Assembly Checkpoint

Ah, Checkpoint. Lovely, lovely Checkpoint. Any fringe veteran worth their dollar will turn to you with a glimmer in their eye at the mention of Checkpoint. A glimmer both of cheer and nostalgia, but a glimmer all the same.

Part of the Assembly clan, Checkpoint has always been a pretty stellar fringe venue, ladelling out poriton upon portion of top notch cabaret and variety shows, along with musical performance and live theatre.

For many years it has also been home to one of the ultimate post-show bar-clubs during fringe time. With a 5am license, a tonne of cheap cider, DJs who are more than happy to appease the mainstream requests of many a makeup-smudged, sweaty performer, Checkpoint was a dream come true for those looking to dance off their fringey adrenaline.

More recently, the license has been pulled back to 3am, and Checkpoint's attempting to re-establish itself as a civilised restaurant-bar, rather than a humid haven of flailing limbs and beyoncé dance-routine plagiarism. Whether that's a good thing, we'll allow you to decide. Regardless, Checkpoint remains a gem in the Assembly crown on the head of the fringe. (Crown metaphor complete.)