The Black Swan
438 Stapleton Road, BS5 6NR, Bristol
If ever there was a place to take a guest visiting Bristol, or indeed if you are a tourist to the city, the Black Swan is it.
The Black Swan is really an extremely grotty pub that has a nightclub out back, but barely anyone goes there to drink aside from local Easton yoof whose main concern is definitely not a quiet pint and a read of the daily news.
The nightclub side of things is where the action is, and the Black Swan has been making waves ever since the monumentally-popular Toxic Dancehall night started a few years ago. These days, it plays host to more downkey, niche psytrance (big-hitters Tribe of Frog have used the Swan many times) and hardtek nights but still attracts ravers in their droves, many coming from out of the town to experience the club.
Atmospheric isn?t the word ? three rooms of exposed brick, exposed wiring and un disposed litter aren?t too everyone?s taste, but to many they epitomise the underground music scene that Bristol is famous for. Unbelievably aloof bar staff don?t detract from what is one of life?s great experiences.