Bristol is the most populous city in South West England, and the eleventh most populous in the United Kingdom. So, it’s not a surprise that Bristol has a booming nightlife. Just ask university students, they know best! Bristol is usually in the top 10 (mostly even top 3) of the best UK cities for a night out. This article will hopefully help you see why!
We want to give you a little guide into the Bristol party scene by mapping out the perfect night out according to us. We aim to include various activities, so there’s something for each member of your group.
Sports Betting Shops and Casinos
If there are sports fans among you, we guess they’d want to start their night by watching a game at a lively pub. Then for those who are feeling extra lucky that day, we suppose they are first going to bet on which team will win the match. England not only invented football, but it also invented sports betting. There are numerous betting shops around Bristol, mainly situated along High Street.
If sports betting is not your jam, but you like other types of gambling, you and your friends can visit a local casino. The reason why we put gambling services first on our list is because many people head to the casino after a whole night of drinking and end up losing a lot of money. We advise our readers to gamble responsibly and to do it sober.
Pubs
Pubs – the pinnacle of British nightlife and the bane of this article. Everyone knows that a good night out includes going to at least one pub. Many people have a favourite pub and don’t “cheat” on it, but the less virtuous of us want a little bit of adventure, so we always welcome pub recommendations.
Not everyone is the same, and we all want a different thing from the pubs we visit. The students prefer pubs with DJ’s and cheap shots, while their parents usually go for a pub with a live band and creative cocktails. Hence why we assemble a list of Bristol pubs which cater to all sorts of party-people:
- The Apple (address: Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB) – The Apple is a pub in Bristol’s Old Town, which is located on a converted Dutch barge. Every Bristolian knows and loves The Apple; it’s a must-see attraction. The pub is also famous for its ciders and perries.
- The Full Moon and Attic Bar (address: 1 North St, St Paul’s, Bristol BS1 3PR) – This fantastic pub with wonderfully painted exterior is a hot spot for students. With DJ’s every weekend and many local beers to choose from, we can see why it’s so popular.
- The Albion (address: Boyces Avenue, Clifton Village, Bristol BS8 4AA) – The Albion is a high-end pub serving exquisite meals and drinks, so expect to spend more than you would at a regular pub. What’s also nice about The Albion is that you can also bring your dog along!
- Hyde & Co (address: The Basement, 2 Upper Byron Pl, Bristol BS8 1JY) – Hyde & Co is a speakeasy style pub that looks like a regular home from the outside, but it’s a classy bar on the inside. It has unique cocktails and great atmosphere.
- Allstars Sports Bar (address: 15-19 Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QE) – Voted Britain’s favourite football pub, Allstars Sports Bar has over 40 TV’s, along with many pool and snooker tables. Keep in mind that the pub is very busy during popular sports games, so go there early.
Escape Rooms
Before heading to the club, why don’t you have some cheeky fun by going to an escape room? A drink or two at the pub can make the experience even more entertaining, although it might be less likely for you to escape in time, but oh well!
There are many good options in Bristol, but judging by customer reviews, Escape Hunt and Clue HQ are probably the best options. They both offer various types of games with interesting themes. Escape Hunt also has outdoor adventures, which are super cool!
Clubs
After a long evening of gambling, drinking pints, and escape rooms, it’s time we get you to the club. Let us not lose any more time, here’s a list of the best Bristol clubs:
- Motion (address: 74-78 Avon St, Bristol BS2 0PX) – Voted the best large club, Motion is also one of the best clubs in Europe. Expect a range of events with world-famous DJ’s!
- The Island (address: Nelson St, Bristol BS1 2BE) – The Island is an art venue (previously a police station) hosting many creators, which turns into a lively nightclub at night. You can even party at one of the abandoned police cells!
- Thekla (address: The Grove, East Mud Dock, Bristol BS1 4RB) – Rock the boat, literally. Thekla is a former cargo ship, which is now a student hotspot for its various music events every weekend, which cater to every taste.
- Basement 45 (address: Avon, 8 Frogmore St, Bristol BS1 5NA) – Basement 45 is an underground club supporting local artists from different types of genres. You can also get DJ lessons there.
- PRYZM(address: The South Buildings, Canon’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5UH) – PRYZM is a stylish club boasting of multiple different rooms and private seating areas. The club is one of the busiest in Bristol, and it’s extremely popular with students who can now get in using their fresher’s pass.
