728x90

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Club culture: a guide to Bristol's nightlife – by Shanti Celeste


What makes Bristol’s nightlife scene so special?
Everyone knows each other. There’s one particular record shop, Idle Hands, that people make for, and everyone goes to each other’s nights. It’s a tight music scene. There are also a lot of major DJs who live here and who are pioneers of certain styles. You could easily go to a club night and see someone you’ve admired for a long time DJing in a really small venue.
How does partying in Bristol compare with other cities?
The most dynamic, exciting parties happen in small pop-up venues, which people work really hard to find and licence for one night. They never do another party at that venue again. That’s where I think the city’s really good events are being put together.
Who are the new DJs and producers to listen out for?
If you’re after a more dubby or dubstep tip there’s Ishan Sound. Then there are all the Gorgon Sound people, such as Kahn and Neek, who are getting a bit bigger now. Then there’s Samuel on our brstl label doing a more house-y thing. JayL and Andy Mac are definitely worth checking out, and Hodge is another important producer you need to keep your ears tuned to.
Where should you start your night?
I would go to the Bell pub on Hillgrove Street. It’s my favourite; it always has great music and DJs. It’s just a small place in the Stokes Croft area with an ace beer garden that’s a bit of a sun trap. It’s very traditional with good ale, not a swanky bar and the people who run it are lovely.

Where should you move on to for more of a party?
Motion is the biggest club in the city – you should check it out – but I actually prefer smaller venues: Cosies is a bar/club where we do a lot of our nights. It has a small dance space so you could still have a dance if you wanted to, and you can stay there till 4am. The Love Inn, which is owned by Team Love, which does Future Boogie and Love Saves the Day, should also be on your list. It’s their bar/club, which serves fabulous food during the day – and good cocktails, and a great sound system, at night.
What are the more alternative venues in Bristol?
The Island, in the old police station, is a multi-use arts venue. It has loads of rooms and they sometimes open them up for club nights. There are others, such as the Old Crown Courts on Bridewell Street, too.



Which club nights are worth checking out?
The night that I go to every single time it’s on isDirty Talk. It’s always really good; they got a licence to do it in a Hells Angels’ pub a while ago, which was really big. You just had bikers walking about. Another good one is People Like Us, then there’s Fallen Up and Stamp the Wax. You’ve also got the bigger ones such as Just Jack, Future Boogie and Shapes, who all book really fine people. If you like going to a big rave, they’re the ones to go to.

Describe Bristol’s nightlife scene in three words
Lively, happy, small.

No comments:

Post a Comment