The Open Arms, Bristol – 35 Verified Student Reviews 🍻
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The Open Arms -
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Based on 35 user ratings
Sign in to leave a review24 St Michael's Hill, Bristol BS2 8DX, United Kingdom
💬 What Students Say
The Open Arms, located near the University of Bristol, is a traditional pub known for its quirky charm and welcoming atmosphere. With a focus on creating a cozy environment, it’s an ideal spot for students to gather before heading out for the night or to simply enjoy a laid-back evening with friends. The venue has a distinct local feel, making it a favorite among students who appreciate a friendly crowd and a relaxed vibe.
The atmosphere at The Open Arms is frequently described as lively yet comfortable. Students often mention the good energy and the ability to chat without being overwhelmed by loud music, which adds to the overall enjoyable experience. Reviewers appreciate the mix of people that frequent the pub, creating an inclusive space where everyone feels at ease. The music is consistently praised, with many noting that the playlist is filled with absolute bangers that keep the energy high throughout the night.
While the overall rating stands at 4.2 out of 10, many students highlight the affordability of drinks, which is a rare find these days. This aspect, combined with the vibrant atmosphere, makes it a solid choice for a student night out. The Open Arms is often recommended for those looking to meet new people, as many reviews mention the ease of making friends in this welcoming environment. It’s a place where laughter and good times are guaranteed, making it a memorable spot for social gatherings.
However, it’s worth noting that while the venue has many positive aspects, some students mention that it can get quite busy, particularly on popular nights. This can lead to longer wait times at the bar, so arriving early might be a good idea. Overall, The Open Arms stands out as a brilliant choice for students seeking a fun night filled with good music and friendly faces.
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The atmosphere at The Open Arms is frequently described as lively yet comfortable. Students often mention the good energy and the ability to chat without being overwhelmed by loud music, which adds to the overall enjoyable experience. Reviewers appreciate the mix of people that frequent the pub, creating an inclusive space where everyone feels at ease. The music is consistently praised, with many noting that the playlist is filled with absolute bangers that keep the energy high throughout the night.
While the overall rating stands at 4.2 out of 10, many students highlight the affordability of drinks, which is a rare find these days. This aspect, combined with the vibrant atmosphere, makes it a solid choice for a student night out. The Open Arms is often recommended for those looking to meet new people, as many reviews mention the ease of making friends in this welcoming environment. It’s a place where laughter and good times are guaranteed, making it a memorable spot for social gatherings.
However, it’s worth noting that while the venue has many positive aspects, some students mention that it can get quite busy, particularly on popular nights. This can lead to longer wait times at the bar, so arriving early might be a good idea. Overall, The Open Arms stands out as a brilliant choice for students seeking a fun night filled with good music and friendly faces.
✅ What Students Love
- Friendly and easygoing crowd, perfect for meeting new people.
- Affordable drinks, making it a great value for students.
- Lively atmosphere with a good balance of fun and relaxation.
- Great music that keeps everyone dancing all night.
- Comfortable space that feels welcoming and safe.
⚠️ Things to Note
- Can get busy, leading to longer wait times at the bar.
- Overall ratings suggest there’s room for improvement in cleanliness.
- Some students may find the overall vibe too relaxed for a high-energy night.
🎯 Best For
Students looking for a fun, social atmosphere where they can unwind and meet new friends.
💡 Things to Know
- Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
- Arriving early can help avoid long queues, especially on weekends.
- Expect a mix of music styles, mostly upbeat and danceable tracks.
- The venue welcomes everyone, making it a great spot for spontaneous nights out.
- Check for any special events or themed nights that might be happening.
❓ Common Questions
What is The Open Arms like?
It's a lively pub with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for students looking to socialize.
How long is the queue?
The queue can be longer on busy nights, so arriving early is recommended.
Is it good value?
Yes, drinks are affordable, making it a great spot for students.
What music does The Open Arms play?
The music is upbeat and features a mix of popular tracks that keep the energy high.
Reviews
Overall
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The playlist was unreal, proper student anthems.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 13th 2026
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Such a cool crowd, everyone gets involved.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 9th 2026
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Drinks weren’t overpriced, which is rare these days.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 8th 2026
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Good mix of people and a nice environment.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 7th 2026
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Perfect for meeting up before heading elsewhere.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 6th 2026
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Everyone there was up for a good time.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 5th 2026
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Couldn’t stop laughing all night – pure fun from start to finish!
By Anonymous Student on Mar 4th 2026
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Loved how friendly everyone was, so easygoing.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 26th 2026
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A great local-style spot with a nice feel.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 12th 2026
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Music never disappoints — absolute bangers every time.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 5th 2026
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Good energy and a comfortable space.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 29th 2026
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Everything felt easy and comfortable.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 22nd 2026
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The kind of place where everyone’s smiling.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 17th 2026
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Nice vibe, not too loud, easy to chat.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 13th 2026
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The place always has a buzz, loved it.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 8th 2026
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Perfect balance of fun and relaxed vibes.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 3rd 2026
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Really enjoyed it — would definitely return.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 28th 2025
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The playlist slapped all night long.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 22nd 2025
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Good atmosphere, felt lively and safe.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 18th 2025
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Drinks weren’t overpriced, which is rare these days.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 12th 2025
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Always end up making new friends here.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 5th 2025
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Always end up meeting new people here.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 29th 2025
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So much fun, can’t wait for the next one.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 24th 2025
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Everything just worked perfectly — seamless night.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 17th 2025
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Solid student night – affordable drinks and great vibe.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 9th 2025
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Music was class – couldn’t stop dancing all night!
By Anonymous Student on Oct 31st 2025
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Top place for student nights, highly recommend to others.
By Anonymous Student on Oct 25th 2025
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Would 100% recommend for a spontaneous night out!
By Anonymous Student on Oct 22nd 2025
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Music, atmosphere and people all made it a brilliant night.
By Anonymous Student on Oct 19th 2025
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Always end up having a great laugh here with friends.
By Anonymous Student on Oct 15th 2025
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Brilliant place for making memories with mates.
By Anonymous Student on Oct 12th 2025
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Really enjoyed the night – will definitely be going back.
By Anonymous Student on Oct 7th 2025
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Brilliant place for making memories with mates.
By Anonymous Student on Oct 2nd 2025
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Exactly what you want for a night out – fun, easy and affordable.
By Anonymous Student on Sep 26th 2025
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Had an amazing time here, will definitely be back again!
By Anonymous Student on Sep 21st 2025
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By anonymous on Apr 29th 2025
