The receptionist was rude, dismissive, and arrogant. I was forced to vacate the foyer seats and…read morestand in a crowded exhibition hall without seating, despite my back problems and sensory issues. When asked for a reason, I was told the foyer chairs were for "the restaurant patrons" despite the restaurant being essential empty with nobody waiting to sit down in the foyer. The receptionist then cordoned off the seats with red rope, and nobody sat in them for the rest of the evening. There was no apparent reason for her behaviour besides pure spitefulness and that is not the sort of person you want representing your business as the first point of interaction with patrons.

I noticed that the French institute is classed as a 'language school' by Yelp. I must say that's…read morenot even the beginning.... Well, actually, it's a good place to start, but apart from the excellent language classes offered the French Institute in Edinburgh is a fantastic venue for all sorts. And there's no snobbery, I don't have a word of French and frequently I'm laughed at for my botched pronunciations, but they still let me through the door. I've attended art classes (got my tapestry on) and seen art shows here. There's a gorgeous back room which serves as a gallery and has one of the most spectacular views in the city. Recently they held their Fête de la Musique celebrations, with a whole day of music from all over the world. Sea Bass Kid, a local ska/jazz/rock type band were particularly worth seeing! The French Institute is also a Fringe venue. Last year I went to see 'The Onion Johnnies', a not-competely-factual history of the onion Johnnies who would travel from France to Scotland on their bikes and wage war with rabbits (apparently). This year there's a range of shows on. Down in the basement there is The Bistrot restaurant which does great French food and snacks. I've eaten here a few times and to be honest, they run out of the good stuff quickly so get there early! There's also a bar. I would recommend anyone with even the slightest interest in France to pop along or at least check out their website. I think they do a fantastic job here in Edinburgh as both a diverse venue and a Frenchy-type talking place.

My son attended two session and didn't enjoy either one, i was understood it to be welcoming from a…read moreprevious post but due to the vast numbers my son didn't get any attention from the coaches to learn how to do the games the other children where doing and didn't want to return, i tried again just incase he was nervous but nope exactly the same.

From the owner: Soccerstarts Football Academy is Football Training for children aged from Walking - 5 Years…read more In the classes we learn to pass, move shoot with different parts of both our feet and practice individual and team skills - Helping Lay the foundations for a better future footballer. Soccerstars Football Academy is for 5-7 Years, working on indivudal and team skills and drills and introduction into structured games helping them understand how to move and position themselves in a game. We use equipment age appropriate to help the child understand a football and we work on drills using 'futsal' as a core method on some training sessions. (Used mostly by Brazilians and Spanish teams) Venues are around Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife visit our website www.soccerstarts.co.uk for more information. Coaches are PVG Checked and are SFA Qualified Coaches Children are Invited to come along for a free trial to sample the sessions before joining our Academy.

Today was a lovely day and still I thought I will check out some illustrative art from young…read moreprospective students at the Edinburgh College of Art Degree Show. The entrance to the exhibition is located of Westport Street and the illustrated gallery can be found on the 4th floor in a very modern building just opposite from Edinburgh castle with very amazing views. One of the students is no other than our own Ollie from "Wings", who is a very talented young man bringing his fantasies to life, presented in a combination of colourful fiction and science. You need a certain class of talent to draw various human and other forms with such a detailed eye, otherwise what you paint is missing shape and essence. He uses bright and eccentric colours indicating fun and play, and his arty signature is a little dog called "Wings" (well, we might hope so ;-) ) You can also admire his art work in the Princess Mall shopping centre at Waverly Station. There his talent and illustrative work is displayed on a massive wall for everybody to see when passing by. It's literally a very large print with many little characters in it, all waiting in a queue to get into the Mall for a bit of shopping. Remember to look out for it next time you are there. Tomorrow is the last day of the Art Degree Exhibition, so you better hurry. There is a lot to see!

ECA is a bit like other Edinburgh University buildings in that during the school year, students are…read moretortured (and by tortured I mean taught and by taught I mean made to sit exams) there, while during the Fringe, it becomes a venue. The Edinburgh College of Art, surprise surprise, offers art courses. I've met a few photography students from there (all amazing photographers), and their fashion students are, I think, in some way, affiliated with Godiva in the Grassmarket. Every year, the students will take over the many many buildings with a week (or so) long degree exhibition. This exhibition is massive. All the different students have their own sections, so there's the photography part, the fashion part, textiles, animation, etc. It borders on impossible to do it in a day. During the festival, I saw a great show where people in amazing make-up danced and did acro on stilts. It was jaw-dropping. Also, the building itself is pretty amazing. I mean, I'm not a fan of the outside, but then inside is full of columns and huge open spaces. If you haven't made the degree show ever, keep it in mind for next year. And keep your ears open for news on fringe shows going on in the college.

Hill Street Design House is a beautiful building on Hill Street that is busting full of current and…read moreupcoming artists, film makers, interior designers, dress makers, and in essence dream weavers. Home to 7 spacious and well light studios, this place isn't just for hire to those looking for rooms to work from, they also have a room for hire at the front where they host some super amazing workshops that I have become super accustom to! So far I have been to the Karen Mabon scarf making workshop (and now own one hella cool pin up girl silk scarf that I designed!), the El-Aich ceramic painting class (where I created a tasty looking rainbow sprinkles mug) and I even got the chance to go to the Yelp 'Space Cats' party (which was so kawaii cute, tasty and fun I don't know where to begin!) If you're looking for a great way to spend the day, learn a new skill and create something totally unique, defo check out what's on at Hill Street Design House. With plenty of upcoming events, I'm actually signed up to the newsletter so I don't miss out on early bird tickets (be warned: they often sell out fast!) And let me just say right now, it's not just for girls. There is a whisky tasting event coming up that I have plans to get a bunch of tickets to as gifts - who doesn't want to go to that?! The event room is really bright, it's in the centre of town so transportation to and from is no bother and let's not forget it's near some really great pubs (perfect for celebrating your hard work in afterwards!) The classes are really affordable, pretty different to the other stuff that I've seen in Edinburgh and are always well run. Plus I have popped in here to get a dress made by RowanJoy recently, and everyone in house seems really sweet and helpful (not to mention SUPER talented!)

Yelp elite Vicky V has the truly amazing job if event organiser for this wonderful and cosy venue,…read moretucked away on thistle street, close to where it crosses Frederick street, in Edinburgh's trendy new town. Tonight's event was a brilliant drag themed, ceramic painting workshop. Part of a long goodbye to our CM Jody who will be crossing the pond in just four weeks (cue the violins!). The venue, complete with disco ball lighting, and a play list that will keep you dancing until the wee hours, is also host to to weaving, silk knicker making, and resin worships, to name just a few. Check out their website and get booked in!

We had a large group and this because our gathering spot. The atmosphere was good and the food was…read moreexcellent. Not to mention that the beer was on point. The servers took great care of you as well. I would return every week if I lived there.

One of my favorite beer bars in Edinburgh. Great beer selection, killer service, tasty bar food and…read morea cool space. Very laid back but hip vibe. I'll always stop by the Hanging Bat when I'm in town.