About This Event

Experience an immersive dining experience beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, complete with live performances by characters inspired by real historical figures. Beneath the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a hidden gathering once took place, and this November, The Real Mary King’s Close invite you inside this real secret society. Step inside the clandestine world of the Cape Club, an exclusive Enlightenment-era society whose members met in secret taverns and closes across Edinburgh’s Old Town. Sworn in, cloaked and drawn into a world of whispered alliances and shifting loyalties, live performances unfold around you, inspired by real figures of Enlightenment Edinburgh including Robert Fergusson, Alison Cockburn, Alexander Runciman and the notorious William Brodie. Between scenes, a lavish multi-course feast is revealed, with each dish woven into the narrative with symbolism and ceremony. Expect bold Scottish flavours with a theatrical twist, from an oyster shell surprise with an Isle of Mull crème brûlée “pearl”, to braised daube of beef with haggis spelt risotto, and a decadent chocolate dessert laced with Ardbeg whisky caramel. Vegetarian options and dietary requirements can be accommodated when advised at booking. The experience culminates in a ceremonial finale, where each guest is asked to make a personal choice. What you decide, and what you choose to keep quiet, is entirely your own. Atmospheric, indulgent and rooted in real Edinburgh history, The Cape Controversy is an ultra-limited opportunity to experience the Close after hours, as few ever have.

Frequently asked questions

Staying overnight?

Hotels within walking distance of The Real Mary King’s Close.