I have a friend planning a trip to the UK for a group of college freshmen, leaving in a couple of weeks. Their last stop is Edinburgh, and she's looking for a restaurant with a private room or area for their last meal together the night of July 28. She says the group is staying at Jury's Inn near Waverly Station, so somewhere pretty central would be great, and they're looking to stay at a budget of about 20-25 pounds per person. She's having trouble finding a non-hotel restaurant with a private area for 32 people! The faculty in charge will be giving a short speech and that sort of thing, hence the desire for a room or a section of their own.

Any ideas? I know that weekend is at or very near the beginning of the festivals, so I'm crossing my fingers for some ideas for her! They're a tame, well-behaved group of ~18-year-olds with a few faculty and staff members. Thanks in advance!

Whenever I have a specific criteria like that, I always turn to Top Table.

See if any of these pan out

http://www.toptable.co.uk/info/banquets.aspx?m=3191

Thanks, Janis. I've heard of Top Table but never had to use it - I'll send it along to her!

Edinburgh First the University of Edinburgh's catering company have access to varuious places in the city center, might be worth contacting them to see what they can offer.
http://www.edinburghfirst.co.uk/for-catering

Thanks, unclegus! I'll pass it along.

http://www.maisonbleuerestaurant.com/aboutus.php

We had a nice meal there in May. Maybe they can accomodate you upstairs?

Thanks so much, Adu! I've sent it on. I hope one of these works out!

You could also try Deacon Brodie's pub.

http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/deac...partybookings/.

as it's pretty central.