The Rising Sun, Bristol – 19 Verified Student Reviews 🍻
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The Rising Sun -
The Rising Sun -
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Based on 19 user ratings
21 Ashton Rd, Ashton Gate, Bristol BS3 2EA, United Kingdom
💬 What Students Say
The Rising Sun is a vibrant pub located at 21 Ashton Rd, Ashton Gate, Bristol, just a short walk from the University of Bristol. This venue is particularly popular among students looking for a relaxed place to unwind after a long week of studies. With its friendly atmosphere and welcoming vibe, The Rising Sun has become a favored spot for many, making it a go-to choice for students seeking a night out. The pub is highly rated, especially for its music selection, which consistently receives praise for keeping the energy high and the dancefloor lively. Music is undoubtedly a key highlight here, with students frequently mentioning how the tunes keep the good times rolling throughout the night. The Rising Sun plays a diverse mix of music that caters to various tastes, ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy. Whether you're into pop, indie, or electronic beats, you can expect to hear tracks that will keep you moving and engaged. This focus on good music is a significant draw for many students, and it’s a big reason why The Rising Sun has a loyal following. The atmosphere is often described as relaxed and inviting, making it an ideal setting for both socializing with friends and meeting new people. Many patrons appreciate the balance between a lively environment and a space that allows for conversation. The decor is casual and comfortable, which adds to the overall appeal, creating a place where students can truly feel at home. In terms of drinks, The Rising Sun is praised for its reasonable prices, which is a major plus for students on a budget. Reviewers have noted that the drink prices are fair and do not break the bank, making it easier to enjoy a night out without financial stress. This affordability, combined with a decent selection of beverages, makes it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a night out without overspending. Students have highlighted that the drink deals are decent, and queues are usually manageable, which is a big plus when you're looking to grab a drink quickly and get back to enjoying the night. The crowd is generally described as chill, with many students appreciating the vibe that The Rising Sun cultivates. It’s a place where you can enjoy a laid-back evening without the overwhelming hustle and bustle that can sometimes characterize nightlife venues. The pub tends to get busy on weekends, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, when students are looking to kick back and enjoy the weekend. However, even during peak times, many reviews suggest that the atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming, making it a comfortable space to enjoy your time. One of the standout features of The Rising Sun is its commitment to creating a fun and engaging atmosphere, with many students returning for the music and the overall experience. The venue strikes a good balance between being lively and not overwhelming, allowing for enjoyable conversations while still soaking in the beats. It suits students looking for a place to relax with friends, enjoy good music, and have a few drinks without the pressure of a more intense nightlife scene. However, while The Rising Sun has many positives, there are a few downsides to consider. Some students have mentioned that while the vibe is generally great, the space can feel a bit cramped during peak hours, which might detract from the relaxing atmosphere that many seek. Additionally, while the music selection is praised, there may be nights when it doesn’t cater to everyone's individual tastes. It's also worth noting that while the prices are reasonable, some students may still find themselves wishing for more extensive drink specials or promotions, especially during busy nights. Overall, The Rising Sun is a solid choice for students at the University of Bristol looking for a friendly pub atmosphere with great music and reasonably priced drinks. Whether you're stopping by for a quick drink after class or planning a night out with friends, this venue is sure to provide a welcoming and enjoyable experience. With its chill vibe and focus on good music, it’s easy to see why The Rising Sun has become a popular hangout among students in the area.
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✅ What Students Love
- Great music selection that keeps the energy high and the dancefloor lively.
- Friendly and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for socializing.
- Reasonably priced drinks, making it budget-friendly for students.
- Chill vibe that strikes a balance between lively and relaxed.
- Decent crowd, with manageable queues, especially during busy nights.
🎯 Best For
Students looking for a relaxed pub atmosphere with good music and affordable drinks.
💡 Things to Know
- The Rising Sun is located close to the University of Bristol, making it easily accessible for students.
- It tends to get busy on weekends, particularly Fridays and Saturdays.
- Expect a mix of music genres that cater to various tastes.
- The pub has a casual decor, creating a comfortable space for students.
- Drink prices are fair, but it’s wise to check for any ongoing deals.
❓ Common Questions
What is The Rising Sun like?
The Rising Sun is a vibrant pub known for its friendly atmosphere, good music, and reasonable drink prices.
Is it good value?
Yes, The Rising Sun is praised for its fair drink prices, making it a great option for students on a budget.
When do students go to The Rising Sun?
Students typically visit on weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights, for a relaxed night out.
What type of music do they play?
The venue features a mix of music genres, including pop, indie, and electronic, catering to varied tastes.
Is the atmosphere lively?
Yes, the atmosphere is lively but still allows for conversation, making it a great social spot.
Reviews
1 of 19
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Staff at the rising sun genuinely seem to care about creating a welcoming environment, making it feel like a place where regulars are valued and newcomers can easily find their footing, all with solid wifi.
By user964250 (Bristol) on Jul 25th 2026
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Stumbling upon the quirky drink specials made for some unexpected laughs with friends, which turned an ordinary night into something a bit more memorable.
By user495401 (Bristol) on Jul 18th 2026
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Staff at the rising sun create a welcoming feel, making it refreshing compared to other places in Bristol. they genuinely seem to enjoy what they do, which lifts the atmosphere even on quieter nights and keeps things organized and clean, so you can focus on having a good time.
By user404608 (Bristol) on Jul 11th 2026
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The welcoming, diverse crowd here keeps the energy high all night long. Even when the lively sounds make conversations a bit tricky, that energetic buzz is what makes it truly unforgettable.
By user951459 (Bristol) on Jul 5th 2026
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Wasn't sure what to expect from this place, but the atmosphere felt way more welcoming than I had imagined it would be.
By user512397 (Bristol) on Jun 28th 2026
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This place is all about energetic music that makes you want to dance.
By user795163 (Bristol) on Jun 22nd 2026
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It's always a fresh and diverse crowd here, ensuring each visit feels different. This place is a reliable spot to hang out and let time slip away while making memories with friends. 😊
By user904796 (Bristol) on Jun 15th 2026
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The bass here really brings people together, creating a friendly atmosphere despite the noise. It's a lively spot that makes it easy to strike up conversations in the midst of the chaos. 🎶
By user177431 (Bristol) on Jun 9th 2026
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Making this place a regular stop for me came naturally, thanks to its consistent energy and great music. 🎶
By user208644 (Bristol) on Jun 3rd 2026
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This place manages to keep a lively vibe that makes it easy to enjoy time with friends. Conversations flow naturally without the need to raise your voice.
By user118564 (Bristol) on May 23rd 2026
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The unique decor at this place really stands out and adds such a vibrant feel to the whole experience. Those little details truly make the atmosphere special and set it apart from other places I've been to.
By user608322 (Bristol) on May 16th 2026
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For anyone who enjoys socializing and dancing, this place is ideal. It's known for its energetic vibe and attracts a crowd that's all about having fun and meeting new people. If you're up for a night of letting loose, you'll definitely feel at home here.
By user148299 (Bristol) on May 11th 2026
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The location is fantastic and convenient for managing both classes and workouts. Having a place nearby for a quick lift is incredibly helpful. Although it does get busy at peak times, the atmosphere remains manageable, and the staff ensures everything runs smoothly.
By user812855 (Bristol) on Apr 30th 2026
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Spent a rainy Saturday at the Rising Sun, and the lively chatter was just what I needed to brighten up the day.
By user659479 (Bristol) on Apr 20th 2026
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Sometimes it gets a bit too crowded and finding a seat can be a mission, especially on weekends. wish they had more space to chill but still, it's hard to resist when your mates drag you out for one more pint.
By user389804 (Bristol) on Apr 15th 2026
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I loved how there was a mix of both students and locals around, all just enjoying themselves without any airs. The inclusive vibe made it really easygoing and enjoyable.
By user414437 (Bristol) on Apr 2nd 2026
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The drinks at the Rising Sun are reasonably priced, and the crowd really stands out as genuinely cool, making it a good spot to hang out in Bristol.
By user551745 (Bristol) on Apr 1st 2026
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Walking into the rising sun when it's buzzing with students feels just right. everyone's relaxed and the lively chatter really amps up the place. definitely a top spot when looking for a chill yet vibrant atmosphere.
By user831263 (Bristol) on Mar 30th 2026
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Stumbled upon live music unexpectedly and it gave the evening a nice twist.
By user790366 (Bristol) on Mar 28th 2026
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