Last month, Summerhall’s courtyard, that features the popular The Royal Dick bar, opened in line with Scotland’s phase three of lockdown. The advance booking system is in full swing and dealing with high demand by extending the opening hours to now make them open every day, Monday to Sunday from 2pm till 10pm.
This would have been Summerhall’s 10th Edinburgh Festival Fringe and while the usual lively between show atmosphere won’t be there this time, the ghosts of that are sure to be around for these extra serving times. The two brews made on site at Summerhall, Barney’s Beer and Pickering’s Gin, are on tap and a hot food menu is now available from Thursday to Sunday.
Courtyard bookings are still online only for the outdoor space with socially distanced tables for two and picnic benches for up to six people available in maximum two hours slots. Reservations will be held until 15 minutes after the scheduled start time.
Table placement at Summerhall adheres to the guidelines of the 2 metre rule. When entering the outside courtyard bar area for a drink, please follow the guided system that means entering through the main front door. All dogs must be kept on leads.
The reopening of the Royal Dick does not signal security for the year round arts hub that is Summerhall, that has had to face significant financial losses because of the cancellation of this year’s Fringe due to Covid-19. A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to help survive the loss of Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2020, with 25% of all donations going directly towards supporting under-represented artists. Remaining funds will be used to create a Fringe programme for 2021, improve artist facilities and support Summerhall’s fixed costs until they are able to fully reopen.
For more info visit crowdfunder online.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 