The Bootlegger, Oxford – 13 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Bootlegger -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 13 user ratings

The Bootlegger Bath, 16 George St, Bath, BA1 2EN

💬 What Students Say

The Bootlegger is a lively student bar located at 16 George St, Bath, making it a popular choice for students from Oxford Brookes University. This venue offers an eclectic mix of vintage and modern decor, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere that students often describe as both cozy and energetic. The combination of these elements makes The Bootlegger an ideal spot for friends looking to catch up, celebrate, or simply enjoy a fun night out. The ambiance is frequently highlighted by patrons as being friendly and welcoming, contributing to its status as a go-to hangout for students in the area.

One of the standout features of The Bootlegger is its vibrant atmosphere, which students frequently mention as a key reason they enjoy visiting. The venue tends to attract a lively crowd, making it a great fit for those looking to socialize and unwind after classes. The upbeat music played here enhances the overall experience, with a selection that caters to various tastes, from current chart hits to beloved classics. Patrons appreciate that the music is lively enough to encourage mingling and dancing, yet not so loud that it drowns out conversation. This balance creates a space where students can enjoy both the energy of a night out and the comfort of catching up with friends.

When it comes to drinks, The Bootlegger is seen as a mid-range venue that provides good value for money, which is a significant factor for students. While specific drink prices are not available, reviews indicate that students find the pricing reasonable, allowing them to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The drink menu likely includes a variety of cocktails, beers, and spirits, catering to different preferences, and students often enjoy experimenting with new cocktails. The positive feedback about the drink selection suggests that there are some creative options worth trying, which adds to the overall appeal of the venue.

Students have noted that getting served at The Bootlegger is generally a smooth experience, particularly during weekdays when the crowd is more manageable. Quick service is appreciated, as it allows patrons to enjoy their time without missing out on the fun. However, it is worth mentioning that busy nights, especially on weekends, may lead to longer wait times at the bar. Despite this, many find that the lively atmosphere compensates for any minor inconveniences, such as navigating through a crowded space.

The crowd at The Bootlegger tends to be diverse, which adds to the venue's charm. Students appreciate that it does not feel overdone or pretentious, making it a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a night out. The mix of vintage and modern decor gives the bar a laid-back yet stylish vibe, and patrons often feel a sense of authenticity in the atmosphere. This authenticity is further enhanced by friendly staff who genuinely seem to enjoy their work, creating a welcoming environment that encourages return visits.

While The Bootlegger has many positive aspects, there are a few downsides to consider. Some students have mentioned that it can get quite busy, particularly during peak hours, which may make it challenging to navigate through the crowd. This can be frustrating when trying to grab a drink or find a spot to sit. Additionally, while the music is generally well-received, there may be times when it becomes too loud for comfortable conversation, especially during particularly lively nights.

Overall, The Bootlegger stands out as a vibrant student bar that successfully combines a lively atmosphere with a welcoming vibe. It suits sociable students looking for a place to unwind and enjoy good music with friends. With its eclectic decor, friendly crowd, and reasonable drink prices, it’s no surprise that this venue has become a favorite among students at Oxford Brookes University. Whether you’re looking to celebrate the end of exams or simply want a relaxed place to catch up with friends, The Bootlegger is definitely worth a visit. Just keep in mind that it can get busy, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid the crowds.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Eclectic mix of vintage and modern decor creates a unique atmosphere.
  • Friendly and welcoming staff enhance the overall experience.
  • Quick service, especially during weekdays, allows for a relaxed visit.
  • Good value for money with a reasonable drink selection.
  • Lively crowd makes it a great place for socializing and mingling.
  • Diverse music selection keeps the energy up and caters to various tastes.

🎯 Best For

Sociable students looking for a lively bar to unwind and enjoy good music with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Expect a diverse crowd, particularly on weekends.
  • Arrive early during busy nights to avoid long queues.
  • Try out the creative cocktails for a unique experience.
  • Look for quieter corners if you need a break from the lively atmosphere.
  • Check out themed nights or special events for added fun.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Bootlegger like?

The Bootlegger is a vibrant student bar known for its eclectic decor and lively atmosphere, popular among Oxford Brookes University students.

Is it good value?

Yes, students find The Bootlegger offers good value for money with reasonable drink prices.

When do students go to The Bootlegger?

Students often visit The Bootlegger during weekdays for a relaxed atmosphere and on weekends for a lively night out.

What kind of music is played?

The venue features a diverse music selection, including upbeat current hits and classic tunes.

Is there a smoking area?

Yes, The Bootlegger has a designated smoking area for patrons.

Reviews
1 of 13
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Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music at the Bootlegger can make or break your night; when it's the right mix, it really gets everyone going. I love how the DJ reads the room and switches it up to keep the energy alive, so you end up dancing more than you expected. Without that, it could just feel like another bar, but the beats keep it lively and fun
By user517443 on May 18th 2026
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Smoking
Getting through the crowd can be a challenge, especially when the dance floor fills up fast. It was a bit annoying trying to wriggle through to grab a drink when everyone’s having a good time. Still, the energy in here makes up for any little hassle, and the music keeps you wanting to stay.
By user899697 on May 11th 2026
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Kind of laid-back but there's a decent selection of drinks at The Bootlegger, so it’s easy to unwind without feeling rushed. worth a visit
By user701549 on May 5th 2026
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Smoking
Crowd at The Bootlegger tends to be lively, making it a great fit for sociable students looking to unwind after classes. If you're keen on mingling and enjoying some upbeat tunes, this bar definitely delivers the kind of atmosphere that keeps the energy up all night.
By user343293 on Apr 29th 2026
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Bootlegger stands out because it never feels overdone like some spots that try too hard. the mix of vintage and modern decor gives it a laid-back charm that feels genuine. whenever i'm there, it's refreshing to see a diverse crowd just enjoying the music instead of flaunting.
By user701371 on Apr 23rd 2026
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Noticed that despite its popularity, there's always a quiet corner to escape to if you need a quick breather. it's a nice balance, really, where the music never drowns out your thoughts. i reckon i'd head back for a night where you can have a proper laugh without feeling overwhelmed.
By user114415 on Apr 18th 2026
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Smoking
Noticed how the mixture of vintage and modern decor makes it feel inviting, plus no long queues to get in was a nice surprise. worth a visit if you're out with mates.
By user934755 on Apr 13th 2026
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Took a few visits to get used to, but now it feels like a regular spot.
By user193299 on Apr 9th 2026
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Getting used to the quirky blend of vintage and modern decor at The Bootlegger took a couple of visits, but now it feels like a second home. once you settle in, the eclectic atmosphere really grows on you. prices are reasonable enough that you won't feel out of place if you're just there for a chilled night with friends.
By user980939 on Apr 6th 2026
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Smoking
Staff here are genuinely nice and seem to enjoy what they do, which makes the whole atmosphere feel relaxed. i had a good time chatting with the bartender, and it didn’t feel like they were just going through the motions.
By user889639 on Apr 5th 2026
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Cleanliness
Music
Price
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Smoking
Adjusting to The Bootlegger over the past few weeks has been pretty smooth. it's got this mix of quirky decor and laid-back vibes that makes it feel familiar after a while. music's consistently decent, and while the drinks aren't mind-blowing, they're just right for unwinding.
By user201047 on Apr 4th 2026
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Smoking
Found it much more relaxed compared to other spots i've been to around town. getting served quickly was a nice change, so i didn't miss out on any of the fun.
By user703109 on Apr 1st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed how the bartenders seem to genuinely enjoy what they do, even getting in on the music whenever they can. it makes the whole place feel alive and more authentic, like you're catching a glimpse of something real amidst the usual student buzz.
By user864087 on Mar 30th 2026