In the heart of the Cowgate, sits La Belle Angele, a long-standing nightclub that’s been at the forefront of nightlife in Edinburgh for many years.
But for more than a decade the clubbers' haven was absent from the capital. On the night of December 7, 2002, a blaze broke out in the original La Belle Angele and quickly spread through multiple properties in the area.
Leaving a gaping hole in the city centre, the fire spread from Hastie’s Close up to Chambers Street and South Bridge. It took fire crews 52 hours to fully extinguish the flames. The Gilded Balloon, Edinburgh University’s School of Informatics, Leisureland Arcade and La Belle Angele were among the damaged structures, and many - La Belle Angele included - would later be torn down.
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La Belle would eventually rise from the ashes, however. In 2014, almost 12 years since the original premises were lost, the nightclub reopened in new premises at Hastie's Close and revellers across Edinburgh breathed a sigh of relief.
It was a welcome return for the legendary venue that played host to Oasis in 1994, and The Libertines in 2002.
First opening in 1992, it didn’t take long for La Belle to become a well known spot in Edinburgh for gigs and events.
One of their most popular club nights was Manga, launched in 1996 by Edinburgh born musician George Macdonald and his business partner Paul Ballingal. One of Scotland’s first drum and bass nights, Manga introduced a new genre for revellers.
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At first, the nights attracted just a few dozen folks - but that all changed when up and coming DJ Ed Rush played and sold the whole place out. Suddenly, Manga was the place to be every fortnight and drew in crowds from across the country.
The intimate space made for an ideal spot to dance the night away, just metres from whatever entertainer was on that night. With a capacity of 600, any ‘90s club kid was familiar with La Belle.
The reopening saw an Official Launch event with drum and bass pioneer Andy C, in October 2014. Since then, it’s returned to its rightful position as a diamond in Edinburgh’s nightlife scene.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for times gone by, but your partying days are behind you - we’ve got you sorted. Check out our gallery of snaps from the original La Belle Angele below.
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