Name: The Forest Café

Occupation: Leader of the resistance, home of Edinburgh’s true creative spirit.

Resembles: A glorious, shambolic cluster of plants, art, rugs, hippies and graffiti, spread across several rooms.

What’s on there, then? Usually a loose free-space hosting semi-regular gigs, spoken-word events and discussion forums, as well as a variety of madcap one-off events, during August the Forest becomes the home of Forest Fringe, full of free, experimental theatre and performance. This week you can also catch some lunchtime poetry as Inky Fingers are running a literary minifest.

Quick, how do I get there? A refreshing alternative to the corporate, comedy-focused intensity of the main commercial Fringe hub at Bristo Square, and only two minutes round the corner? Why yes. Cross the road as though you were going to Princes Street and stop when you smell falafel.

Mmm. Is there a café? Yes, all food is veggie, cheap, and put together by the Forest’s volunteer team. You’re more than welcome to have a drink (wine and beer only), but you have to BYO.

Any good for celeb-spotting? Aren’t you listening? The Forest isn’t about celeb-spotting. Man. Which is exactly why you’ll sometimes find the odd lefty comedian or author going incognito in there …

Sounds like a real credit to the city. You’d think. Unfortunately, it’s the organisation’s last Fringe – at least in this venue. They’ve been fighting the closure of the building for a while , but August 31 is their last day. Make the most of this great place while you can.

The Forest Café, 3 Bristo Place, 220 4538.