking distance.

If using bus/taxi I would factor plenty time in as the traffic is hellish with roadworks and whatever the cooncil's latest scam to rid the city of the evil automobile is.

Oh, and if you plan to drive your SUV, in bring a pump

[yellowbentines]

s2kjock said:

There's not so much out there as mainly residential and some low end retail park type stuff/offices. I would be getting food/drink in the centre before you go as much more choice.

I have never used the train to Slateford but if it fits your timing it would be OK I guess - plenty busses will go within easy walking distance.

If using bus/taxi I would factor plenty time in as the traffic is hellish with roadworks and whatever the cooncil's latest scam to rid the city of the evil automobile is.

Oh, and if you plan to drive your SUV, in bring a pump

Thanks, thought as much, will arrange something in town for food before heading out.

The train will either get us to Slateford late, or really really early hence wondering if there was anything nearby worth heading out for - might need to just taxi it and give more time.

Not sure what you mean about bringing a pump - potholes, spikes in the road, or locals letting down tyres?

I ask as I AM driving from Glasgow to Edinburgh, and it will be in an SUV, powered by the devil's fuel...because its less expensive than the train, and as a bonus will take me door to door in comfort! If use of public transport is to be encouraged they need to make it a no-brainer.

[s2kjock]

There have been environmentalist nutters deflating tyres in the New Town of late. Earlier this week I think, hence maybe needing a pump.

[yellowbentines]

Wow, I've just read that and went onto their website.

They only target SUVs - the instructions given to their would-be vigilantes states that even Electric and Hybrid SUVs are fair targets, but to ignore cars.

So, if I bring my ancient soot chucking Skoda its fine, but my modern hybrid-diesel Volvo isn't

I've got off-street parking arranged overnight so should hopefully avoid these eejits.

[Warry25]

Buses are probably your best bet for getting to the venue, especially if you want to have a drink or two.

The 4, 44 and the 34 will all get you from Waverly area to less than 5 minutes walk from the venue, and are frequent enough up to midnight that you can definitely rely on them.

Contactless payment that automatically charges you for the cheapest option at the end of the day (ie two singles or a day ticket if you take enough buses etc.) also means there's no faffing about with change etc.

[yellowbentines]

Warry25 said:

Buses are probably your best bet for getting to the venue, especially if you want to have a drink or two.

The 4, 44 and the 34 will all get you from Waverly area to less than 5 minutes walk from the venue, and are frequent enough up to midnight that you can definitely rely on them.

Contactless payment that automatically charges you for the cheapest option at the end of the day (ie two singles or a day ticket if you take enough buses etc.) also means there's no faffing about with change etc.

Really helpful, thank you