The Permit Room — Bar in Edinburgh

You can find The Permit Room on St Andrew Square in Edinburgh's Old Town. It’s a cocktail bar with indoor seating only and no outdoor space. The decor draws from Parsi theatre-inspired designs, using vintage programme styles to create a unique visual theme. Its standout feature is the cocktail menu, which resembles an authentic theatrical performance schedule. Most people visit in the evening or late at night for drinks and socialising.

The Permit Room has only indoor seating with no outdoor area. The design focuses on Parsi theatre-inspired aesthetics, using vintage programme layouts across the space. Lighting is warm, creating a vibrant yet relaxed mood suitable for evenings. Music plays at a moderate volume, adding to the lively but not overwhelming atmosphere. The bar’s layout supports intimate gatherings rather than open areas, making it ideal for cocktail-focused experiences.

The Permit Room runs as a cocktail bar from evening until late night. Its signature offering is the Parsi theatre-inspired cocktail menu, which mimics an actual theatrical programme with unique names and presentations tied to live stage traditions. Guests arrive in groups or alone to enjoy a structured drinking experience with high-quality service focused on detail rather than quantity.