Underbelly, Cowgate

Underbelly is now responsible for such a phenomenally successful string of venues that the symbolism in its branding is almost lost on its punters. You didn't think that the big ol' inflatable cow for which Underbelly is so recognisable is just an arbitrarily selected bovine logo, did you? What about all of those belly jokes - do they mean nothing to you too?

Let's take it all back to basics. Underbelly, the purple-painted venue group based in Edinburgh and London all began during the millennial Edinburgh Festival Fringe, on the Cowgate. Geddit? Cow? Ok, we're halfway there. The reason these guys seem so obsessed with bellies is also wrapped up in the rich history of Underbelly's geographical position. Because Cowgate makes up part of the labyrinth-esque old town, Underbelly's moniker is a cheeky nod to the city's architectural set-up. 

The Cowgate outpost plays host to seven of Underbelly's performance spaces: Belly Button, Belly Dancer, Belly Laugh, Big Belly, Delhi Belly, Iron Belly and White Belly, as well as several buzzing bars and the Cow Café, where you can grab a bite and decide which show to see next.