I experienced this place as a cover teacher for a short while a few years ago, and still know…read morepeople that are teaching/studying there. It had a nice atmosphere, especially during coffee time when the students and teachers mix together informally. Of course, I can't say as a student, but as a teacher, I thought the classes I covered seemed well organised and fun, and the students were friendly and enthusiastic.

English Language School, which also teaches highers and A levels as an alternative to 6th form…read morecollege. IT's nice and central, with a cool international atmosphere and the staff are amazing.

I did a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course here, and even though it was hard…read morework, I had a brilliant time. It's in a nice and accessible part of Edinburgh, in a beautiful old building. The course instructors were good at motivating the class, and instilling us with confidence to teach. The group I was in bonded together nicely which made the whole experience very pleasant. The school also has its own cafe where students can relax together.

The receptionist was rude, dismissive, and arrogant. I was forced to vacate the foyer seats and…read morestand in a crowded exhibition hall without seating, despite my back problems and sensory issues. When asked for a reason, I was told the foyer chairs were for "the restaurant patrons" despite the restaurant being essential empty with nobody waiting to sit down in the foyer. The receptionist then cordoned off the seats with red rope, and nobody sat in them for the rest of the evening. There was no apparent reason for her behaviour besides pure spitefulness and that is not the sort of person you want representing your business as the first point of interaction with patrons.

I noticed that the French institute is classed as a 'language school' by Yelp. I must say that's…read morenot even the beginning.... Well, actually, it's a good place to start, but apart from the excellent language classes offered the French Institute in Edinburgh is a fantastic venue for all sorts. And there's no snobbery, I don't have a word of French and frequently I'm laughed at for my botched pronunciations, but they still let me through the door. I've attended art classes (got my tapestry on) and seen art shows here. There's a gorgeous back room which serves as a gallery and has one of the most spectacular views in the city. Recently they held their Fête de la Musique celebrations, with a whole day of music from all over the world. Sea Bass Kid, a local ska/jazz/rock type band were particularly worth seeing! The French Institute is also a Fringe venue. Last year I went to see 'The Onion Johnnies', a not-competely-factual history of the onion Johnnies who would travel from France to Scotland on their bikes and wage war with rabbits (apparently). This year there's a range of shows on. Down in the basement there is The Bistrot restaurant which does great French food and snacks. I've eaten here a few times and to be honest, they run out of the good stuff quickly so get there early! There's also a bar. I would recommend anyone with even the slightest interest in France to pop along or at least check out their website. I think they do a fantastic job here in Edinburgh as both a diverse venue and a Frenchy-type talking place.

Last year I did a German evening class which was about £15 a week. The classes were small and…read moreeveryone got a chance to practice speech. Even though I did German at school, I never really picked it up and I now understand why the government are always going on about smaller class sizes, it make a huge difference to me (probably also because I'm a bit more mature now). The teacher was patient and encouraging and the rooms were set in a great building. Adult education ist sehr gut, ja?

It is a very well kept and run language centre, part of the University of Edinburgh. You can choose…read morefrom a good variety of language courses with the most suitable times of classes. The classes are not very big, the tutors are native speakers with good teaching experience. I took two levels of French for beginners there last year and was very pleased with the tutor, the course organization and the general interior. I would have expected to have a small library though with let's say the latest/current newspapers and magazines and a number of dictionaries. That is not why I have taken one of the stars but due to the fact that the administration is a bit negligent. They had sent my first level certificate to my old address without checking if it is still the current address. When I complained they promised to resend me a copy. I am still waiting for it.

Friendly english language school in the west end of Edinburgh. I really liked the small school…read moreatmosphere and the fact that they had an amazing social programme. Highly recommomended.

Nice pub and normally friendly. But one of the bar staff tonight was quite rude. I asked nicely…read morefor a pint and crisps -ie "can i have... " and the guy said "any please and thank you eith that? ". Im no youngster and that has never happened to me before!!!! Bit of a tosser