Surely the best hidden gem Bristol has to offer…read more Its not often Sam N and I find ourselves in the very centre of Bristol. Historically the haven of neon bars, scantly dressed girls and hot headed lager louts. However, to be fair, the centre has changed somewhat in recent years, and while those places still exist, there are a lot more reasons to visit the centre than to avoid it these days. Smoke and Mirrors lies on Denmark street, a seemingly uninteresting road just beside the hippodrome and the main cluster bars, chicken shops and kebab houses. Its, almost clandestine, location suits it perfectly and it just wouldn't have quite the same amount of charm if it was anywhere else. It labels itself as a theatre pub and I guess thats as a fair description as any. I fell in love with it as soon as I entered. It just feels like a hidden gem immediately, even before you are struck by all the quirkiness that lies within. Quirkiness aside, the place itself is a rather old fashion, small, but quint pub. The whole place is an oxymoron in as much as the very fact that it doesn't try to be 'cool' makes it one of the coolest places I know. Despite its small size there has been live music several times we've been there. Its a very non offensive variety of live music, the kind you can get involved with, enjoy as a backdrop or ignore completely. I feel like there are few places left like this, where you can drink to the backdrop of live music rather than it being so in your face. Last time we were there we had an absolute blast shouting endless requests at the guitarist, who indulged every one of them. He was so good we grabbed a card off him. The bar itself serves all manner of fairly mainstream drinks, it would perhaps be more fitting for it to serve one or two local drinks from the many of the firmly established local breweries bristol has to offer. There is a happy hour on cocktails, my recollection of such times is understandably hazy. They also have a rather tasty array of bar snacks. The scotch eggs and sausage rolls are really rather lovely and basically mean that you never have to leave :) Not surprisingly its a Saturday evening is when its at its peak, and can get rather busy, however it does so without ever feeling too busy, perhaps this is down to the magicians that roam through the crowd blowing everyones minds with various card tricks. Its great fun and never feels over the top. It just adds to the mood, and one of the many compounding factors that make it such a special place in my eyes. There is a small room the back which they use for intimate shows, the dates of which they mix up a bit. It appears that generally Monday it is an open mic comedy night where as Fri and Sat usually hold performances from the house magicians. However they are frequented by special guests so I guess its worth keeping an eye on the events calender. All in all, smoke and mirrors is a great place to go and by far my favorite place in central Bristol.

This is such a lovely spot for a pub, and The Old Duke has been here for absolutely ages. They…read moreshare an outside courtyard with the Llandoger Trow opposite, and I found it so cute when I saw that they identified their pubs glasses by allocated paint spots at the bottom of the glasses. The Old Duke is a jazz pub, and they have so many nights on every week with different live acts. You get the feel of this immediately when you walk in, with all the posters and newspaper cuttings stuck to the walls. Unfortunately I've never managed to catch a live act here - I've seen them set up enough times though, but seem to have always had to rush off before the band starts! This pub is great to hang out, whether it is in the courtyard in the afternoon or sitting snugly inside at night.

This pub gets crowded, hot, and loud - but, with very good reason: everyone wants to be here…read more Located down on the waterfront just along from the Old Vic Theare, it's a classic old pub that has become legendary among jazz and live music fans. Named after Duke Ellington, the pub lives and breathes jazz music which is on offer every evening during the week and on Sunday lunchtimes. Take a trip here for the atmosphere; sit and gaze up at the ceiling papered with old concert posters, grab a drink from the extremely friendly bar staff, and hear some of the best toe-tapping blues and jazz around - free of charge. Crowds tend to spill out onto the cobbles of King Street during the interval, especially in the summer months. It's an absolute must-visit for any fan of jazz and old traditional pubs. You'll soon forget the fact that you're jammed shoulder-to-shoulder with a hundred other people all trying to get to the bar; the live music and atmosphere more than make up for that.

This brand new club (opened February 2009) should be scoring a perfect 5 out of 5 as a club and it…read moreis surprising what lets it down... Let's start where it is great : 1. The owners are really passionate about music and clubbing. 2. It is in the town centre but tucked away near the Hatchett and opposite the Queenshilling so the out-of-towner crawls can't find it. 3. It has friendly door staff. 4. It is small and like a cave. This is a very good thing - superclubs are tedious. There are two rooms plus a bar with plenty of seats, and the main room has a separate bar as well. 5. The bar staff in the main room dance. This means they like working there. 6. The crowd is friendly and sometimes this is used as a late night drinking spot by the gay crowd at the Queenshilling which makes it friendlier still. 7. They get a wide range of music and some of the hottest talent. This sometimes includes techno - proper techno. Not 'we'll say it's techno but it's actually hard trance' techno. Techno. So what's the problem? It's the sound system. It's fantastic, crisp and clear and loud. Too loud. There are moments near the end of the night as the volume is pushed a little where your teeth rattle and you can feel your brain pushing against the side of your head. Everyone leaves the dance floor and stand in the corridor waiting for it to change tune to something with less bass and goes back on again yet the owners/sound system guys just don't get the hint. So a small thing which hopefully can change. Check it out but be prepared for the bass!

This club has a certain 'laissez faire' quality to it. Small, dark and cavernous it's the sort of…read moreplace where anything goes once you're in. I've been to a few different nights here, and they've all been pretty good. If you're into house and electro, I'd recommend you sample Duvez Vous, a regular night hosted by the club, which tends to attract a good crowd of party people. And if you're a bit of a dirty stop-out, you'll be pleased to know that Basement 45 is blessed with a late license, meaning that parties such as Duvez Vous go on until 8am. My only criticism of this club is that the sound system tends to be a little bit on the quiet side (you can just about hold a conversation on the dance floor without having to raise your voice - that ain't right!) But if you're looking for a place to go and let your hair down, without fear of judgement or compulsory dress codes, Basement 45 is definitely worth a trip.

I just love independent community theatre companies like this!…read more They've been running since 1996, and they have one major production each year as well as smaller events. They're really friendly and welcoming to anybody who fancies finding out more about it and joining. Their next and upcoming production will be 'Bad Girls' the musical, booked into the theatre at Filton College in October. In fact it's not too late to get involved in this production if you like the idea of it! Tickets are reasonably priced.

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The Tunnels is an exciting new 360 capacity venue with an enviably unique location. Occupying two…read moregrade one listed railway arches, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunnel, and tucked neatly beneath Bristol Temple Meads central railway station, The Tunnels must be Bristol's most easily accessed nightspot. Not only is it serviced by comprehensive bus and rail transport, almost to the door, there is also, unusually for Bristol, a wealth of free parking immediately in front of the venue, all under the watchful eye of The Tunnels security team. And there can't be too many venues that can boast about having a taxi rank on their roof! Opened in October 2009 this venture has been conceived and realised in the peak of a global recession, showing that creator Gareth Chilcott has the courage to match his ambitions. It's perhaps not surprising considering the achievements of this Bristol-born iconic personality. Sporting his trademark headband, Chilcott, better known as Cooch, made over 400 first team appearances for Bath RFC and was capped for England 22 times between 1984 and 1990. The sweatband that protected Cooch from the telltale condition 'cauliflower ear' throughout his rugby career enjoyed a new incarnation after he hung up his boots and launched Headband Ltd, a hospitality company providing mobile bars to prestigious events around the country. Now considered to be a leading international rugby pundit, Cooch regularly makes celebrity guest appearances, and has graced the stage in a number of regional theatre productions. Resisting the temptation to trade on his name, Cooch branded the venue and launched it without so much as a nod to his former achievements. Caution was inspired by the wholesale media pounding of Mama Stones in Exeter, after Wendy Joseph, (mother of Joss Stone), bought and rebranded The Hub, reopening it as a music venue back in the summer of 2009. This has been a smart move in more ways than one. The Tunnels is the right name for this underground, discretely hidden venue. After visiting it, it is hard to imagine that it could be called anything else. A small doorway, no more than an illuminated dot on a manmade cliff face of blackened rock, is all that betrays the existence of life. The soundproofing is immaculate. Emerging from the dusky car park, lit only by the ambient glow of distant streetlights, the full impact of the scale and industrial grandeur of this rather splendid space hits you with full impact as you step across the threshold. Partially clad in corrugated sheet metal, that gives way to large areas of exposed brickwork, it's clear that the interior has been designed to follow the sweeping lines of the superstructure, a decision that was probably heavily influenced by the ceaselessly stringent stipulations of the Heritage Planning Department, but is one that allows for an optimal use of the space. The layout is intelligent. Although conforming to predetermined dimensions, this is a venue that is custom made for the purpose of delivering quality music to large numbers of people. The first arch, which houses the bar and sprawling lounge, with toilets and smoking area to the rear, has dual access to the performance area running parallel to it. The stage occupies a sizeable portion of the far end of the second arch, allowing the audience to filter, with minimum disturbance, from the side. Disabled access is garnered via a door leading directly from the car park, adjacent to the main entrance. The fact that this leads to a viewing platform that elevates wheelchair bound patrons to a position where they can enjoy great views of the stage is indicative of the thought and consideration that has gone into mapping out the space. This venue is being operated with seeming consummate ease, without a trace of evidence pointing to the problematical process that brought it into being. Cooch had been searching for the right opportunity to put down some roots for several years, but initial attempts to secure a property of the correct proportions were thwarted by costly surveying procedures that resulted in disappointment. "I've always wanted a music venue" he confided, "I looked at the Fleece a couple of years ago, and didn't buy it because of structural problems... And then, after a lot of searching, two derelict arches came up, with a lot of rain, a lot of rats, a lot of dirt and hard work, and, of course, it's a listed building, and so as soon as you touch that you've got to get everything passed by Heritage... But in the end it was worth it. It's a bit quirky. It's a bit different. The acoustics are great, and the bands like playing here. It works." There's no denying that Cooch is right, The Tunnels definitely works, but the timing of the development, with the backdrop of global recession, could hardly be considered ideal. Ever the professional, Cooch takes a philosophical stance... read full review on my blog: http://www.travelpod.com/members/biglove

Described by the NME many years ago as "a floating toilet", the Thekla has thankfully had a few…read moremakeovers since and is now quite possibly the best club and gig venue in Bristol. The downstairs main room is fairly small and generates a great atmosphere, and there are also balconeys overlooking the dancefloor and stage, which are great for gigs. Moving upstairs, there's a decent bar which is open during day times and has a daily happy hour and food offers. On sunny days, though, you're better off taking your pint/burger out on the open air deck, which is heated, has plenty of seating and offers great views across the harbour.

A club on a boat! The Thekla (I don't know if that's the name of the boat as well as the club) is…read moremoored up in Bristol harbour with a few good nights and live music as well. There's no need to worry about sea sickness, the boat doesn't sway or anything. Its over two floors (decks?) and has an outside area at the bow of the ship. The upstairs bar is open all week and the bottom opens for club nights (Socialism, electro-indie on Saturdays is my favourite). Being on a boat, things are a bit crowded, but theres plenty of space on the bottom floor (in the bowls of the ship?) to dance. The staff (bouncers and bar staff) are friendly, and there's always a good atmosphere. There's no premium for floating whilst you drink, with the nights I've been too, priced around a fiver. A novelty that's a good night out too.

The Folk House has a number of fingers in a number of pies. Its main business is adult education -…read moreevening and daytime classes on pretty much everything from languages and writing, singing and music lessons, art and pottery, dance and drama, knitting and self-help. They run their classes in three 'terms' so you can pick a class up every 12 weeks or so, plus they have summer schools and Saturday day classes. I have learnt how to knit and sing in harmony here and enjoyed the mix of people it brings to the classes and the level of knowledge of the tutors. Art from their students is displayed about the place to buy with regularly changing exhibitions.. The House also has strong connections to live music of Bristol - obviously perhaps the folk scene but also blues and jazz. Live music is often on. This also draws in the record fairs every few months. Lastly, and this ties in the comings and goings of the various user groups, there is a cafe with nice food and cake and very good cup of tea. You can use the cafe if you are not attending a class. There is a nice little cobbled courtyard out front and undercover bike racks. The Folk House is signposted on Park Street, but is easy to walk past - you have to duck into an alley next to Nomad (see one of the photos). You can pick up a programme of their events and classes without going all the way in though as it is on the wall at the alley entrance.

Perhaps you're attending an art course at the folk house, or perhaps you've been shopping on Park…read moreStreet - the cafe is a perfect pit stop for those seeking a light lunch and a lovely cup of tea. They dish up homemade local dishes like cauli cheese or shepherd's pie, with crisp fresh salad. What made me drool is the rows of lush-looking cakes - I sampled (just for research purposes obviously) a slice a blackberry crumble flapjack with yoghurt topping - tart and sweet all in one, crunchy and yummy. You're cocooned by bright tribal art (from the courses they run) and afternoon's even offer up a plethora of musicians to lull you while you munch! Its not a load of hippy nonsense, its wholesome, warming and immediately filling - just like mum used to make.

Snappa are a rock band. Snappa do rock covers. That's what they are, that's what they do. These…read morelocal lads just cover classic and modern rock tunes, from Hendrix to the Stereophonics and plenty in between (including Johnny Cash - pretty damn fine). The reason I'm mentioning 'em is that they're just fantastic. I've seen plenty of covers bands in my short life and hopefully will see plenty more, but will they have the exuberance, talent and sense of humour that Snappa seem to exude at every performance? Snappa rocked the crowds silly mine & my hubbie's summer wedding. It was down in Somerset in middle of nowhere - they're willing to travel in their van and get booked up for weddings and parties all summer long, so if you want them book them now. For a two hour live set split with a DJ/disco hour in between they charge £500 (payable on the night). A lot of dosh, but most bands I looked at were atleast twice the price. And how they were worth it - my dad was up on the dancefloor for hours, as was one of our 2 year old guests and all my friends - they're just cracking entertainment for all ages.

One of Bristol's oldest music venues, this intimate pub is a bit of a halfway house where you can…read moresee the wannabes on their way up and the never quite weres coming back down the other side. If you know your stuff you can catch some really big pre-fame names (I saw Radiohead for £3.50 many, many years ago, though once turned down the chance to see some new band called 'Oasis' in favour of watching the footie in a pub down the road). Weekends are dominated by tribute nights, which can be fun if you get the right one, while up-and-coming acts vie for your attention during the week, when there are also cheap drinks offers early in the night. Be warned: when stage diving keep an eye on the pillars as a mate of mine almost knocked himself out at a Moonflowers gig in the early 90s...

Just over the Bristol Bridge from town, The Fleece is a small pub and music venue mostly catering…read moreto the rock scene. The floor is paved with flag stones, convenient if you spill your drink! Probably easier to keep in a decent state with the dancing and moshing that goes on here too. It's on the circuit for small bands trying to get a break. That means the odd act that will be topping the charts in a few years time and not a few bands that definitely won't It's a good space for a band to play, perhaps not quiet enough for singer songwriter type acts. The drinks on offer here aren't too badly priced (and a lot cheaper than the O2 academy, which also has a very dire range on offer, thanks to the corporate sponsorship). Things tend to be a bit calmer here too. Although this might just be because it's not such a big place. A gig here generally gets going towards the end, and their will be the risk of crowddivers falling on you, but I've never been there when things get out of control. If you like live music have a look for a band you know (or a tribute to them) and get a ticket for a good night.