Small Bar, Bristol – 38 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Small Bar -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 38 user ratings

31 King St, Bristol BS1 4DZ, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM, Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM, Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM, Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM, Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

💬 What Students Say

Small Bar, located at 31 King St, Bristol, is a popular choice among students at the University of Bristol for a laid-back night out. This venue has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on a welcoming atmosphere and a solid selection of drinks, particularly local beers from the South West. With a total of 30 reviews, Small Bar has garnered a strong reputation, particularly for its music and cleanliness, both rated highly by patrons. The overall vibe is described as friendly and chill, making it easy for students to unwind and connect with others. Whether you're looking to kick back with friends or meet new people, Small Bar offers a space that feels both intimate and lively at the same time.

The atmosphere at Small Bar is often highlighted as one of its strongest features. Many students appreciate the friendly crowd, which contributes to the inviting vibe of the venue. Reviewers frequently mention that it’s a great place to meet interesting people, with many noting that the energy in the room is uplifting. The venue may not be the largest, but it feels alive with a mini-event vibe every night. This sense of community is reinforced by the consistent praise for the staff, who are described as chill and efficient, ensuring that the experience is smooth from entry to exit.

Music is another significant draw for Small Bar, with students often remarking on the quality of the playlists. The selection leans towards popular student anthems, creating an environment where guests can dance and enjoy themselves without the risk of unexpected genre shifts. The music is consistently described as decent, helping to maintain a lively atmosphere throughout the night. This focus on good tunes ensures that patrons can enjoy a night of dancing and socializing, making it a go-to spot for those looking to let loose after a long week of studies.

When it comes to drinks, Small Bar features an impressive selection of 31 taps, showcasing some of the finest beers from local and global breweries. While the prices are noted as being on the higher side for a student venue, many agree that the quality justifies the cost. Reviewers appreciate that the drinks are fairly priced relative to the experience, making it a worthwhile outing even if it’s not the cheapest option available. The venue strikes a balance between affordability and quality, appealing to students who are willing to spend a little more for a memorable night out.

The queue and entry experience at Small Bar also receive positive feedback. Many students mention that the queue moves quickly, which is a significant advantage for those eager to get inside and start their night. The efficient entry process contributes to the overall enjoyment of the venue, allowing guests to avoid long waits that can often dampen the excitement of a night out. This efficiency, combined with the friendly atmosphere, sets the tone for a fun evening right from the start.

Students often share their memorable experiences at Small Bar, with many recounting nights filled with laughter and fun. The venue is described as a place where stories are made, and many leave with fond memories. The combination of good music, friendly faces, and a relaxed vibe creates an environment where students can truly enjoy their time. Whether it’s a chill night with friends or a more lively outing, Small Bar seems to cater well to various moods and preferences.

However, it’s essential to consider some of the potential drawbacks. While many enjoy the atmosphere, some reviews indicate that Small Bar can get crowded, especially on weekends. This might not be ideal for those who prefer a quieter setting. Additionally, while the cleanliness rating is high, the venue is not the fanciest, which may deter some students looking for a more upscale experience. The pricing, while justified by many, could be a concern for budget-conscious students. Lastly, the vibe may vary depending on the crowd each night, meaning that experiences can differ based on who is there.

In conclusion, Small Bar is a solid choice for students at the University of Bristol looking for a night out filled with good music, friendly faces, and quality drinks. Its inviting atmosphere and efficient service make it a popular pick for those wanting to unwind after a busy week. While it may not be the cheapest option, many agree that the experience is worth the price, making it a venue to consider for your next night out in Bristol.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Friendly and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for meeting new people.
  • High-quality music playlists, featuring popular student anthems.
  • Quick-moving queues for efficient entry.
  • Diverse selection of local and global beers on tap.
  • Consistent positive experiences shared by students, with many leaving with great memories.
  • Chill vibe that allows for both relaxing and dancing.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get crowded, especially on weekends, which may not suit everyone.
  • Not the fanciest venue, which might be a turn-off for some.
  • Pricing is on the higher side for a student venue.
  • Atmosphere can vary depending on the crowd each night.
  • Not the largest space, which may feel cramped when busy.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a chill night out with good music and a friendly crowd.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
  • Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.
  • Prices are reasonable for quality drinks, but budget accordingly.
  • Expect a lively atmosphere with a mix of chill and energetic vibes.
  • The music style primarily features student-friendly anthems.

❓ Common Questions

What is Small Bar like?

Small Bar is a chill venue known for its friendly atmosphere, quality music, and a solid selection of drinks.

How long is the queue?

The queue generally moves quickly, allowing for an efficient entry experience.

Is it good value?

While prices are on the higher side, many students feel the experience justifies the cost.

What music does Small Bar play?

The music features popular student anthems, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

Can I meet new people there?

Yes, many students report that the friendly vibe makes it easy to connect with others.

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Reviews
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Small bar is the kind of place you hit up when you want a relaxed vibe with good music and decent drinks. it’s easy to stick around for a few rounds without any hassle from the queue or the crowd.
By user164026 on Apr 5th 2026
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Place is a chill spot for a night out, music's always on point and drinks are decent too. never much of a queue which makes it even better. good vibes and a relaxed crowd, can't really complain .
By user603406 on Apr 3rd 2026
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Music was decent and the vibe was chilled. drinks were fairly priced and the queues were reasonable.
By user203209 on Mar 30th 2026
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Had a blast here, made some proper memories. left with a smile and a lot of stories to tell.
By user153243 on Mar 24th 2026
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Not the fanciest spot but the people are chill. you'll find some friendly faces for sure.
By user897739 on Mar 19th 2026
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Been a few times and the music, drinks, and people are usually all pretty good. just depends on the crowd each night.
By user270446 on Mar 14th 2026
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Met loads of cool people and the music was always decent. made hanging out there really easy.
By user381937 on Mar 9th 2026
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Always a friendly atmosphere which makes it more enjoyable. never felt out of place there
By user607834 on Mar 8th 2026
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Not the biggest place but it feels like a mini event every night. cool tunes and prices that won’t break the bank
By user842457 on Mar 6th 2026
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It's the kind of place where you end up with stories to tell later. that's what makes it special.
By user602932 on Mar 5th 2026
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Honestly one of my favourite spots for a night out.
By user911053 on Mar 4th 2026
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Good mix of chill and chaos — in the best way.
By user435193 on Feb 6th 2026
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Small bar is always a good choice for a night out, there's never a boring moment.
By user693091 on Jan 30th 2026
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Stumbled in and found it to be a chill spot for students with decent prices. would go there again.
By user647901 on Jan 24th 2026
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Nights here always hit the spot with a laid-back crowd just enjoying themselves. it's a chill scene with no pressure to impress.
By user833863 on Jan 19th 2026
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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user488874 on Jan 13th 2026
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Looking back, the music was always solid and the people were cool. can’t ask for much more than that.
By user553610 on Jan 9th 2026
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Had some wild nights that turned into hilarious stories for the next day.
By user858977 on Jan 3rd 2026
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Looking back, it was a good spot to meet new people. the atmosphere made it easy to connect with others.
By user219197 on Dec 30th 2025
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The atmosphere was really uplifting, made the night way better. it’s the kind of place that just gets you in the mood to enjoy.
By user152998 on Dec 24th 2025
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The energy in the room was unreal — loved it.
By user702559 on Dec 19th 2025
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There's always a buzz and the people are really friendly, makes it a cool spot to hang out.
By user880107 on Dec 13th 2025
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Not the cheapest night out but it’s always a solid experience. wouldn’t trade it for a cheaper option.
By user410311 on Dec 6th 2025
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Had a pretty awesome night and wouldn’t change a thing. felt right at home by the end of it.
By user157280 on Dec 1st 2025
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Honestly one of my favourite spots for a night out.
By user987737 on Nov 25th 2025
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Not perfect but i’d choose it again. had some good times and made fun memories.
By user554026 on Nov 18th 2025
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Playlist's all about those student anthems, no random drops into weird stuff. just hits all night long.
By user685054 on Nov 10th 2025
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Queue moves quick and the staff are chill. it’s nice not to wait ages to get in.
By user436523 on Nov 2nd 2025
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One of those nights that just gets better every hour!
By user911929 on Oct 27th 2025
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Been a few times and the crowd's pretty cool, always a good mix of folks around.
By user371505 on Oct 24th 2025
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Location's spot on, and there's always a crowd of interesting people around. makes it easy to meet new mates.
By user905677 on Oct 20th 2025
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Music's really good here, just kept dancing the whole night.
By user582676 on Oct 17th 2025
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Not the fanciest spot but it's perfect for hanging out with friends. good atmosphere and easy to have a laugh
By user488643 on Oct 13th 2025
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Fun, affordable and safe, ideal for a student night out.
By user533182 on Oct 9th 2025
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Always end up having a great laugh here with friends.
By user276839 on Oct 5th 2025
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Really enjoyed the night – will definitely be going back.
By user737944 on Sep 29th 2025
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Not bad but i'd choose it again. good place to relax after classes
By user787487 on Sep 24th 2025
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Had an amazing time here, will definitely be back again!
By user131973 on Sep 16th 2025
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By user486910 on May 1st 2024