The Gryphon, Bristol – 32 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Gryphon -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 32 user ratings

41 Colston St, Bristol BS1 5AP, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:30 PM, Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:30 PM, Thursday: 4:00 – 11:30 PM, Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Saturday: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Sunday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

The Gryphon, located at 41 Colston Street in Bristol, is a well-loved venue among students from the University of Bristol, known for its unique blend of real ales and heavy metal vibes. Since opening its doors in 2010, this pub has established itself as a go-to spot for those who appreciate alternative music and a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're looking to unwind with friends or kick off a night out, The Gryphon offers a welcoming environment that keeps students coming back for more.

The atmosphere at The Gryphon is frequently described as lively and energetic, making it an ideal place for socializing. Students often mention that it strikes a great balance between being lively enough to have fun without being overwhelmingly chaotic. Many reviews highlight how the venue has a unique energy, with each night feeling like an event waiting to happen. This dynamic environment is perfect for those who enjoy a good laugh and some light-hearted chaos, as it creates a space where memorable moments are made with friends.

Music plays a significant role in the overall experience at The Gryphon. The pub is known for its excellent selection of tunes, with students praising the DJs for their ability to keep the energy high throughout the night. The music ranges from heavy metal to various alternative genres, catering to a diverse crowd that appreciates different styles. Many students have noted that the music enhances the overall vibe, making it easier to let loose and enjoy the night. The Gryphon is not just a pub; it’s a venue where the music elevates the experience, ensuring that there's never a dull moment.

When it comes to drinks, The Gryphon is recognized for its selection of real ales and reasonably priced beverages. While some students mention that it's not the cheapest spot in town, many agree that the prices are friendly for students, especially compared to other venues nearby. This aspect is often highlighted as a significant positive, as it allows students to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The pub also features a smoking area that is well-rated, providing a comfortable space for those who smoke, which adds to the overall convenience of the venue.

The queue and entry experience at The Gryphon are generally well-received. With a high rating for queue management, students find that they don’t have to wait long to get inside, which is a definite plus on busy nights. The quick service from the friendly staff is often mentioned in reviews, making the entry experience smooth and hassle-free. However, it’s worth noting that the service can get hectic during peak times, so it may take a little longer to get drinks when the pub is particularly busy.

Student reviews consistently reflect a positive sentiment about their nights at The Gryphon. Many describe it as a perfect spot for pre-drinks that can easily transition into a full night out. The venue is praised for its ability to foster a friendly atmosphere, where students can catch up, dance, and enjoy each other's company. The Gryphon is also recognized for its safety, with many students feeling comfortable and secure while enjoying their time there. The diverse crowd adds to the lively ambiance, ensuring there's always a good mix of people to meet and socialize with.

While The Gryphon has many strengths, it’s important to consider some of its weaknesses as well. Although the atmosphere is generally lively and engaging, some students have pointed out that it can get a bit chaotic at times, which might not suit everyone. Additionally, while the prices are considered reasonable for students, they may not be the absolute lowest in the area, which could be a drawback for those on a tighter budget. The venue is also not the fanciest place around, which might deter some students looking for a more upscale experience.

In summary, The Gryphon is a fantastic choice for students looking for a fun and friendly night out in Bristol. Its unique blend of music, lively atmosphere, and affordable drinks make it a staple in the student nightlife scene. Whether you’re winding down after classes or gearing up for a night of dancing, The Gryphon has something to offer everyone. It’s a place where students can make lasting memories, enjoy good music, and have a great time with friends. Overall, if you’re in the mood for a relaxed yet vibrant night out, The Gryphon is definitely worth checking out.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively and energetic atmosphere perfect for socializing.
  • Great music selection with DJs who keep the energy up.
  • Reasonably priced drinks, friendly for student budgets.
  • Quick and friendly service from staff, especially on quieter nights.
  • Diverse crowd that adds to the lively vibe, making it easy to meet new people.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get chaotic during peak times, which may not suit everyone.
  • Not the cheapest option in the area, though still affordable.
  • Service can slow down on busy nights, leading to longer wait times for drinks.
  • The venue is not particularly fancy, which might disappoint some looking for upscale options.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun, relaxed atmosphere to enjoy with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • The Gryphon has a relaxed dress code, so casual attire is suitable.
  • Try to arrive early to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.
  • The music style varies but leans towards alternative and heavy metal.
  • Perfect for pre-drinks that can transition into a full night out.
  • Check their website for any special events or themed nights.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Gryphon like?

The Gryphon is a lively pub known for its friendly atmosphere, great music, and unique blend of real ales.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally well-rated, with students reporting minimal wait times, especially on quieter nights.

Is it good value?

While not the cheapest spot, many students find the prices reasonable and friendly for their budgets.

What music does The Gryphon play?

The Gryphon features a mix of alternative and heavy metal music, often with live DJs.

Can I smoke at The Gryphon?

Yes, there is a well-rated smoking area available for those who smoke.

Reviews
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Easy to have a good time, but not so crazy that you can't hear yourself think
By user710008 on Mar 25th 2026
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A good spot for hanging out with mates
By user105694 on Mar 21st 2026
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Not the cheapest spot but a solid place to hang out for ages. wouldn't want to switch it for somewhere cheaper, honestly.
By user719337 on Mar 13th 2026
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The atmosphere's always lively, which can be a plus or a minus depending on how you feel that night
By user865420 on Mar 9th 2026
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Prices are pretty friendly for students, which is a nice change from some places around here
By user437821 on Feb 26th 2026
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It's a good spot to hang out before going to other places. that's all you really need.
By user763503 on Feb 10th 2026
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One of the highlights of student life – great place to go.
By user215294 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Not perfect but i'd choose it again. always a good crowd and feels safe.
By user491506 on Jan 27th 2026
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Had a blast and looking forward to going back
By user198687 on Jan 20th 2026
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Good spot for a catch-up and a laugh with mates
By user175785 on Jan 15th 2026
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Staff are really friendly and service is quick, which is nice most of the time but can get hectic on busy nights
By user285803 on Jan 11th 2026
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Not perfect but i’d choose it again. it has a cosy feel and the atmosphere is pretty warm.
By user892723 on Jan 6th 2026
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Price is a major win here. it's really affordable for students, which is a nice change.
By user775882 on Jan 2nd 2026
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Just the right amount of chaos without being overwhelming
By user530575 on Dec 26th 2025
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The gryphon has a unique energy. each night feels like it has its own thing going on, which I really dig.
By user486186 on Dec 20th 2025
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Every night feels like an event waiting to happen. the energy here just sticks with you.
By user561904 on Dec 16th 2025
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Not the fanciest place but everyone’s getting into it. people dancing and having a laugh, it’s a good night out.
By user922767 on Dec 10th 2025
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The atmosphere is something else, it's hard to leave without having a blast
By user730813 on Dec 3rd 2025
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People were really into it, just made the night more enjoyable.
By user422220 on Nov 27th 2025
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Started off pretty relaxed but turned into a proper night out. just a good place to hang with mates.
By user873332 on Nov 22nd 2025
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Laughing all night is pretty much a guarantee here. the atmosphere just makes it easy to have a good time.
By user457218 on Nov 14th 2025
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Perfect spot for pre’s that turn into an actual night out
By user306973 on Nov 7th 2025
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Always a diverse crowd which makes it lively. no drama to deal with, just enjoying the night
By user156999 on Oct 28th 2025
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The DJ knew how to keep the energy up and the music was really good. little things like that make the night better.
By user972441 on Oct 25th 2025
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Definitely one of the best student nights I’ve been to.
By user863748 on Oct 22nd 2025
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It's a spot for making memories with your mates. you’ll always find a good crowd there.
By user722684 on Oct 18th 2025
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Good spot for student nights, would tell friends to check it out.
By user358949 on Oct 15th 2025
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Fun, affordable and safe, ideal for a student night out.
By user656430 on Oct 11th 2025
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Music was really good and the staff were friendly. it all made for a nice atmosphere.
By user579291 on Oct 6th 2025
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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By user335481 on Oct 1st 2025
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Always end up having a great laugh here with friends.
By user333490 on Sep 26th 2025
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Really enjoyed the night – will definitely be going back.
By user531586 on Sep 19th 2025
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By user551631 on Apr 29th 2025