whatsapp.... +44 7459 806853 Our notes are 100% grade "A"…read morewith the following quality security features below: Intaglio printing Watermarks Security thread See-through register Special foil/special foil elements Iridescent stripe / shifting colors. Different serial numbers whatsapp.... +44 7459 806853

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

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 is a live music pub with a venerable history. On the tour circuit, The Louisiana has seen many…read morebig acts before they were famous, including the White Stripes and System of a Down. It wears the famous associations lightly though, there is still the atmosphere of being a normal pub where live shows are put on upstairs. I recommend scouring the list of upcoming gigs for a name you like and buying a ticket. Don't go expecting that you'll see the next big thing, though. Just hope for something decent - this place is still small enough for musicians of questionable calibre to get a gig. It's a rock venue, so not smart or swish. Not at all grotty though, the outside has just been given a new lick of paint. Good for a party as well, I remember having a very good New Years here. All in all, The Louisiana is a Bristol fixture and exceptionally good for live music.

This is a pretty decent little pub within spitting distance of the city centre (no mean feat in…read moreitself), though its main claim to fame is the tiny room upstairs, which has put on some of the biggest bands in the world before they hit big (The Killers, The Strokes, etc). I possibly chose badly, having seen The Wombats and Keane here for next to nothing in the past, and while this doesn't afford me massive bragging rights, it's still an undeniable pleasure to see a band who are clearly on the up in sweaty little room with less than 100 other people. The downstairs is also vibrant with a constant flow of gig-goers streaming in and out, and the smoking bit out the front (some benches) have apparently recently been renovated.

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.

This is the pub Start the Bus wishes it was! But never will be because it is run by a greedy,…read morecooperate, money grabbing chain of pubs and bars that squeezes every single penny out of the customer in return for a manufactured sense of an original experience. The Mother's Ruin on the other hand is that brilliant, special night out that you can only have at this pub! They have about three bands play here a week and entry is pretty much always free! None of this £3 here or there, which you know is only going towards paying the bouncer. The drinks are fantastically cheap, like £2 a pint cheap, and they clearly care about good music. The place is understated and perfectly decorated with basically nothing but pictures of the musicians they love. It's interestingly laid out as well over two or three floors with the stage on the top floor, but you can still hear the band playing throughout the whole pub. The staff are lovely and friendly and this is a proper music pub for people who are sick of being ripped off to hear great live music.

They were out of ale (the pump spluttered and died when trying to pour me a pint) and cider (the…read morelast 2 customers served had apparently emptied the barrel prior to my arrival). I settled for a bottled Cider, which was a rather nice organic offering from Westons. Not sure quite what this pub wants to be, but also not quite sure what to think of it (beyond the running out of my key beverages, which is why I have to give it 2). It is shabby, but not in a bad way in my opinion. I do like the name too!

Good honest food. Cool ambience. Nice people. Server was very nice. If you're visiting Bristol,…read morerecommend stopping in for at least a drink. Th food is very good.

This was my first visit to the Grain Barge but I was very disappointed. Yes, the setting is lovely…read more However, the food was awful. Perhaps we were just unlucky with what we ordered, which was farmhouse pie, mash and vegetables, but the mash and gravy were so salty that it made the meal nearly inedible and the pie crust was rock hard. Sadly, I won't be going back.

Sitting half way up Park Street, this place is best know for hosting Klub Kute every Saturday, an…read moreindie night that's been running under various names since before the likes of the Arctic Monkeys were in short skinny jeans. It's largely populated by the growing number of scenesters, who are big on hair and ensuring their sunglasses and tracksuit tops match, but less keen on actually dancing or showing enthusiasm for anything other than themselves. This means it can be a slightly underwhelming experience, the sort of place you end up going if there's nothing better on. However, cosnsidering its central position, it's pretty trouble-free and they put on gigs in the week.

Whether you're a bit too cool for school music or just someone who likes their indie music, then…read moreThe Cooler might be fore you. Half way up Park Street, this is one of Bristol's trendier nights out. Whilst the rest of Park Street seems pretty much set on getting paraletic and stumbling around the clientèle of the cooler (whilst still drinking pretty heavily) like to concentrate on looking cool. They have an indie club night on the weekend and gigs during the week. The gigs are better in my opinion, people dance more here than on the club nights and some live music is usually the right antidote to the indifferent attitude cultivated by some people that come here. Drinks are pretty expensive and when you consider some of the drinks deals you can get on and around Park Street. Maybe head to somewhere like Green House or The Berkeley (if you can bear it) and have a few there before you go here. Pretty stylish with customers to match, The Cooler can be a cool night out and is certainly somewhere if you like the sort of stuff they play.

For the music, the scence and the atmosphere this is one of the best bars I've been to in all of…read morethis fine country. Sure, you'll have to swim through a sea of hipsters and Klaxon-wannabees to get to the bar, but don't let that put you off as Start The Bus is one of the friendliest all around perfect bars you could visit. If you come late expect live acts of considerable talent to be banging on til the wee-est of hours. They've had Switch, MSTRKRFT and Ladyhawke play here in the past, not on a big stage, but just on a platform right by the cracking little dancefloor. If you like electro-indie which I surely do, then you'lll love the sounds here even if all the ironic T-shirts and assymetrical haircuts have you wincing. Aside from the music, the decor is sweet... with cute cartoon designs all around and a lovely red, black and white colour scheme in homeage to London's routemaster buses. There are some of the most comfortable old leather sofas and an assortment of board games for daytime timespending. It's just a shame I don't live anywhere near Bristol

Really is the best alternative bar In Central Bristol , this place really belongs on Gloucester rd…read more!! Wicked ambience for a bar in town . The bar is well stocked and the do have some interesting things on the menu , the pickled onion monster munch burger is always going to be a winner in my mind and the fish finger sandwich are awesome . Me and the Mrs "shared" a piece of salted caramel cheesecake . As any man who's "shared" a dessert with there girlfriend knows you have to get in there quick !! And the couple of crumbs she left me were amazing !! Quite often there is a band on in here , they often surprise you with a good booking such as 'fat white family ' or The horrors doing a dj set . Give it a go...you never know you might enjoy yourself

THEY NEED TO UPDATE THEIR WEBSITE!! No food served as of APRIL 2019. I am giving them 2 stars…read morebecause having the wrong information on their website made our group of 4 massively HANGRY (you know, when you are Hungry + Angry?). I had stopped by the Hatchet Inn as part of our Blackbeard To Banksy -Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour, and beguiled by our Guide's story of it being the oldest pub in Bristol as well as the legend of Blackbeard and its original door being made of human skin, after a day of walking around Bristol, even tho' this pub was a good 15 mins away from our location, we walked back to it to get dinner..only to discover that they no longer served food! We'd gone to their website and it still listed a menu, and when I told the Bartendars that, they responded, yeah, that the website needed to be updated!!! Not a happy camper.... Yelp 159/ 2019

The 'atchet (or Hat Sh*t as it is also known, as of this weekend) is the only 'proper' music pub…read moreleft in Btown, since the Chavs came and bought all the decent pubs and turned them into Chinese Karaoke bars and R 'n' b style lounges. The horror. Basically this pub used to be the perfect before and after spot for anyone watching a gig at the Carling Academy (sorry, O2 Arena or Music Bowl...whatever the hell it is now), but really The Hatchet is so much more. I even saw Badly Drawn Boy do an acoustic set here after a show. Beautiful. Don't expect anyone to smile at you here; it's not that type of crowd. Just keep your head down, tell yourself you're cool enough to be in there, enjoy the music, get your pint of Guinness and sit at a table in the corner somewhere - oh and try not to make eye contact with the skinhead with the skeleton tattoo, you'll know who I mean. At least that's what I do. Seriously great pub though. Check out the DJ every weekend, if you really want to hear great music. Expect at least three Rage tunes a night, The Deftones, The Cure, The Cult...actually I'm going to stop listing bands. They just play the best music in town. Got it? Good.

This is a great live music venue. If you're a fan of small, intimate gigs, then this place is it…read more No chairs, no snobbery- this is a place to get rocking. There is a back bar away from the stage in another area, where you can chat with mates and get a drink before entering the main hall bit, where there are two other bars! One at the back of the main hall, which is obvious upon entering; and the other quite well hidden under the stairs. There is one upper level that provides some standing space to see better the live acts. Most recently, i watched La Roux play here, which was awesome. The vibes here are great, and you really get quite a close up of the artist you're here to see, even if you're stuck at the back or upstairs, which is what I want when I go for a gig. Way better compared to those huge venues where you're so far away from the stage that you might as well be watching the gig on TV. Every Friday from 10pm-3pm, there is an indie night, which is usually overpopulated by the student crowd, but is a good alternative for a night out's music compared to the typical pop spinners. Great for a jive and some headbanging here and there. A really good live venue- catch a gig here if you haven't yet already!

Time for me to get nostalgic again. The Academy, with its sticky walls and ever BO tinged air, will…read morealways of going to my first few gigs (I think my very first was Hundred Reasons, for those that have heard of them). Not to much has changed since then. You'll still get a good natured crowd queuing up an hour or so before the doors open for a gig - keep this in mind if want to get a place on the bar at the front. There will still be a scrum at the bar with prices that have climbed enough over the years to remain horrendously overpriced. Ramshackle, a long-standing night on Fridays, is the appropriate way to experience the Academy. Here very excited goths and emos will drink too much vodka and jump around to whatever the latest indy hit is. You'll know you've had a good night if you've got some of that vodka spilt down your front and your ears are ringing to All American Rejects, or whatever it is that the kids are listening to these days (I secretly want to be an old man...).