You might have not heard of Bristol, but you’ve definitely been touched by its sound. Known for its underground arts scene, Bristol’s culture is deeply intertwined with the socio-economic landscape of the city and has become a stronghold for dubstep, trip-hop and drum n bass. Notable residents include Massive Attack, Way Out West, Roni Size, Portishead and even Banksy, who has gone on to produce album art for several Bristolian musicians. If you care to experience the slightly darker side of UK clubbing, here are a few places to check out.
Motion
Constantly voted as one of the best clubs in the world, Motion was formerly a skatepark hidden in an industrial park behind Temple Meads station. The complex is a network of indoor and outdoor spaces that play host to a variety of clubbing institutions, ranging from homegrown legends like Futureboogie to labels like Defected and Cocoon. Motion constantly tweaks and improves itself every year, and is popular for its In:Motion parties held in autumn, with nights for disco, house, techno, grime, drum n bass and hip-hop.
Cosies
No stay in Bristol is complete without some bass, and Cosies is one of the best places for dark, intimate clubbing. By day, Cosies is a sophisticated wine bar, though once night falls the crowd starts to get more eccentric; a blend of 40-something professionals, students and dreadlocked clubbers. The venue is a tiny basement with a top-notch sound system and a laidback atmosphere. Being dark, smoky and crowded, this is the place to go for raw, authentic UK dubstep and drum n bass.
Thekla
The recently refurbished Thekla is located on a former timber vessel from Germany. In the 1980s, a cabaret group re-commissioned the boat as a theater and music venue, helping to nurture the local drum n bass scene and put on then-up-and-coming acts like Massive Attack and Portishead. In 2006, it was bought by the owners of Rock City in Nottingham, giving the venue a makeover and expanding into live musical performances. The boat is noted for featuring a Banksy piece on its side for more than a decade — his iconic rowing grim reaper. Although the harbor master made attempts to paint over it, much to the chagrin of Thekla’s owners and local clubbers, the work has recently been cut out for preservation and is to be put on display by the Bristol City Council.
Read This Next
Clubs of Berlin
Spring Break
Jan 18, 2015All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedProducts / Technology
Mar 27, 2024Getting to the Airport Just Became Easier with FlyPool
A new service launched last month that may make your trip to and from the airport just a little easier and less costly. FlyPool is an online platform and app that facilitates carpooling, specifically to airports around the world.
Sponsored Content
Greece: A Life-Changing Experience
Experience the life-changing destination of Greece by exploring its island gems in the Ionian Sea. Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece, to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Car Enthusiasts Head to California for La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Head to La Jolla, California, this April for the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. The automotive and lifestyle festival offers car fanatics a variety of free and paid events. This year’s theme showcases the roaring 20s and glamorous 1930s. The event takes place April 19–21.
Surveys
Mar 26, 2024Study Discovers Destinations Where Hotels are Cheaper Than Home Rentals
For the longest time, travelers touted home rentals as an affordable alternative to hotels. However, is that really the case? Do you really get more for your money when you book an Airbnb versus a hotel room?
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Slideshow
Mar 26, 20245 Must-See Sites in Tallinn, Estonia
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are five must-see sites in Tallinn, Estonia.
ShareThis