Bored in Bristol?
Lakota
Average cost: ££ Location: Stokes Croft
This is not a venue for the faint-hearted. Lakota offers one of Bristol's most intense clubbing experiences, with an infamously drug-fuelled reputation and a sweatiness to rival even Motion (see below). The multi-storied club offers numerous rooms each with their own DJ to keep your night interesting and constantly changing. Night owls with a taste for Drum and Bass, House, Deephouse, Techno and Bass will likely be delighted by the events on offer, including Lakota's famously popular Tribe of Frog nights. Expect slow bar service and steep drinks prices in this crowded club, with the only option of free water being the tiny, hard-to-reach tap located next to the main stage. Book Halloween and New Year's Eve tickets to see Lakota's festivities and decorations in their prime.
Motion
Average cost: £££ Location: Temple Meads
Motion is considered by many as the icon of Bristol nightlife. Currently ranked in the top 20 clubs in the world, it is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the best of what Bristol has to offer. Unfortunately, if you want the best, you will have to pay for it. A Motion ticket rarely goes for anything cheaper than £18-20 so, unless you're lucky enough to get a ticket to one of their famous 'Free Rave' events, cross it off the list if your budget is tight. Located near Temple Meads station, most Motion nights come with a taxi fare, and it's hard to resist their impressively varied food stalls when you've been dancing until 5am. Bring cash, bring stamina and prepare yourself to be impressed.
Lounge
Average cost: £ Location: Clifton Triangle
Lizard Lounge, better known colloquially as 'Lounge', is one of those clubs that are universally loved by the student population. If you want a cosily-sized club to wail cheesy lyrics at your friends in while downing £1.50 (they used to be £1!) toffee vodka shots, then Lounge is the place for you. Rightly claiming to be 'a student tradition', Lounge is an establishment that rarely plays a song you don't know, and rarely features people you don't know. Edgy people beware: you will have to listen to Justin Bieber. Unless you belong to the generous breed of drunk, Lounge is also a relatively inexpensive night out. Entry prices can range from £3-5 and as long as you don't venture beyond the famous toffee vodka, drinks at the bar won't break the bank either. Watch out for their sneaky minimum card spend limit though - you may have to buy a round!
Lola Lo's
Average cost: £ Location: Clifton Triangle
Found opposite the infamous Lizard Lounge, Lola Lo's joins the ranks of Triangle clubs competing for your cash all within the same stumbling distance of each other. It may be the club you go to if you can't get into Lounge but by no means mistake this as an indicator of a bad night out. If you're happy to part with a fiver upon entry, you can expect to enjoy a fun mix of the classics and the new on Lola Lo's playlist. Anyone with a low budget should avoid purchasing much more than a Jaegerbomb at Lola's, as the drinks menu can be notoriously pricey. It's enjoyable, it's local, and not far from the sacred Jason Donervans food van.
