After several visits to Edinburgh Jam House I thought I would attempt a review. I have been lucky enough to attend “Jam House” twice in the last 6mths. Since I live in Edinburgh I find myself trying different places from time to time, so rest assured I can happily compare this venue to many others within the city. This review is based on a visit that I made on the 11th April 2009. We were in a group of 7.
Location
Set in a prime location on Queen Street, the jam house is only a 10 minute walk from the city centre. Taxi’s are always nearby so you would have to wait long if that’s your preferred method of transport. In Edinburgh we are lucky enough to have 24hr bus service which runs from Waverly Bridge, this is a 10 minute walk when sober so add another 10 at the end of the night. If you able to go to a public house and not drink then there is parking nearby too.
Tip- Cheaper night, get the bus to the pub and taxi home. Edinburgh Taxi’s can be very expensive.
The building
(Inside and out)
On arrival you will see that the lovely stylish Georgian property is home to the
Jam House, the elegant foyer is very welcoming. As soon as you walk in to the place you feel at home, the sound of the live music and the fact it’s just so cosy makes most feel happy.
*There are 4 steps outside the location which may cause problems for wheelchair users.
After you have walked in past the main reception area you are able to place your jacket in to the cloak room at a cost of £2 per item. Which aint too bad in comparison to other venues around Edinburgh.
The wooden flooring and high ceilings make the place feel very spacious despite this public house being an old house. The fantastic array of lighting is just outstanding and adds to the overall mood which is created by all the fixtures and fittings.
Seats and Tables: If you’re like me then you like to get seat, well that’s until you have had a few vodkas at which point the dance floor becomes my home. Set all-around the out skirts of the dance floor are tables and seats of all heights. Right next to the dance floor there are low comfortable seats, yeah the ones you sink in and can’t get back out of. As you walk around the Jam House you will see against the wall they have a breakfast bar style table around the entire venue, with nice comfortable seats. My only complaint is that the seats are a little too high in my opinion. Now I am no short ass but I like to keep my feet on the floor.
The stage- It’s big enough to hold the resident band every weekend which comprises of 5 members, and all their equipment. The lighting is very good and precise at all times. At the side of the stage a member of security staff stands all night just to stop any dancers getting on the stage. When you’re sitting listening to the bad from a distance, the sound is very good. Now I am no music specialist but in my opinion there is a good balance of voice vrs equipment. I also have to add that the music is not too loud either which is also good.
*Upstairs has the Restaurant which overlooks the dance floor, I can say that I did not enjoy sitting there too eat my dinner. I am not one for heights unless I am strapped in. But on a plus not the food was really well present and at very good prices. The staff where very professional at all times and always asking if everything was ok. The cost of the meal was very inexpensive in comparison to other restraints within Edinburgh. I had Fish and chips followed by a Chocolate cake with ice cream and of course a vodka and the cost was £15.60. I thought that price was very fair as I soon learnt that the vodka itself was £3.40. You can pay using all major debit, credit cards and of course in cash. The restaurant can seat 84 people.
*There is a VIP area which can hold 80 people; I have not been privileged enough to use this part of the Jam House. I am told by staff that you can hire that in advance for your own functions. The cost does change depending on what time of year.
I have to add a small piece about the toilet’s as let’s face it we all do use them when we are out. Can I quickly add that this only refers to the Male toilets. They are very spacious and clean and oh and there is no smell. The floors are clean and certainly not covered in urine. I did notice a check sheet which staff need to sign to say they have checked the toilets on the hour.
*The Bar- where we spent most of the time! Well not really as service is very quick indeed. The bar is a decent size and always had 3 members of staff working which helped get the customers served quickly. They have a huge range of beers, wines and spirits at town prices. Unfortunately I do not have a full comprehensive price list to add to this review. As we were in a group and always ordering the same the staff gave us a receipt with all the drinks on it and all we did was handed that over every time which made ordering drinks so much easier especially as the night went on and we got a little drunk.
My Experience
I have to say that I was delighted with the Jam House on my last visit. The live band where fantastic and really got the crowds going when they were on stage. When the band were having a much earned break the onsite DJ played some quality songs which were also very welcomed by all the patrons of the Jam House. We entered the Jam House at 9pm ish on this occasion and it cost us £5 per person. This is well worth it as the live band itself would charge you more too see them. Live bang sing a really good mix of covers ranging from Beatles too modern Killers, what I really enjoyed about the band it was their own version. Staff were all very professional and always offering assistance were possible, anytime I walked towards the front door they would open the door and close it again behind you, staff would apologise for delays at the bars too.
Thought I would add this little bit in, I did notice that the majority of patrons were over the age of 30 or just looked a lot older. There were no young idiots causing trouble what so ever. So in all it made for a better night.
I would highly recommend the Jam House
Dress Code- No trainers at all, I still do not understand that one, and its smart casual. I wore my jeans no problem at all.
Entry Cost – Before 8pm Free – Between 20.00hrs and 23.00hrs £5 and after 23.00hrs £8
The whole look and design of the Jam house makes it unique, I don’t believe there is any other place like it in Edinburgh.
As I write this review I am disappointed to say that someone seems to have hacked Jam House website and it’s been temporally taken down. But keep checking back for future events.
exceptional by (1%):
very helpful by (99%):
![Jam House [Explicit] - The Catch And Waves (MP3-Download)](http://images.ciao.com/ide/images/icons/no_pic_generic_S1.gif "Jam House [Explicit] - The Catch And Waves (MP3-Download)"){kind=icon}
