There are tonnes and tonnes of clubs; you've got the mainstream triangle clubs, as well as Syndicate, Oceana, then you've got the 'alt' scene of Stokes Croft with Lakota reopening as well as Blue Mountain. Places like Timbuk2 play underground electronic. There's tonnes of small places on park street, lots of lovely little bars on glouster road... literally, if you want something in Bristol, you'll be able to find it.
A night out in Bristol
- Thread starter Slade2
- Start date
There are tonnes and tonnes of clubs; you've got the mainstream triangle clubs, as well as Syndicate, Oceana, then you've got the 'alt' scene of Stokes Croft with Lakota reopening as well as Blue Mountain. Places like Timbuk2 play underground electronic. There's tonnes of small places on park street, lots of lovely little bars on glouster road... literally, if you want something in Bristol, you'll be able to find it.
Is Bristol really that good for nightlife, as suggested in the University thread? How many clubs are there? What are they like? Music to cater to all tastes? Enough stuff to do for a long weekend trip (would probably have a car)?
It may go onto my shortlist for somewhere to go this summer for a long weekend. I always thought it was quite small...
And, now the awesome sweet shop in Chipping Sodbury isn't there anymore then what's the point?
It is very good for nightlife yes and there is plenty to cater to virtually all tastes.
The triangle near Clifton is now the top student spot to head out to hosting 7 'mainstream' clubs in one small area - Joe Publics (which has been renamed), Lizard Lounge (very grotty and bafflingly popular poppy cheesey sleaze club), Bunker (not pop, but plays pop-dubstep etc, this has become the number one student nightspot for the mainstream), m-bargos (slightly older crowd compared to others but good fun), Ponana (typically mainstream / alternative mix), and the hideous place around the back that I can't remember the name of suitable for 30+
If you are any sort of 'hipster' you will want to avoid this area and focus on what's availible towards the centre, mainly:
- Mr Wolfs
- Start the Bus
- Big Chill Bar
There are some huge dance venues:
Syndicate - student / indie / pop / big name mainstream DJs occationally
O2 Academy - Indie / rock
Motion - dance / rave venue
Lakota - dance / rave (this along with motion are associated with casual drug taking)
There are literally dozens more, including the metal club I can't remember the name of right now and some very chavvy drum and bass.
In regards to pubs, oh man, where do you start! My personally favourite is the Mall in Clifton which has a lovely downstairs area. Mr Ahleckz will prefer the corrie-tap
Cheers guys, I always thought it was quite small but it's roughly the size of Edinburgh. Edinburghs crap for a night out, but that's because of the people not the size.
Have to do some more research, though just this minute I've committed to a Dublin trip in June. Cider country would probably be a better trip with the boys rather than the missus.
Have to do some more research, though just this minute I've committed to a Dublin trip in June. Cider country would probably be a better trip with the boys rather than the missus.
Pure truth! All of the above is excellent advice!
Is the Apple open at the moment?
Think it's usually closed until it warms up a bit, those many many young ladies that work there would freeze!! If it isn't closed get yaself a pint of cheddar valley, possible the greatest drink ever created.
Big Chill, Start the bus and zero degrees are also good as already suggested, 3 sugar loaves ain't bad either.
Think it's usually closed until it warms up a bit, those many many young ladies that work there would freeze!! If it isn't closed get yaself a pint of cheddar valley, possible the greatest drink ever created.
Big Chill, Start the bus and zero degrees are also good as already suggested, 3 sugar loaves ain't bad either.
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Soldato
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Yeah I have been to both Mr. Wolfs and Start the Bus as well. I seem to recall there being a fair amount of totty including some hot lesbians who were making out next to me in Start the Bus. It might have been the cider I drunk in The Apple playing tricks on my mind though. 
Oh I have heard of and been to all the places mentioned, if you know Start the bus you will know Mr Wolfs when you see it.
My favourite thing about Mr Wolfs is all the people milling outside, a long time ago I once went to outside to pee against a dumpsters opposite and a girl asked if she could hold my penis while I did it.
Yeah I have been to both Mr. Wolfs and Start the Bus as well. I seem to recall there being a fair amount of totty including some hot lesbians who were making out next to me in Start the Bus. It might have been the cider I drunk in The Apple playing tricks on my mind though.
No, there are some very awesomely strange people around at about 3amish there. Hipster central imo.
I have a hazy recollection of an afternoon that I spent in the corronation tap in Bristol going back a few years and I believe they only sold the cider in there in 1/2 pints becuase it was like 9% or something so that is kind of cider I like so the Apple does sound like a wicked place to visit.
We are still looking for somewhere to say as well and I would like somewhere a little better than the normal bed for a night places and dont mind paying a bit more. I have stayed at the Radison Blue hotel but didnt particualty like that place any one recommend a fairly cheap city centre hotel?
We are still looking for somewhere to say as well and I would like somewhere a little better than the normal bed for a night places and dont mind paying a bit more. I have stayed at the Radison Blue hotel but didnt particualty like that place any one recommend a fairly cheap city centre hotel?
Soldato
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Gotta visit the Tap!
I'm going back there in a couple if weeks - can't wait.
I'm going back there in a couple if weeks - can't wait.
Soldato
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such a good thread as I'm off to Bristol myself tomorrow to see Three Doors Down with the GF
Three Doors Down and Seether! I'm seeing them tomorrow also.
Lots of good places already suggested.
If you fancy a chilled drink then I recommend the following:
Watershed (Harbourside) nice big cafe / bar upstairs - great for somewhere to talk.
The Olive Shed - (Bit further along the harbour from Mshed)
On a sunny day really nice to sit outside with a cider by the river.
White Lion Inn (Next to Clifton Suspension Bridge)
Amazing view of the famous bridge from the courtyard.
At the grand old age of 24, I'm finding myself going to chilled places a lot more now. Can't be doing with all that youthful noise
If you fancy a chilled drink then I recommend the following:
Watershed (Harbourside) nice big cafe / bar upstairs - great for somewhere to talk.
The Olive Shed - (Bit further along the harbour from Mshed)
On a sunny day really nice to sit outside with a cider by the river.
White Lion Inn (Next to Clifton Suspension Bridge)
Amazing view of the famous bridge from the courtyard.
At the grand old age of 24, I'm finding myself going to chilled places a lot more now. Can't be doing with all that youthful noise
Soldato
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Have only visited Bristol once, but I was in full drag (pvc cat suit, 5" heels etc) so it wasn't much fun 
such a good thread as I'm off to Bristol myself tomorrow to see Three Doors Down with the GF
Oh and that route would be nice nitefly!
Will get on this shortly, will update soon.
Nitefly's Grand Bristol Trip
Right, I'm very tired but since a few of you might benefit from it...
This route starting at the triangle will give you a good whistle stop tour of some of the nicer parts of Bristol.
1). Start off at the triangle and walk past the building with the fountain columns (UoB music department) - you are heading off into Clifton, woo!
2) Having ignored the fugly student union, make your way across Victoria square (nice place for hanging out in the summer) - go under the archway and into Clifton Village. There are nice cafes here (Primrose Cafe does lovely food) and a 'cute' boutique shop place (Clifton Arcade).
3) Make your way to number three - on the right will be a park place (note the Victorian lamps everywhere) where I typically mooch about. You will also walk past my favourite pub on a corner here - The Mall.
4). Cross the mighty bridge! There is a great view from here and it's worth doubling back on the opposite side. There is an optional trip here with the dotted line to go to Leigh Woods, which is a nice woodland walk, but add ~2 hours to your trip! When back towards clifton, make sure you head up the bank on your left, there is an amazing view of the bridge from up there (past the children's play park). There is also the clifton sliding rock - beware
5) You are heading back into Clifton Village now. At 5 you will have the White Lion which is a very scenic place to have a pint (from the veranda). Make your way up caledonia place and look at houses you wish you lived in.
6) Clifton highstreet - yummy mummys and people considerably richer than you
7) Mooch all the way down to here. It might take awhile but this starts off the harbourside walk I was referring to in this thread. Once you cross the river, look for a gateway you can go through - it looks like a shipyard but you are permitted. Here you can take a stroll along the river.
8) Between 7-9 you can get some great views of the city. Check out the painted houses and Clifton, complete with it's famous bridge.
9) Here is the famous SS Great Britain. It's impressive to look at and you can go on board if you wish.
10) There is a new museum here documenting Bristol's history. I think it's called M-shed. Anyway, I spent about an hour mooching around this recently and loved it.
11) My directions are a bit wonky here, but basically go for a quick peek inside queens square, it's lovely.
12) Cross the bridge and head towards millennium square. Here you will see a big ball (a planetarium) and fountainy things. There is a science museum here called @Bristol and an aquarium which are both very good (although the latter isn't cheap!).
13). This area marks the centre of Bristol town and is called the waterfront. It's distinguished by its fountains. Have a little wonder and then head up to Park Street.
14) Park Street. At the bottom is college green (sadly ruined by idiot protesters recently) which is usually pretty. There are a few boutique clothes shops on the way. At the top is Will's memorial tower (which I studied - key landmark for your trip because I'm ace).
15) Make your way into the park and finish up at Cabbot tower. Climb it for a great view and then feel free to chill out in the park for as long as you wish.
I think this whole trip will probably take 3-4 hours depending on how long you want to walk around for. Any questions please ask, I'm sorry I rushed it but I'm tired.
Hope someone makes use of it anyway
Right, I'm very tired but since a few of you might benefit from it...
This route starting at the triangle will give you a good whistle stop tour of some of the nicer parts of Bristol.
1). Start off at the triangle and walk past the building with the fountain columns (UoB music department) - you are heading off into Clifton, woo!
2) Having ignored the fugly student union, make your way across Victoria square (nice place for hanging out in the summer) - go under the archway and into Clifton Village. There are nice cafes here (Primrose Cafe does lovely food) and a 'cute' boutique shop place (Clifton Arcade).
3) Make your way to number three - on the right will be a park place (note the Victorian lamps everywhere) where I typically mooch about. You will also walk past my favourite pub on a corner here - The Mall.
4). Cross the mighty bridge! There is a great view from here and it's worth doubling back on the opposite side. There is an optional trip here with the dotted line to go to Leigh Woods, which is a nice woodland walk, but add ~2 hours to your trip! When back towards clifton, make sure you head up the bank on your left, there is an amazing view of the bridge from up there (past the children's play park). There is also the clifton sliding rock - beware
5) You are heading back into Clifton Village now. At 5 you will have the White Lion which is a very scenic place to have a pint (from the veranda). Make your way up caledonia place and look at houses you wish you lived in.
6) Clifton highstreet - yummy mummys and people considerably richer than you
7) Mooch all the way down to here. It might take awhile but this starts off the harbourside walk I was referring to in this thread. Once you cross the river, look for a gateway you can go through - it looks like a shipyard but you are permitted. Here you can take a stroll along the river.
8) Between 7-9 you can get some great views of the city. Check out the painted houses and Clifton, complete with it's famous bridge.
9) Here is the famous SS Great Britain. It's impressive to look at and you can go on board if you wish.
10) There is a new museum here documenting Bristol's history. I think it's called M-shed. Anyway, I spent about an hour mooching around this recently and loved it.
11) My directions are a bit wonky here, but basically go for a quick peek inside queens square, it's lovely.
12) Cross the bridge and head towards millennium square. Here you will see a big ball (a planetarium) and fountainy things. There is a science museum here called @Bristol and an aquarium which are both very good (although the latter isn't cheap!).
13). This area marks the centre of Bristol town and is called the waterfront. It's distinguished by its fountains. Have a little wonder and then head up to Park Street.
14) Park Street. At the bottom is college green (sadly ruined by idiot protesters recently) which is usually pretty. There are a few boutique clothes shops on the way. At the top is Will's memorial tower (which I studied - key landmark for your trip because I'm ace).
15) Make your way into the park and finish up at Cabbot tower. Climb it for a great view and then feel free to chill out in the park for as long as you wish.
I think this whole trip will probably take 3-4 hours depending on how long you want to walk around for. Any questions please ask, I'm sorry I rushed it but I'm tired.
Hope someone makes use of it anyway