21 Calton Road: From Nightclub to Creative Space
Under the cliffs of Calton Hill, 21 Calton Road has been an important part of Edinburgh’s culture. It was once home to The Venue, a famous nightclub and live music space. People came from all walks of life to enjoy its unique atmosphere. Later, it became Venue Studios, keeping its creative spirit alive in a new way. Today, it still shows Edinburgh’s talent for change and creativity.
The Venue: A Nightlife Legend
In the 1990s and early 2000s, The Venue was a favourite for people who wanted something different. It welcomed everyone – fans of alternative music, the LGBTQ+ community, and those who didn’t fit in with mainstream clubs. The building had several floors, each with its own feel, from loud dance areas to small live music stages.
Many local and big-name bands played here, helping Edinburgh’s independent music scene grow. It wasn’t just a nightclub – it was a place where people met, shared ideas, and made memories. But times changed. Rising costs, new nightlife trends, and city development meant The Venue had to close in the mid-2000s.
Big Names on Stage
Bands and artists who played here include:
Radiohead, Coldplay, Muse, Snow Patrol, Franz Ferdinand, Scissor Sisters, Placebo, The Strokes, Biffy Clyro, Suede, The Verve, The Cranberries, The Stone Roses, Texas, Echo and the Bunnymen, Travis, Stereophonics, Napalm Death, Moby – and many more.
From Club to Creative Hub
After The Venue closed, the building became Venue Studios. This change turned it from a nightlife spot into a place for art and music creation. It had rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and spaces for film and performance. The energy of the old days stayed, but in a quieter, more focused way.
21 Calton Road Today
Now, 21 Calton Road is a modern office building. It has open-plan workspaces, parking, and lift access. The location is excellent – only a one-minute walk from Waverley Station, with views of Arthur’s Seat and the Waverley Valley.
The change from a lively music venue to an office shows how Edinburgh reuses old buildings in new ways. But the memories of The Venue and Venue Studios remain, reminding people of the city’s creative past.
For current leasing information, contact Millfield Estates or check Edinburgh’s commercial property listings.
