The Bootlegger, Bristol – 32 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Bootlegger — student bar photo

The Bootlegger -

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Smoking

Based on 32 user ratings

The Bootlegger Bristol, 233A Cheltenham Rd, Bishopston, Bristol, BS6 5QP

💬 What Students Say

The Bootlegger is a vibrant student bar located in Bishopston, Bristol, that has quickly become a favorite among students from the University of Bristol. With its unique Prohibition-era decor, The Bootlegger offers a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from typical nightlife venues. This bar is designed to provide a relaxed yet energetic vibe, making it an ideal spot for students looking to unwind after a long week of lectures or to enjoy a night out with friends. The spacious layout encourages mingling, allowing students to catch up with old friends or meet new ones in a comfortable setting.

One of the standout features of The Bootlegger is its diverse music selection. While specific genres haven't been detailed, the venue is known to host a variety of music events that cater to different tastes. This aspect not only keeps the atmosphere lively but also attracts a broad audience, making it a melting pot of different student cultures and backgrounds. Students frequently mention that the music is decent, which contributes to the overall enjoyable experience. Whether you're there for a laid-back evening or a more vibrant night out, the music at The Bootlegger is sure to enhance your time spent there.

Students appreciate the affordability of the drinks at The Bootlegger, which is a significant draw for many. While exact pricing details are not available, reviews consistently highlight that the drink prices are reasonable and appealing to the student budget. This aspect, combined with the bar's warm and inviting vibe, makes it a reliable choice for those looking to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The positive feedback regarding drink prices suggests that The Bootlegger is well aware of its student clientele and aims to provide value for money.

The atmosphere at The Bootlegger is often described as fun and relaxed, making it suitable for both casual evenings and lively nights out. Students who frequent the venue mention that it’s always a laugh, which speaks to the friendly and welcoming environment fostered by both the staff and the patrons. The bar tends to get busy, particularly on weekends, but many reviews note that the queues are manageable, allowing for a smooth experience when entering and ordering drinks.

One of the appealing aspects of The Bootlegger is its spaciousness, which accommodates groups well. This feature is particularly beneficial for students looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night out with friends. The layout encourages social interaction, making it easy to strike up conversations and meet new people. The nostalgic decor adds to the charm of the venue, creating a unique backdrop for a fun evening.

However, it’s worth noting that some students have pointed out that cleanliness could be improved. While the overall atmosphere is fun and enjoyable, a few reviews mentioned that it might not be the cleanest place around. This is an important consideration for those who prioritize hygiene in their choice of venues. Despite this, the positive aspects of The Bootlegger, such as the music and drink prices, seem to outweigh the cleanliness issues for many patrons.

In conclusion, The Bootlegger is a lively student bar that suits a variety of tastes and preferences. Its unique Prohibition-era decor, diverse music selection, and affordable drinks make it an attractive option for students at the University of Bristol. While there are some downsides, such as cleanliness concerns, the overall vibe and atmosphere are highly rated by those who frequent the venue. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after class or a fun spot for a night out, The Bootlegger has something to offer every student. With its welcoming ambiance and focus on providing value, it’s no wonder that this bar is becoming increasingly popular among the student crowd in Bristol.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Unique Prohibition-era decor that adds charm and character.
  • Affordable drink prices appealing to students.
  • Lively and fun atmosphere perfect for socializing.
  • Diverse music selection catering to various tastes.
  • Spacious layout conducive to mingling and group gatherings.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for an affordable and lively bar experience with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Expect a bustling atmosphere on weekends; arrive early to grab a good spot.
  • The venue has a spacious layout, ideal for larger groups.
  • Check out their social media for updates on music events and special offers.
  • While queues are generally manageable, consider visiting during off-peak hours for a quicker experience.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Bootlegger like?

The Bootlegger is a lively student bar with a unique Prohibition-era vibe, perfect for socializing and enjoying affordable drinks.

Is it good value?

Yes, students frequently mention that drink prices are reasonable, making it a great value for a night out.

When do students go to The Bootlegger?

Students often visit on weekends when the atmosphere is lively and fun.

What kind of music is played?

The Bootlegger hosts a variety of music events, catering to different tastes, although specific genres haven't been detailed.

Is it suitable for large groups?

Yes, the spacious layout makes it ideal for groups looking to socialize and enjoy a night out together.

The Bootlegger — student bar photo
Reviews
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Arriving here, the lively energy caught me off guard; people were dancing freely like they had no cares in the world. it felt so different from home.
By user506157 (Bristol) on Jul 15th 2026
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Staying up late for a night here was a bit tough with my early starts, but the energy of the crowd made it worth it. staff were attentive without being intrusive, which I appreciated when everything else felt so chaotic. for a night out, I'd consider returning, but I need to plan around my sleep schedule.
By user800454 (Bristol) on Jul 8th 2026
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Stumbling in here on a Saturday night, I felt the pulsating energy of live music wash over me like a warm embrace.
By user914770 (Bristol) on Jun 30th 2026
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Good drinks and live music create a laid-back atmosphere that keeps you hanging around.
By user882863 (Bristol) on Jun 25th 2026
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Walking into the Bootlegger, I expected a typical bar scene, but it turned out to be a lively mix of characters that made every night feel unique. The music shift between genres kept things fresh, and I found myself dancing with a range of strangers who quickly became friends. It surprised me how much the atmosphere energized me after long studio hours, making late nights feel worthwhile.
By user737871 (Bristol) on Jun 18th 2026
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Waiting in line, the excitement built as the distant sound of laughter and upbeat music wrapped around me, promising fun ahead.
By user660275 (Bristol) on Jun 12th 2026
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Crammed with people and laughter, this place has an electric atmosphere that pulls you in. Music pulses through the air, making it hard not to tap your feet or get lost in conversation.
By user447386 (Bristol) on Jun 5th 2026
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Atmosphere at the Bootlegger stands out, with a vintage aesthetic that feels like stepping back in time while sipping a drink. The combination of live music and a diverse crowd creates a lively energy that’s hard to find in other bars around Bristol.
By user990940 (Bristol) on May 26th 2026
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Plenty of friendly faces around made my night at Bootlegger feel lively and welcoming every time.
By user511138 (Bristol) on May 19th 2026
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Going back here never disappoints. the atmosphere's always lively, and it's a solid place to unwind and connect with friends, no matter how many times I've visited.
By user486207 (Bristol) on May 12th 2026
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Music always sets the mood here, and the live jazz makes any night feel special
By user910593 (Bristol) on May 11th 2026
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Value for money at the Bootlegger stands out, especially with the cheap drinks that still taste decent enough. while it may not be the fanciest place around, it feels worth it for a fun night out with friends without worrying much about the budget.
By user641133 (Bristol) on May 5th 2026
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Walking in, the scent of fresh ingredients mixed with a hint of something sweet caught my attention right away. When I ordered a drink, the bartender took the time to suggest a twist on a classic that I wouldn't have thought of, and it turned out to be a highlight of the night. Little touches like that keep things exciting and make the whole experience feel more personal, rather than just another night out.
By user121995 (Bristol) on May 5th 2026
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Noticed the staff here always seem on top of things, keeping the place tidy and the atmosphere lively, which definitely makes me want to come back more often.
By user443724 (Bristol) on Apr 29th 2026
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Atmosphere here really stands out, especially when the place fills up for a weekend night. It’s packed but not overwhelming, and the energy shifts with the music, creating a fun backdrop for conversations. Staff are always on point, keeping the drinks flowing while everyone just enjoys the night without a care.
By user130815 (Bristol) on Apr 27th 2026
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Assumed this would be your typical wild student bar, but it was surprisingly relaxed with a nice mix of people just hanging out and chatting.
By user213942 (Bristol) on Apr 23rd 2026
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Getting served at the bar was a breeze, the staff are pros.
By user729359 (Bristol) on Apr 23rd 2026
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Didn't expect it to feel like a proper club night right off the bat, but the energy hits you as soon as you step in.
By user181369 (Bristol) on Apr 18th 2026
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Never seen so many students having a great time together, everyone's buzzing non-stop.
By user933423 (Bristol) on Apr 18th 2026
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Noticed that the lighting is just right for conversation without feeling like you're in a disco. music isn't too overpowering either, which is a plus when you're trying to catch up with friends between sets.
By user454448 (Bristol) on Apr 13th 2026
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Mates said it was the place to be for a night out, and they weren't wrong. it's lively without being too packed, and you won't need to empty your wallet for drinks.
By user966823 (Bristol) on Apr 13th 2026
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Found a cool corner to chill and chat where the music pounded.
By user785872 (Bristol) on Apr 13th 2026
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Noticed a mix of local students and those from abroad like me, which made for interesting conversations. everyone seemed laid-back and up for a chat, adding to the friendly atmosphere. definitely not your typical pretentious city bar, people here just want a good night out without any fuss.
By user999559 (Bristol) on Apr 11th 2026
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Music was surprisingly good, not what i usually expect at uni bars. got in without a hitch, which was a pleasant surprise considering how packed it was. vibe definitely kept us going until the place shut down.
By user478714 (Bristol) on Apr 10th 2026
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Music's decent and there’s a welcoming buzz the moment you walk in. prices won't make you flinch either, making it a sensible pick for students.
By user211637 (Bristol) on Apr 6th 2026
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Kind of cool how the place feels like stepping back in time. the Prohibition-era decor gives The Bootlegger a quirky charm you don't find in more typical bars. it draws in a mix of students enjoying themselves without too much fuss, which makes the whole night feel pretty laid back.
By user419057 (Bristol) on Apr 5th 2026
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Staff are decently friendly but sometimes hard to flag down when it's packed. they keep things flowing as best they can given the crowd but expect to wait a bit at the bar. overall, they're doing alright considering how busy it gets, especially late nights.
By user627338 (Bristol) on Apr 4th 2026
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Drinks at the bootlegger are way cheaper than most spots around town, which makes it a go-to when you're on a budget 😅. i've checked out a few places, but this one nails that laid-back student vibe without the rowdiness that you get at some other clubs.
By user719638 (Bristol) on Apr 1st 2026
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Swing by every thursday with my mates for a chill night out. it’s got a lively atmosphere without feeling overcrowded, so it fits perfectly into our routine.
By user591781 (Bristol) on Mar 31st 2026
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By user824740 (Bristol) on Mar 30th 2026
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By user957547 (Bristol) on Mar 30th 2026
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By user440949 (Bristol) on Mar 30th 2026