Blame Gloria , Bristol – 37 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Blame Gloria  — student bar photo

Blame Gloria -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 37 user ratings

22 Small St, Bristol BS1 1DW, United Kingdom

💬 What Students Say

Blame Gloria, located at 22 Small St, Bristol, is a lively bar that has quickly become a favorite among students at the University of Bristol. With its retro-rock and glamorous interior, the venue is known for its fun atmosphere that makes it ideal for nights out, celebrations, or even bottomless brunches. The vibrant setting is complemented by creative cocktails and a mix of music that keeps guests entertained throughout the night. Students appreciate the energy that Blame Gloria brings, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.

The atmosphere at Blame Gloria is often described as lively yet relaxed, creating a perfect balance for a night out. Many students mention that the vibe is chill, which allows them to enjoy themselves without any pressure. This laid-back environment is particularly appealing for those looking to unwind after a long day or simply enjoy a night out with friends. The crowd at Blame Gloria is another highlight; students frequently note that it’s easy to meet new people and connect with others who are just as eager to have a good time. This sense of community is something that many reviewers cherish, making it a welcoming space for everyone.

One of the standout features of Blame Gloria is its pricing. Students consistently mention that the drinks are reasonably priced, which is a significant plus for those on a budget. The affordability of drinks allows students to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank, making it an attractive option for many. The bar’s value is highly rated, and this aspect is often highlighted in reviews. Students appreciate that they can have a fun night out without the worry of overspending, which is a common concern for many in the student demographic.

Blame Gloria is particularly busy on weekends, especially on Saturday afternoons when it opens at noon. The venue offers a lively atmosphere that students enjoy, and it’s a great place to kick off a night out. The reviews suggest that the energy tends to ramp up as the evening progresses, with many students enjoying the music and social interactions that the bar fosters. The quick-moving queues and efficient staff also contribute to a smooth experience, allowing guests to spend more time enjoying themselves rather than waiting around.

What makes Blame Gloria stand out among other student bars is its consistent ability to deliver a good time. Many students mention that they’ve never had a disappointing experience there, which speaks volumes about the venue's reliability. The combination of a fun atmosphere, affordable drinks, and a friendly crowd ensures that it remains a go-to spot for many. It’s not just about the drinks; it’s about the overall experience that Blame Gloria offers, making it a memorable part of the Bristol nightlife scene.

While Blame Gloria has many positives, it’s worth noting a few downsides. Some students feel that while it’s a good spot, it may not be the most exciting venue in Bristol. This sentiment suggests that while the bar is fun and reliable, it may not offer the same level of thrill or variety as other nightlife options. Additionally, a few reviews mention that the venue can get quite busy, particularly on weekends, which might lead to a less intimate experience. For those looking for a quieter night out, this could be a consideration. However, many students appreciate the bustling atmosphere as part of the charm of Blame Gloria.

Overall, Blame Gloria is best suited for students who are looking for a fun, affordable, and social environment. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a lively night out with friends, where they can dance, chat, and enjoy creative cocktails without the stress of high prices. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Bristol, Blame Gloria is worth checking out for its vibrant energy and welcoming crowd.

In terms of practical tips, here are a few things to know before heading to Blame Gloria. First, it’s a good idea to arrive early on weekends if you want to secure a good spot, as the bar can fill up quickly. Second, keep an eye out for any themed events or specials, as these can enhance your experience and make your visit even more enjoyable. Third, the bar has a nice smoking area, which is appreciated by those who smoke. Fourth, while the staff are generally noted to be friendly and efficient, being polite and patient can go a long way, especially during busy hours. Lastly, don’t forget to check their social media or website for any updates on events or promotions, as they often have something exciting happening.

Overall, Blame Gloria is a solid choice for students looking to enjoy a night out in Bristol. With its fun atmosphere, affordable prices, and friendly crowd, it checks all the boxes for a memorable evening with friends.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively atmosphere perfect for socializing and having fun.
  • Reasonably priced drinks, making it budget-friendly for students.
  • Friendly crowd that makes it easy to meet new people.
  • Quick-moving queues and efficient staff enhance the experience.
  • Consistent positive experiences reported by students.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • May not be the most exciting venue compared to other nightlife options.
  • Can get quite busy, especially on weekends, leading to a less intimate experience.
  • Some students feel it lacks variety in entertainment.
  • Not open every day of the week, limiting options for spontaneous visits.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun, affordable night out with a vibrant atmosphere.

💡 Things to Know

  • Arrive early on weekends to secure a good spot as it can get busy.
  • Look out for themed events or drink specials to enhance your experience.
  • The venue has a nice smoking area for those who smoke.
  • Being polite and patient with staff can improve your experience, especially during peak hours.
  • Check social media for updates on events and promotions.

❓ Common Questions

What is Blame Gloria like?

Blame Gloria is a lively bar known for its fun atmosphere, affordable drinks, and friendly crowd, making it a popular spot for students.

Is it good value?

Yes, students frequently mention that drinks are reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly option for nights out.

When do students go to Blame Gloria?

Students tend to visit Blame Gloria on weekends, especially Saturday afternoons and evenings when the atmosphere is lively.

What kind of crowd can I expect?

You can expect a friendly and social crowd, with many students looking to have a good time and meet new people.

Are there any themed events?

Yes, Blame Gloria often hosts themed events and specials, so it’s worth checking their social media for updates.

Blame Gloria  — student bar photo
Reviews
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Crowds remain lively and welcoming, while the cleanliness impresses me every time I visit. it’s nice to know that some places value upkeep just as much as a fun night out.
By user527873 (Bristol) on Jul 27th 2026
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Value for money really stands out at blame gloria, making nights feel worthwhile.
By user917840 (Bristol) on Jul 20th 2026
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The quirky decor and vibrant colours at this place make it feel like you're in another world. Even on a weeknight, the lively vibe here is surprising since so many spots feel dead outside of weekends. It brought the energy I needed, and I couldn't wait to grab a drink after long hours in the studio.
By user560936 (Bristol) on Jul 15th 2026
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Blame Gloria feels like a spot where everyone has put in some thought, from the décor to the playlist. It’s nice knowing that people actually care about creating a fun atmosphere for a night out.
By user249305 (Bristol) on Jul 9th 2026
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The queue here was a bit longer than I anticipated, but once inside, the music was a pleasant surprise with its vibrant energy.
By user553912 (Bristol) on Jul 1st 2026
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What a surprise to find such eclectic decor here, with mismatched furniture and quirky art creating an inviting and fun vibe. I anticipated the usual bar scene, but the lively atmosphere was a delightful twist. Everyone seemed to just let loose and enjoy themselves, and it was so refreshing that I ended up staying way longer than I planned, just soaking it all in.
By user112514 (Bristol) on Jun 25th 2026
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Blame Gloria is where you can unwind without any pretentious vibes. I met some great people there, all just wanting to enjoy the music and laugh, which was a nice break from all those hours spent in the studio.
By user210428 (Bristol) on Jun 18th 2026
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Crowd was a bit younger than I expected, which made it harder to find my friends at times, but we still had a decent night.
By user397282 (Bristol) on Jun 12th 2026
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Decent music and a lively crowd make this place a fun choice for a night out. While I enjoyed the atmosphere, the drinks felt a bit pricey, so I’m torn about whether I'd return anytime soon.
By user915357 (Bristol) on Jun 5th 2026
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The retro decor in this place immediately catches your eye, creating a backdrop that's a quirky throwback rather than just another bar. It's so refreshing to be in an environment where the ambiance sparks creativity, especially on nights when studio work feels endless. 🎨
By user619712 (Bristol) on May 26th 2026
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Blame Gloria's music playlist is unbeatable 🎶, always keeping things lively with its eclectic range from timeless classics to today's hits. The ever-changing tunes make every visit a fresh and exciting experience that I can't resist coming back to.
By user654999 (Bristol) on May 19th 2026
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Blame Gloria exceeded my expectations with its vibrant energy. The mix of eclectic music and a lively crowd had me eager to dive in and experience it all.
By user371435 (Bristol) on May 12th 2026
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Location here is surprisingly dynamic, with an energy that draws in a diverse crowd. I've found it refreshing to see how many people are out and about, adding a sense of excitement that’s often missing back home.
By user375986 (Bristol) on May 5th 2026
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Here, smiles and good energy seem to be the currency, with the lighting and music combining to create a welcoming vibe. It makes everyone feel right at home.
By user446256 (Bristol) on Apr 23rd 2026
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Finding my groove at blame gloria took a couple of visits but it was worth it. each time i've gone, i've met a mix of people that keep the conversations lively and interesting. it’s turned into a staple weekend spot for unwinding and just letting loose with friends.
By user349075 (Bristol) on Apr 18th 2026
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Walking into blame gloria felt like stepping into a time capsule of pure fun. the retro vibe gave the evening a playful edge, and it was like being instantly wrapped in everyone’s excitement.
By user506107 (Bristol) on Apr 6th 2026
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Blame Gloria has become my weekend hotspot! The music pumps energy into the room, and the drinks are affordable enough to keep the good times rolling without breaking the bank. It’s truly the spot for anyone wanting to unwind and enjoy a lively night out.
By user499571 (Bristol) on Apr 4th 2026
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Blame gloria’s colourful lights bouncing off the retro decor made everything feel alive. bartenders were swift with drinks, so you were never stuck waiting too long, keeping the energy flowing nicely throughout the night.
By user554006 (Bristol) on Mar 30th 2026
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Bartenders here have some kind of magic with drinks. they remember your order even on the busiest nights and somehow always make them taste just right. makes everything feel a bit more personal and memorable.
By user974642 (Bristol) on Mar 24th 2026
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Didn't expect the retro-rock decor to be so perfectly done when I first walked into Blame Gloria. it was like stepping back in time, but with all the energy and buzz of a modern night out.
By user232699 (Bristol) on Mar 19th 2026
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Definitely planning to return since gloria’s has this magical way of making you forget about everything else. love the mix of retro vibes and a lively crowd that just seems to never run out of energy. next weekend is already on the calendar because there's just no place like it for letting loose after a week buried in textbooks.
By user192786 (Bristol) on Mar 14th 2026
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Remember the first time stumbling into Blame Gloria thinking it was just another generic bar, but every visit since has proven it anything but. once you get used to the flamboyant decor and the lights flashing just right, it feels like a second home where every song is a throwback to your wildest nights out. it’s like finding comfort in the chaos 😊
By user222087 (Bristol) on Mar 4th 2026
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Music gets everyone moving and the crowd's always up for a laugh. didn't have to wait long for drinks which is a massive plus when it's packed. it just all clicks together, making it my go-to when I want to celebrate.
By user943811 (Bristol) on Feb 9th 2026
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Expected something fun, but didn't realise just how lively it would be. the energy at Blame Gloria seriously caught me off guard in the best way possible. it felt like everyone there was completely in sync with the music, which made the whole night unforgettable.
By user627405 (Bristol) on Feb 1st 2026
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Even on the busiest nights, this place maintains a smooth flow, thanks to the skilled staff who are masters at mixing up a storm behind the bar. The buzzing energy is infectious, and it feels like home with friendly faces all around. Whether you're enjoying a perfectly poured pint or a creative cocktail, there's always a sense of camaraderie.
By user954156 (Bristol) on Jan 25th 2026
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Blame Gloria delivers with its buzzing retro vibe and cool crowd. It's the perfect spot for sparking new conversations, thanks to its eclectic atmosphere. If you're up for meeting people, this place won't disappoint. 👌
By user819932 (Bristol) on Jan 19th 2026
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Blame Gloria offers a night out that won't drain your wallet, which is always a win. The place has an easygoing vibe, thanks in part to the relaxed crowd. I ended up in conversations with a few friendly students, and it felt like a casual hangout with friends.
By user836956 (Bristol) on Jan 14th 2026
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No wait times make this place stand out. The music kept us moving, though it was a bit too loud at times. Unlike other spots, it never felt rushed or overcrowded here, and the staff maintained a truly relaxed vibe.
By user539117 (Bristol) on Jan 10th 2026
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Didn’t expect to find such a buzzing spot like blame gloria right in the heart of bristol.
By user981130 (Bristol) on Jan 4th 2026
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Ambiance is straight out of a 70s rock dream, but with a modern crowd. 🎵
By user756782 (Bristol) on Dec 31st 2025
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Everyone just got up and started dancing when the DJ hit the right beat 🎵
By user336062 (Bristol) on Dec 24th 2025
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Blame Gloria is bursting with energy and has a retro-rock vibe that makes it a standout spot in Bristol! 🎸 It's such a cool place to hang out with friends. If they could just dial back the volume a bit, it would be even better for having a chill chat.
By user258723 (Bristol) on Dec 19th 2025
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People at Blame Gloria really know how to have a good time. it feels like everyone just lets loose and embraces the night. you'd see a mix of students and locals, all mingling and making for a really energetic vibe.
By user811306 (Bristol) on Dec 14th 2025
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Music was way too loud at times, like you could feel it in your chest. hard to have a conversation without shouting
By user701642 (Bristol) on Dec 8th 2025
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Staff at Blame Gloria genuinely seem to enjoy themselves, which makes a night there even better. everyone's up for a chat if you're at the bar and they manage the crowds with ease. it's a place where you never feel rushed, no matter how busy it gets.
By user684942 (Bristol) on Dec 2nd 2025
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Doesn't take long after stepping inside to realize it's leagues ahead of other bars in Bristol. the retro-rock vibes just set the mood perfectly and everyone's just vibing. you might not remember all the details by morning, but that's what makes a night here worth it.
By user864639 (Bristol) on Dec 1st 2025
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Blame Gloria stands out with its uniquely retro-rock vibe which offers a fresh twist compared to typical Bristol bars.
By user538764 (Bristol) on Dec 1st 2025