Currently located in Moray House on Holyrood Road the Bongo Club is a popular Edinburgh venue. How much longer it stays there is a matter of some debate but it has just been granted an extension that will see it remain in situ at least until 2013. It’s a very popular venue with students and clubbers and it runs a number of popular club nights for drum and bass, hip hop, house and techno fans. It also plays host to live music acts, theatre shows, comedy and a whole lot more during the Fringe Festival.

Closterkeller at the Bongo Club — Photo courtesy of The Bongo Club

Sadly the Edinburgh University decided a while back that improvements to teaching facilities are required and they would not be renewing the Bongo Club’s lease. Following a protest and appeal the lease has been extended in the short term, but the Bongo Club will have to find a new home in the New Year if it wants to continue operating.

The number of nightclubs in Edinburgh with a reputation for cutting edge music and a genuinely independent take on nightlife has been dwindling in recent years as the big chains take over. A number of Fringe venues have closed, and the underground music scene, which is so popular with discerning locals and visitors alike, is getting smaller. If you want a real taste of Edinburgh’s club scene beyond the mainstream then check out the Bongo Club before it disappears.