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The Scotsman Picturehouse: Edinburgh's Luxurious and Cosy Hidden Cinema Gem

  • 21 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

Are you looking to experience the cinema in a way that feels luxurious and cosy? If so, you are in luck, because recently we visited just such a place right in the Edinburgh city centre- the Scotsman Picturehouse! So, join us as we take you on a wee ‘explore and discover’ mission to this lovely ‘hidden gem’ in Scotland’s capital city.


Narrow alley with stone steps, pubs with signs, and a picturehouse entrance. A person walks up the steps. Mood is rustic and cosy.

During the day, we are quite busy taking visitors around the Old Town on our Edinburgh walking tours. However, sometimes it is nice to take some time for ourselves. Therefore, with our adorable Golden Retriever tour guides, Walter and Arthur, resting at home after a busy day, we set out to the city centre for a nice night out.

 

The Scotsman Picturehouse is a boutique cinema located in the famous Scotsman Hotel. The Hotel was originally the offices for the Scotsman newspaper until it was converted into a hotel in 2001. However, we will save more of a deep dive into the history of the iconic, Edwardian building for the future as it deserves an article all on its own.

 

The Scotsman Picturehouse is nestled within the historic Fleshmarket Close.


Archway labeled Fleshmarket Close. Sign for Scotsman Picturehouse. Floral decor on left.

 

While it seems like it has been around for decades with its retro, Art Deco style, the Picturehouse is a relative newcomer as it opened in 2019.


Entrance with golden decor and a statue, featuring a digital display listing films. Blue light projects "The Scotsman Picturehouse" on the pavement.

 

As soon as you walk into the lobby, you know that you are in for a treat. There is plenty of comfortable seating where you can have a drink if you arrive early. They offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and, our favourite- coffee. Of course, there is popcorn and other treats that you can purchase as well.


 

The Picturehouse has one screen, and the room is stunning. We sat in the front row so that we could have the ottomans for more of a relaxing cinema experience. However, they also have other comfortable chairs as well as a sofa that you can share with your partner or friend.




We had such a great time at the Scotsman Picturehouse and highly recommend that you treat yourself to this fun cinema experience in Edinburgh. We also recommend the movie, Project Hail Mary, because it is a great film that is made for the cinema. Check out the Picturehouse’s website for more information on how to book your tickets.

 

When we got home, we told Walter and Arthur all about our wee adventure. So, of course, Walter had to check out the exterior for himself the next day after co-guiding a private walking tour. While he obviously couldn’t go inside, he couldn’t resist the chance to have a peek at the entrance and pose for a picture.

 


Until next time- Explore & Discover!


On a purple background is a photo of our Golden Retriever tour guide for our Edinburgh walking tours, Walter, standing in front of Ross Fountain and Edinburgh Castle. The photo is framed in a gold circle. The text asks people to consider buying us a cup of coffee on our Ko-fi account if they enjoy the place we bring them to around Scotland and would like to help keep the stories coming.

 

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