The Jazz Bar — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

I visited The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh on Saturday night with my wife and was subjected to an appalling experience by the bouncer at the door. He treated me with extreme disrespect, wrongly accused me of being drunk (which I wasn’t—I don’t drink, smoke or take any drugs), and used offensive language towards me. My wife, who speaks better English, explained to him that his behaviour was inappropriate and unjustified.

It quickly became clear that this was not just a misunderstanding. His tone and actions showed clear signs of racial discrimination and jealous hostility, as he was visibly disturbed by seeing me, a Black man, with my wife. He even physically pushed us, escalating the situation.

We went to the police to report the incident, but were met with indifference and told this wasn’t a crime. It’s shocking to know that someone in a position of authority at a popular venue can treat people—especially foreigners or people of colour—this way without consequences.

I’ve since found other negative reviews about this same bouncer from visitors and locals alike, particularly about his aggressive attitude toward foreigners and elderly residents. I strongly urge The Jazz Bar to address this behaviour immediately before someone gets seriously hurt—or before the venue becomes known for condoning discrimination and aggression.

This was meant to be a night of music and peace. Instead, it left me humiliated and heartbroken. I will never return, and I hope others think twice before supporting...

Came here quite early enough on a Friday evening as we were close by when it started to rain heavily and we decided to have a drink until the weather cleared up. We were the first ones in as we suspected upon arrival, however, I was surprised to see the place picked up quite quickly just after we got our drinks, which, they have a huge selection of. We only stayed for one as we had dinner reservations but as we were there we got to see two different guys sing and play guitar, both very well I must say. There was a nice vibe even though it was quite early so we decided to come back again after our dinner. It was packed full of people as we expected but we squeezed in and it was well worth it. The staff are lovely and very quick. The lady who had served us our drinks earlier on was there at the end of her shift having a drink and enjoying the music herself. She remembered us and we chatted with her for a while which was nice. As it was international women’s day the line up was all women and they were wonderful women at that. All very talented performers who had the whole bar listening and cheering. I’m only sorry we couldn’t stay longer or go back the next night, but my next visit to Edinburgh I will most...

This is a good scene for people who want an intimate experience to listen to good music and have the potential opportunity to chat with the local artist. If you get there right when they open and stay all throughout the night you don't pay a cover charge because the expectation of you slinging drinks all night will cover the charge, so that was a win for us. The music was fantastic and even though their are some first time performers or up incoming artist trying to make it in the scene, you have to understand that this is a place for relaxation and supporting local artist trying to make it. I would suggest maybe a place to tip the artist that they can split the revenue brought it, to include whatever revenue the bar was brought in. Unless there is already something in place, I would have gone to the bar and asked if there was an option to leave the artist a tip and that can be scanned with a card. I understand that is what the cover charge may be used for, but for the artist that really put their heart and soul into their performances should be rewarded. That of course is just my opinion, but the environment itself, my wife and I didn't...