Top Rated Nightlife in Bristol

The infamous Thekla is one of Bristol's oldest clubs located inside an iron ship moored in the harbor. Do not expect super-club glam, do not bother dressing up and definitely do not look for any frills. However, what you can expect is top music; downstairs the live acts and DJs get the dance floor moving and upstairs is often more lively. Hosting various nights, from jungle to break beats to garage and funk, the crowd attracted is a good mix. This is the only club in the city where you can gaze out of portholes at swans asleep on the water below!

The Hatchet Inn is one of the city's oldest pubs. Licensed in 1606, it still retains some historical character, although it is unfortunately surrounded by concrete modern structures, and office workers and students alike enjoy the traditional village atmosphere, with the ancient pictures lining the walls. Don't expect the behavior of its patrons to be equally refined and old-world; weekend nights see the place dragged into the 21st Century with DJs and live music, and the crowd gets younger and much more boisterous. Those after a quiet pint should only venture in during the day.

Despite being one of the best known party places in Bristol, you may well miss this venue if you don't know where to look. Set well back from the main bus route to town, the only factor setting it apart from surrounding buildings is the metal sign facing the street. Inside, the decor is nothing dramatic either, but the events held here (famed nationwide) are what gives this club its ooomph! With four bars, a balcony overlooking the dance floor, a capacity of 800 and attracting the best national and international DJs and the liveliest of clubbing crowds (only the trendiest of you need apply, naturally) you cannot go far wrong no matter which night you hit the dance floor here.

If Walcot Street is Bath's bohemian center, then The Bell is its heart and soul. Perhaps we could throw in eclectic and cosmopolitan there too. And, usually, crowded. Real ales flow freely, and there's live music three days of the week. If you like loud and seriously good music, try this place for bands, the bass is gravity, the drums are solid ground and the guitar, organ and guests give an atmosphere that we live to breathe. The place has a bar billiards table, an absolute rarity plus an outside courtyard that gets seriously packed on summer evenings, a games room, chess and good company of all ages and inclinations.

Certainly not a club for the claustrophobic with its subterranean cellar setting, Moles Club is nevertheless the best live venue in the South West if not the whole of Britain. Moles manages to attract the best national bands and keeps them coming back. Recent live acts have included Super grass, Linoleum, Baby Bird, Alabama 3, Lush, Skunk Anansie and Gabrielle. Monday nights are recommended for live local bands and a less crowded atmosphere than the weekend!

A warm and friendly atmosphere greets you at this pub, which stocks some excellent beers and quality lagers as well a fine range of wines and spirits. For those just wanting a snack, they have home-cooked sandwiches and toasties along with a range of other dishes. It is also winner of the CAMRA Bristol & District Pub of The Year 2007. Open till late night and offering the best of the best, this pub in Kingsdown is definitely worth a visit.