The Bootlegger, Bristol – 33 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Bootlegger — student bar photo

The Bootlegger -

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Based on 33 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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Initially, I expected it to be cramped and chaotic, but the vibe here was surprisingly chill. The staff kept everything running smoothly, and everyone was so welcoming, making the experience much better than I anticipated.
By user531159 (Bristol) on Jul 22nd 2026
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The Bootlegger really feels like a whole different world from home, especially with everyone dancing around like it's a carefree celebration.
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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Walked into The Bootlegger on a Saturday night and instantly felt a great atmosphere. The crowd seemed to be having a blast, and the place had a good energy overall.
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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I expected just another bar when I walked in, but I found a scene full of interesting people instead. The variety in music kept everything lively, and I ended up dancing with strangers who quickly became friends. After long hours in the studio, the energy here gave me a real boost, making those late nights truly worth it.
By user737871 (Bristol) on Jun 18th 2026
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The anticipation grew while waiting in line, as laughter and lively tunes filled the air. It was a promise of a great time ahead! 🎉
By user660275 (Bristol) on Jun 12th 2026
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This place is packed with people and laughter, creating an electric atmosphere that draws you in. It's hard not to get caught up in the lively conversations that fill the space.
By user447386 (Bristol) on Jun 5th 2026
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At the Bootlegger, you'll love the unique vintage decor that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time. The live music brings an energetic vibe, and the crowd is always an interesting mix, making it a lively spot to enjoy a drink and some good company.
By user990940 (Bristol) on May 26th 2026
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The friendly crowd here always makes me feel welcomed and adds a nice touch to my nights out.
By user511138 (Bristol) on May 19th 2026
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The Bootlegger's consistently delivers a good time. It's a reliable spot for hanging out with friends, and I keep coming back without any regrets.
By user486207 (Bristol) on May 12th 2026
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The Bootlegger stands out with its live jazz, transforming any evening into something memorable.
By user910593 (Bristol) on May 11th 2026
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The Bootlegger really nails it when it comes to offering a great night out without breaking the bank! It's not the most upscale place, but that's part of the charm. Perfect spot to kick back with friends, enjoy the vibes, and just have a blast without worrying about spending too much. 🎉
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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The lively vibe at this place is definitely a draw, making it a spot I want to return to often. The staff keep everything tidy, which adds to the appeal. 🙌
By user443724 (Bristol) on Apr 29th 2026
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The staff here are consistently attentive, ensuring drinks are served promptly, which lets everyone relax and enjoy their night.
By user130815 (Bristol) on Apr 27th 2026
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This place turned out to be a pleasant surprise! Expected a rowdy student hangout, but it was actually pretty chill with a great mix of folks enjoying themselves and chatting.
By user213942 (Bristol) on Apr 23rd 2026
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Spending time here is always a blast thanks to its laid-back vibe and easygoing crowd. Plus, getting served at the bar is 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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The Bootlegger is great for hanging out and having conversations without any distractions. The lighting is just right — not too dark or too bright. Plus, the music complements the vibe without being overwhelming, so it's easy to chat with friends between sets. 😊
By user454448 (Bristol) on Apr 13th 2026
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My friends recommended it for a night out, and they were spot on. The drinks are reasonably priced, so you can enjoy your evening without spending too much.
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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Meeting both local and international students here keeps conversations engaging. The crowd is pretty laid-back, and folks are up for a chat, which adds to the relaxed environment. It's refreshing that this place isn't trying to be pretentious; people are just looking to enjoy a night out without any drama.
By user999559 (Bristol) on Apr 11th 2026
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Getting inside here was easy, even though it was really busy, which was a relief. The whole atmosphere kept us energized right until closing time. Plus, the music was unexpectedly good, much better than what you'd typically find at uni bars. 🎶
By user478714 (Bristol) on Apr 10th 2026
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This place has a lively and inviting atmosphere with music that’s quite enjoyable. Plus, the prices are student-friendly, making it an excellent choice for a night out.
By user211637 (Bristol) on Apr 6th 2026
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This place has such a quirky charm! The Prohibition-era decor really sets it apart from your usual spots and creates a laid-back vibe. It's awesome how it attracts a mix of students who are just there to have a good time without any hassle.
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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If you're looking to save some cash while enjoying a night out, The Bootlegger's got you covered. The drinks are much more affordable compared to other spots I've visited around town. It's perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed student atmosphere without the chaos of 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