Nowhere knows how to party like Bristol. Between being the birthplace of trip-hop, the unofficial capital of drum ‘n’ bass, and the future of techno (shout out Timedance and Livity Sound), the city has always been a massive player in the UK’s dance music scene. So of course, you’d expect Bristol to have some pretty amazing nightclubs to support these bass-rattling soundsystems… and you’re not going to be left disappointed. You can see all the very best clubs in Bristol below!
1. Motion
Bristol might not have a stadium yet, but it’s long had one of the biggest and best nightclubs in the country. Voted DJ Mag’s Best Large UK Club, Motion is the sort of venue that people are willing to travel to experience. This mammoth of a club holds a max capacity of up to 4000 people when combined with its sister venue The Marble Factory for large-scale events, and is home to everything from gigs to festivals, sporting events, and the club nights it’s best known for.
The former Victorian gasworks and later skatepark first started hosting parties in 2006 but wasn’t turned into a full-time nightclub until 2015. In that time, every big name in the biz has played here – from Sasha & John Digweed to The Chemical Brothers, Goldie to Bicep. So if you’re thinking of going for a BIG NIGHT OUT sometime soon, check out what Motion has on here.
Motion, 74-78 Avon St, Bristol BS2 0PX
2. Thekla
Whether it’s from student nights out, the former Banksy, or on Skins, everyone knows Thekla in Bristol. It’s the nightclub on a boat for Christ’s sake! Moored in the Mud Dock area of Bristol’s Floating Harbour, this 400-capacity venue hosted the likes of Massive Attack, Portishead and Roni Size in the 90s.
It’s not quite at the forefront of Bristol’s music scene as it once was, but you’ll find regular live bands and club nights on board. Every Thursday, you’ll find “Bristol’s biggest and best indie and alternative club night” on Thekla, while Saturday night features all your favourite guilty pop pleasures, all night long.
Thekla, The Grove, East Mud Dock, Bristol BS1 4RB
3. The Crofters Rights
Time for something a little cooler. The Crofters Rights (or just ‘Crofters’, as many call it) is a late night bar beloved for its chalkboard craft-beer menu, sourdough pizzas and cutting-edge club nights. Open until 3am, the Stokes Croft pub transforms into one of the best nightclubs in Bristol on weekends. Whether it’s house, techno, garage or drum and bass, you’ll find the city’s most interesting DJs performing.
The Crofters Rights, 117-119 Stokes Croft, Cotham, Bristol BS1 3RW
4. Cosies
Cosies is Bristol’s worst-kept secret; this intimate basement bar is best described as a micro-club, with DJs playing an eclectic mix of reggae, jungle, dub etc. into the early hours most nights. It’s one of the cheapest nightclubs in Bristol too, with entry rarely more than £5.
Cosies, 34 Portland Square, St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 8RG
5. Lakota
Lakota is one of Bristol’s oldest venues. Opened in 1992, during the heyday of the Bristol rave scene, it was “once deemed in the early nineties as one of the most famous clubs in the country outside London”. Part of the Stokes Croft Conservation Area, the sprawling space still boasts four rooms and a large outside area for incredible parties.
The legendary club still prides itself on supporting Bristol’s underground music scene and embodying its independent spirit – championing a diverse mix of emerging, local artists. From the regular psytrance night Tribe of Frog to one-off free raves, Lakota is a dance music haven in Bristol.
Lakota, 6 Upper York St, St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 8QN
6. Queenshilling
Bristol is full of fantastic LGBTQ+ nightclubs – from OMG Bristol to Bristol Bear Bar (not affiliated with the rugby team) – but if we could pick only one we’d go to Queenshilling every time. It’s been described as “Bristol’s friendliest nightclub” and voted the LGBTQ+ nightclub in Bristol, but the Art Deco building colour washed in vibrant LED lighting makes it a vibe. Encouraging you to wear clothing that makes you feel flamboyant, fabulous and happy, everyone is welcome at Queenshilling.
Queenshilling, 9 Frogmore St, Bristol BS1 5NA
7. Strange Brew
If you wanna get weird on a night out, then take a sip of Strange Brew. One of Bristol’s newest venues has quickly established itself as our go-to for anything esoteric. This DIY music venue hosts everything from markets to talks, performance arts and exhibitions. But its club nights are where it’s at – hosting everyone from Helena Hauff and DJ Stingray to Ben UFO and Bristol’s very own Batu in the past. It’s basically Crack Magazine in nightclub form…
Strange Brew, 10-12 Fairfax St, Bristol BS1 3DB
8. The Full Moon & Attic Bar
With live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Full Moon & Attic Bar is not just one of Bristol’s best pubs, but it has to be among the city’s best nightclubs too. Attached to the Stokes Croft pub, the Attic Bar hosts regular club nights throughout the year that attract both local and internationally renowned DJs. A serious soundsystem makes it a hotspot for audiophiles too. The party really gets going, however, when the stargazzy pub/club/restaurant/hotel hosts huge parties taking over the entire space!
The Full Moon & Attic Bar, 1 North St, St Paul’s, Bristol BS1 3PR
9. The Love Inn
If you’ve ever been to Love Saves The Day or Forwards in Bristol, Silver Hayes at Glastonbury, or Love International in Croatia, then you’ve head of Team Love and know they can throw a party. With The Love Inn, they turn their hand to something way smaller but still knock the disco ball out of the park. Working with local promoters, DJs and producers, you’ll find an incredible selection of club nights – Love Saves Wednesdays is already legendary.
The Love Inn, 84 Stokes Croft, St Paul’s, Bristol BS1 3QY
10. The Loco Klub
Hidden in the former Ash Pits of Brunel’s original station at Bristol Temple Meads, The Loco Klub is a joint venture with the Invisible Circus. It’s not strictly a nightclub – hosting everything from immersive theatre to operas, film shoots and gala dinners – and describes itself as “Bristol’s home for alternative arts.” But the venue’s creepy tunnels and spooky Victorian atmosphere feel built for a lost night clubbing. Whether it’s close-quarters jungle nights, a reimagined Boomtown party, or out-there prog raves, this has to be one of the more interesting nightclubs in Bristol.
The Loco Klub, Clock Tower Yard, Bristol BS1 6QH