THE HONEYCOMB
A Scottish Institution of Clubbing
The Honeycomb is a name synonymous with credible
clubbing in Edinburgh, representing hugely successful
club nights Motherfunk, Bio-Rhythm, Break It Down,
Do This Do That, Audio Deluxe and Manga. Although
celebrated across Scotland for remaining at the forefront
of the scene for almost 15 years, few actually know
the fascinating and unusual history behind one of
Scotland’s leading club venues.
The space that now houses the Honeycomb was discovered
purely by accident by a property developer in the
late ‘80’s. In the process of refitting
a shop front on Niddry Street, he literally knocked
through a wall and stumbled across a warren of vaults
that had once housed a subterranean city of businesses,
workshops and houses and were abandoned in the early
19th Century. Little did he know that this dark, languid
space was set to change the face of Edinburgh’s
clubbing scene.
Initially opened simply as “The Vaults”
in the early 90’s, just as the scene had started
to peak, this club reigned over Edinburgh for nearly
ten years, launching highly influential nights such
as Horny Monkey, Burger Queen, Sublime, Taste, Solefusion
and Sativa. There was simply nothing else like it
in Edinburgh and by providing access to the emerging
sounds of US House, Garage and Techno, the Vaults
soon developed a legendary status across Britain with
Burger Queen securing a listing in Mixmag’s
top ten UK clubs, and Taste remaining the biggest
Sunday night club to this day.
The underground, dirty and somewhat dissident atmosphere
of the club was reflected not only in the sense of
belonging to a new and exciting subculture, but also
in the backed-up toilets, sweat soaked walls and dripping
ceilings. Although this did evoke a certain charm,
when it was bought over by Warren Deighan in 2000,
many sighed with relief at plans of a huge renovation.
An ex-manager, Deighan had taken the philosophy of
The Vaults and opened his own venue The Honeycomb
in ’95. However, after selling this on four
years later, he kept the name and upon returning to
the Vaults, spent an alleged £1million on a
refit that completely changed the look, and name,
of the club. Toilets were rebuilt, rooms and bars
repositioned, and a 12k purpose built sound system
was installed. The Honeycomb re-opened its doors in
2001, with the aim to balance the principles of old
with comfort and style and subsequently welcome in
a new generation of clubbers.
Fast forward to today and we now see Bobby Anderson,
homeless after La Belle Angele burnt down in 2002,
at the helm of The Honeycomb. Another ex Vaults manager,
Anderson has brought in changes such as new dancefloors,
decor and security team, whilst retaining the excellence
of the guest DJs and promoters. The décor emphasises
the architectural aspects of the building; with vast
arches juxtaposed against leather padded walls and
low-slung, wooden seating.
Facing recent challenges brought about by an alleged
decline in clubbing and dance music in general, The
Honeycomb has thrust forward with an open, yet slightly
leftfield music policy which embraces the contemporary
clubbing experience; providing a multi-media platform
with DJ’s often interacting with live musicians
and visuals.
In the past year alone, the club has hosted sell
out nights with the likes of Groove Armada, Masters
at Work, Mr. Scruff, Cut Chemist, James Lavelle, Jazzy
Jeff, Mylo, Phil Asher, Blaze, DJ Marky, Green Velvet,
Josh Wink and DJ Sneak, many of whom list The Honeycomb
as one of the best clubs to play in Europe.
Having lost venues to fire, redevelopment and commercial
marketing strategies, it’s comforting to know
that Edinburgh’s original, pioneering institution
of clubbing is still going strong, safe in the hands
of long time aficionado Anderson. With plans to develop
the venue further, including a possible lean towards
live music, the future looks bright for Edinburgh’s
underground scene.
Since our new team took over the Honeycomb back in
October 2003, we've started creating some history
of our own and have already had PLENTY of amazing
nights! Check out photos & flyers of some of our
past nights below...
Masters at Work - May 28th 2004
Masters at Work - May 2004
Masters at Work - May 2004
Green Velvet - May 2004
FC Kahuna @ breakitdown - April 2004
Anthony Pappa @ breakitdown - March 2004
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