The 10 Best Party Cities in the UK To Get Your Drink On
Planning a trip can take a lot of time and research, especially if you’re eager to throw a few cold ones back and get your drink on. You want the experience to go down as smoothly as fine wine does, but if you’ve never visited the UK before, chaos can sneak up on you like after a tequila shot.
The UK constantly comes out on top for being home to the biggest drinkers in the world, so it’s safe to say they know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to drinking. In fact, there are even cities around the UK famous for getting your drink on, 10 of them to be exact.
1. London
Probably the most well-known city in the UK, London is a must-visit for anyone interested in party cities. It’s the city that never sleeps. Whether it’s 4 pm or 4 am, there’s an unbeatable lively vibe where day drinking is totally acceptable.
Whether it’s your first time here or you’re a local, you’ll want to check out Oblix East at The Shard – a beautiful glass building with 72 floors that gives you breathtaking views of the city, but don’t worry, it’s completely drunk proof as there’s a lift all the way up and down. The bar is located on the very top of The Shard where you can see all the way from Tower Bridge to Canary Wharf.
Or try the Beaufort Bar, known for its dark, luxurious interior and is described by locals as “interpretative magic.” The Pledge, The Turn, and The Prestige are just three of the bar’s signature performances in their cocktail show. Interested yet? Of course, there are cheaper bars you could go to, but where else are you going to get served caviar and prawns like the gentleman that you are?
If you’re a fan of American and craft beers, The Rake is a must, at least for a little pregame before the big night. The Rake is located just next to Tower Bridge in the Borough Market where you can find a variety of mouth-watering restaurants open late for a bite to eat. The warm atmosphere and the lively roar of locals in the marketplace are guaranteed to kick your night off with a good start.
2. Manchester
Manchester’s thriving nightlife covers a spectacular variety of bars and clubs that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Revolucion De Cuba (a Latin dance club if you want to get your drink and shake those hips until the early hours of the morning), Hard Rock Cafe, and the rooftop terrace bar 20 Stories are known as the most Instagrammable places in Manchester. C’mon, do it for the gram.
A popular destination for Manchester’s elite, celebs, and footballers is Deansgate strip. Here you can get a drink, catch a show, listen to live music, and maybe even meet someone famous! You’ll also find that most of the bars in Manchester are open throughout the day, so if the boys want to get their party on at noon, at night, or both, you know where to go.
3. Bristol
If you prefer a city with a little bit more of an edge, Bristol is for you. From its underground live gigs to its quirky clubs hosting top DJs on boats, Bristol is the life of the night. Does this sound like a city that knows how to have fun or what? But let’s not forget to check out Be at One for some classy cocktails and a luxe atmosphere. Dojo Lounge is a must if you’re into underground electric music and lively bar life. Hidden under what looks like an apartment complex from the 1800s, this place will blow your mind.
The Bootlegger is another nightlife venue perfect for your crew if they’re in the mood for dancing with a fine dining twist and an atmosphere, unlike traditional pubs. That’s right, they have jazz music. Sweet, smooth good-for-the-soul jazz music played live almost every night makes this place a must for anyone who is into old-time class.
PRYZM has one of the top VIP suites with a shisha room if you’re in the mood for luxury. Just in case you’re wondering, a shisha room is another word for Hookah lounge. Enjoy your 5-star meal with a 5-star drink in one of London’s only 5-star Hookah lounges.
4. Newcastle
From wild Geordie Shore-style partying to classy cocktail offerings, cheesy student clubs to craft beer hangouts; the bars, clubs, and pubs in Newcastle cater for any and all of your nightlife needs. It’s home to one of the UK’s most well-known casinos, Asper’s Casino, where you can take a chance with your money but are guaranteed to have a good time. Its stylish bar is inspired by Las Vegas casinos and has a top-notch restaurant in addition to all the gaming facilities.
5. Liverpool
Want a bit of luxury in Liverpool? Castle Street is the go-to zone for celebrities visiting Liverpool. Abbey Clancy and Liverpool Football Club legends Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are said to be frequent visitors in the area for its bars, restaurants, and nightlife, so if it’s good enough for them it’s good enough for you.
Cavern Quarter Victoria Street is another area in Liverpool that has been a go-to for nightlife for generations. It’s the birthplace of The Beatles and the epicenter of Liverpool’s musical heritage.
Make sure to take the time to visit The Cavern Pub and Baltic Fleet. If you party here, the locals call it the “not going home” type of night, which is only the best kind of night.
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6. Leeds
Known for its huge population of youths, Leeds is a youthful city with a creative scene unlike any other, so when it comes to music and partying, this is where you should be to relive your younger days. Packed full of nightclubs, bars, unique venues and so much more, there’s something for everybody to fall in love with on a night out here.
Looking for a good brew and burger? Hit up the Nation of Shopkeepers where local artists perform, and the beers are colder than the UK in winter! If sleek and stylish is what you’re looking for, check out The Alchemis for cocktails that come as chemistry experiments that you can perform and are completely safe to drink.
The UK may be cold (or freezing) in winter, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t get your tropical fix at Tiki Hideaway with a vibrant drinks menu you won’t find anywhere else, except on a tropical island, of course.
7. Bournemouth
Bournemouth is a lively beach town with hidden speakeasies, whiskey lounges, rooftop bars, and a variety of underground dens. Just try not to go skinny dipping in the ocean afterward, we’re not responsible for anything that happens when you get butt naked.
Check out Smokin Aces for whiskey and leather chair cigar lounges or DNA bar for the wild style and tempting cocktails. Even if you’re a craft beer or whisky kind of guy, you won’t want to miss out on the cocktails from DNA bar. Don’t miss DYMK bar either, popular for their events and modern atmosphere. During the day whilst you wait for the sun to go down you can crack open a few beers on the beach or continue the night where you are as it hits dusk with a campfire.
8. Cardiff
Cardiff is one of the UK’s liveliest cities to get your drink on. The streets of Cardiff can get a little rowdy as they turn into bars, but if you’re always the one to start drinking on the streets, you’ll feel right at home here.
Popworld club is a haven for venue events and a variety of music to suit those who just want to dance the night away, so be sure to check out what’s happening before you book your trip. However, their specialty is 90’s tunes that you can get your groove on to on a LED dance floor – think pinks, reds, blues, yellows, and greens. It doesn’t get much more colorful than Popworld, and with a name like that, it’s no surprise.
If you prefer more civilized, glamourous drinks, or just need some Dutch courage before you jump into Popworld and experiment with your dance moves, Dirty Martini is calling your name. The décor is a vibrant modern look with an art deco twist, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your night before it gets messy. If you like the sound of this and London, there’s also a Dirty Martini in Covent Garden.
9. Glasgow
Coming in at number nine is Glasgow. For a night of luxury, unique drinks, lounges, and expensive champagne, head to Hummingbird. On top of all the amazing luxuries this club/bar/restaurant has to offer, the buzzy atmosphere will truly make it a night to remember. You can also enjoy your own personal room with your friends for a real VIP feeling.
Revolution is a bar known for its delicious drinks menu featuring beer all the way to cocktails and shots. They also have live music and food vendors, so you get a different food truck option every week – yum! Plus, you’ve got to line that stomach of yours before you start your boozy bender.
If you want to experience more than just a drink, check out The Corinthian Club. They have multiple bars inside the venue, so you can get a bar crawl experience without crawling very far at all.
10. Sheffield
Sheffield has all year round fun whether you’re hitting the town in summer or winter. If you want your night to get a little funky, this is the place to be. The funkiest bar in Sheffield has been transformed from a 19th-century scissor factory into a hot spot for all ages. As you enter Crystal Bar it looks like an old factory (because it is) with dark woods and leather decor from the 1930s during the prohibition era. Reserve your VIP table to get the most luxurious experience out of this bar.
There’s no other place to experience craft beer like BrewDog does it. The beer bar has a whopping 22 taps of deliciousness. And what goes well with beer? Pizza. It’s a no-brainer. BrewDog’s fresh sourdough pizza will go down an absolute treat because there’s no better combo than a cold beer and handcrafted pizza.