Undercroft — Theatre in Edinburgh

You can find The Undercroft Cafe beneath Edinburgh New Town Church on Cowgate. It's a hidden chapel in the cellar of a historic building, opened as a venue for performances since 1991. The space keeps its original exposed brick and beam structure with warm lighting from high arched windows that bring natural light during daytime. The decor mixes rustic industrial touches like wood and stone with simple modern finishes to create a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. Craft beer and small plates are served during events, and the venue uses a pay-what-you-can ticketing model. This makes it ideal for evening performances or a calm afternoon with coffee and homemade light meals.

About The Venue

The Undercroft Cafe is located in the former cellar of Edinburgh New Town Church, established as a performance space in 1991. The interior retains its original brick walls and beams, lit by natural daylight through high windows. Warm lighting from modern fixtures complements the historic industrial character. Decor combines exposed wood finishes with stone accents and minimal design for an intimate feel. Noise levels are low, offering calm during performances or quiet moments. Though rooted in spiritual space, it now serves as a community arts hub. The model is volunteer-run by church trainees, supporting inclusivity through accessible pricing.

Typical Experiences

The Undercroft Cafe operates mainly as a theatre for events and performances in central Edinburgh. It's used for pre-show drinks, evening gatherings, or peaceful afternoons with coffee and homemade meals. The space offers craft beer and small plates during shows, paired with a pay-what-you-can ticketing system. This supports accessibility while creating community-focused evenings. Guests come for intimate arts events or quiet reflection. The venue is suitable for solo visits or social groups seeking calm.

Notable Features

  • Original exposed brick and beam interior
  • Pay-what-you-can ticketing model
  • Culinary experience integrated into performances
  • Home-made daily food
  • Gluten-free options
  • Community volunteer-run model
  • Hidden chapel beneath the main church
  • Natural light through high windows
  • Neoclassical architecture and stone walls
  • Cellar Setting
  • Home-Made Meals
  • Coffee focus
  • Natural lighting

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Information about this venue is based on publicly available sources and may be incomplete. Last updated in April 2026.