The Lanes, Nelson Street

Bowl, Eat, Drink, Dance and Sing…The Lanes have got it all if you're looking for a great day or night out at one of Bristol's hottest retro venues. Found at the beginning of Nelson Street, a game of bowling with friends is just a short walk away for an ideal finish to a day of sightseeing. There's a great atmosphere with a bar paired with the bowling lanes and a selection of tasty food and drink at the American style pizzeria. The venue has funky murals featured throughout the building, from the “four step approach” guide to a bowling shoes mural as you enter the building.

The Lanes have plenty of family freindly entertainment from live bands, indie nights, rock'n'roll and funk'n'soul motown nights combined with enough karaoke to keep everyone laughing.  There are drink offers all night and lower prices if you come bowling before 5pm - only £3 each, which is a great chance for students, friends and family to all give it a go. There's also a great little shop, the GimmeShelter Vintage shop, where you can take a peek and find some beautiful retro clothing and vinyls. 

As well as all this The Lanes retro bowling venue is under the Rock'n'Bowl backpacker’s hostel which has affordable offers on rooms that would suit a student budget. The Rock'n'Bowl hostel have teamed up with The Lanes to get you cheap deals, so it makes staying in Bristol much simpler and fun. 

The Lanes really will “Bowl” you away…

The Lanes - Website

Rock'n'Bowl Motel - Website

The Watershed, Bristol Harbourside

The Watershed cinema and digital creativity centre situated on the Habourside is well-known for delivering a diverse mix of programmes, world films, events, festivals, artist commissions and conferences.  The sheer mix of cultures and talent presented makes it the perfect place for inspiring all ages of students, as well as your family and freinds.

An example of The Watershed's inclusive message is Cinébabies - a weekly daytime screening of one of their current films, specifically for all types of parents/carers with babies less than 12 months. Babies can cry and play freely, with a safe buggy park, nappy changing faculties and a bottle warming service to make sure you and your little ones are safe and happy. Another is the iShed, which seeks to develop talent, share knowledge and produce collaborative research projects from  a variety of artists, researchers and more.

After the thought-provoking films, talks or digital projects, a little known excellent cafe and bar gives a space to chat and socialise whilst enjoying locally and ethically sourced food. For unusual cards and gifts, social-i recommends their large range of cards and films. A sure win for people seeking to learn.

The Watershed - Website

The Olive Shed, Princess Wharf

The Olive Shed can be found tucked away on The Floating Harbour. They specialise in rustic Mediterranean dishes in its cafe and also sell local-made produce like cheeses, breads, cakes and olive oils in the on-site shop, a lot of which is organic and Fair Trade. 

Every open night, a board of Specials is put up, showing their range of homemade  dishes - from seafood to vegetarian, indulgent to light, there are meals and snacks for all moods. Everyone is welcome to come and have a meal or shop, whether its for students, families, a romantic evening or groups where reservations can be made. The tapas are particularly popular for people looking to socialise on a budget.

social-i went at night, and immediately saw tables both inside and outside offer a beautiful view of the lit-up harbour. The Olive Shed is recommended if you're looking for a relaxed, rustic atmosphere and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. A sure win for many occasions.

The Olive Shed Website

Nelson Street, Central Bristol

Bristol’s grey and very much average city centre was transformed into a masterpiece of bright colours and artistic portraits as the project 'See No Evil' transformed the city walls. Nelson Street has been a popular £80,000 attraction that featured the art work of 72 international and local graffiti artists, including some of the biggest names that graffiti and street art has to offer.

This project was designed to help attract hundreds of visitors to Bristol. You can come here on your own or with friends and family and marvel at the masterpieces that surround you and really appreciate the time spent to make Nelson Street one of Bristol’s main street art attractions. Nelson Street is situated close to Broadmead and The Mall galleries so you can spend your day shopping as well as enjoying the sights.

If you follow Nelson Street down towards the Habourside you can find some amazing restaurant and galleries such as The Habourside Restaurant or Arnolfini - one of Europe's leading centres for contemporary art. Everyone will love Nelson Street, and it's a great place to visit with a camera and a group of freinds.

See No Evil - Website

See No Evil - Facebook Page

The German Christmas Market

Open until the 22nd December, the German Christmas markets are brilliant for tradtional crafts, Christmas gifts and festive food. With sellers specialising in either German products or home grown Bristol creations, there is something beautiful on every stall.

The market is spread between The Podium, Broadmead East and Merchant Street South in Bristol's city centre, so are near or in front of other shops and shopping malls like Cabot Circus. Alongside Christmas shopping, it's also a great time to get into the festive spirit and meet up with friends, colleagues and family in Bristol. social-i recommends taking a camera, as some stalls are beautifully unusual and colourful.

With bratwurst for those looking to try German sausage and waffles, apple rings, authentic gingerbread and roasted peanuts (to name just a few stalls!) for vegetarians, everyone can have a taste of German cuisine. Bristol-based stalls selling fine cheeses to cute cupcakes give ample oppurtunity to sample local buisnesses, some of which are new to the scene. With a giant advent calendar that children will love, bus routes nearby and a wheelchair freindly layout, the German markets make everyone welcome.

Opening Times, Facilities and Details of Stalls

Fizzy Lips Retro Sweets, Broadmead

With a model astronaut staring through the window display and a huge psychedelic shop front smiling onto Broadmead High Street, Fizzy Lips is certainly eye-catching.

Specialising in old-fashioned and retro sweets, Fizzy Lips is a taste of nostalgia for anyone in their late teens and above. Alongside these sugary delights, there's a wide range of retro and modern American sweets and drinks for people looking for a taste of the States. Just browsing through the Tootsie Rolls, giant fizzy lollipops and 'Dracula Teeth' is an experience all on it's own for us candy lovers at social-i!

social-i was surprised to learn that Fizzy Lips also specialise in wedding gifts and hampers - providing a refreshing take on the customary blender or set of silverware! 
A definite winner as a treat for yourself and others.


Fizzy Lips' Online Store
Fizzy Lips Facebook Page