Lakota
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
Lakota stands as Bristol's legendary night club in the vibrant St Paul's district, renowned for its underground raves, diverse DJ lineups, and pulsating energy that draws music lovers into the early hours. Tucked into a compact urban venue on Upper York St, it pulses with bass-heavy nights featuring drum and bass, techno, and eclectic beats from Fridays to Saturdays, open from 10pm until 4am. The industrial-edged space fosters an intimate, sweaty dancefloor atmosphere amid graffiti-splashed walls and immersive sound systems, embodying Bristol's irreverent club culture since its early days in the city's alternative scene.
A brief summary to Lakota
- 6 Upper York St, Bristol, Saint Paul's, BS2 8QN, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Friday 10 pm-4 am
- Saturday 10 pm-4 am
Local tips
- Arrive by 11pm on weekends to beat the queue and catch the early sets building momentum.
- Opt for the garden food truck for quick, flavorful wraps during set breaks to sustain your energy.
- Check the lineup midweek for 'Shutdown' events—less crowded, perfect for discovering fresh talent.
- Dress for the sweat: layers peel off fast in the heat of the main room's packed dancefloor.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Lakota location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Lakota
Birth of a Bristol Icon
Lakota emerged in the heart of Bristol's St Paul's neighborhood, a district pulsing with creative energy and multicultural vibes. From its inception, the club carved a niche as a bastion for underground music, hosting raves that echoed the raw spirit of 90s clubbing. Its location on Upper York Street places it amid terraced houses and street art, where the thump of bass spills out into the night, inviting revelers from across the city. The venue's compact layout amplifies every beat, with multiple rooms allowing seamless transitions between genres. What began as a haven for local DJs has evolved into a staple for national acts, maintaining its reputation through consistent programming that prioritizes sound quality over spectacle.Soundscapes and Rhythms
Inside Lakota, the air vibrates with drum and bass, techno, and garage sets that define its nights. The main room's powerful sound system delivers crisp highs and deep lows, while dim lighting and fog machines create a hypnotic haze. Diverse lineups ensure no two nights feel the same—expect everything from high-energy raves to chilled midweek 'Shutdown' sessions that build anticipation for weekends. The club's commitment to variety reflects Bristol's musical heritage, blending influences from the city's jazz, dub, and electronic scenes. Revelers lose themselves in crowds that sway as one, the sticky floors and sweat-soaked air marking the intensity of each drop.Urban Edge and Atmosphere
Lakota's industrial aesthetic shines through exposed brick, graffiti murals, and makeshift decor that nods to its DIY roots. The garden area offers a brief outdoor respite, often hosting food trucks like L J Hugs for post-set wraps amid the cool night air. This blend of grit and groove captures St Paul's bohemian soul, where artists and night owls converge. Security maintains order in the high-energy environment, ensuring the focus remains on the music. The venue's modest size—around 500 capacity—fosters closeness, turning strangers into momentary allies on the dancefloor.Nightlife Rituals
Weekends kick off at 10pm, with queues forming as anticipation builds. Inside, the journey unfolds across hours of unrelenting rhythm, peaking around 1am when the crowd surges. Midweek events provide lower-key vibes, ideal for discovering emerging talent. Bristol's compact layout means Lakota slots perfectly into all-night crawls, with nearby pubs like The Bell or Full Moon offering pre-game pints. The club's endurance stems from this ritualistic pull, drawing freshers and veterans alike into its orbit.Cultural Footprint
Lakota embodies Bristol's resistance to mainstream gloss, prioritizing authentic experiences over polished production. Its role in the local scene extends to fostering community events, from freshers guides highlighting sister venues like The Fleece to announcements of new eras like the Moon Club spin-off. This evolution keeps it relevant, a thread in the city's nightlife tapestry. The club's legacy lies in moments—the perfect set, the crowd's roar—etched into Bristol's collective memory, ensuring its place as more than a venue, but a living pulse of the city's underground.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bristol Castle
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Discover the historic heart of Bristol at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet serene urban green space along the scenic Welsh Back waterfront.
Bristol Rocks
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Discover the beauty and adventure of Bristol Rocks, the ultimate destination for rock climbing enthusiasts and nature lovers in the heart of Bristol.
St Mary Le Port Church
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Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Old City Walls
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Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
The Nails
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Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Fermentation Buildings
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Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Medieval Vaults
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Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Historic England - Bristol Office
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Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Old Post Office
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Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Bristol Bridge
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A historic Georgian stone bridge spanning Bristol’s floating harbour, blending medieval roots with modern pedestrian charm.
Cheese Lane Shot Tower
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Bristol's brutalist shot tower—where gravity shaped ammunition and history shaped preservation.
Royal Talbot Buildings
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Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Statue of Edmund Burke
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A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Cascade Steps
1.2 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Templar Stone
1.2 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Bristol’s 12th-century Temple Church, a landmark steeped in Knights Templar history and medieval mystery.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Bearpit
0.3 km
A sunken urban plaza in Bristol blending brutalist design with vibrant community markets and cultural events.
St James' Priory
0.4 km
Explore Bristol’s oldest building, a Norman priory with nearly 900 years of history and stunning medieval architecture.
John Wesley's New Room
0.4 km
Step into the world’s oldest Methodist chapel, where faith, history and social justice meet in the heart of Bristol.
BRISTOL
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Broadmead: Bristol’s bustling historic shopping quarter blending heritage charm with vibrant retail and cultural experiences.
Cabot Circus
0.5 km
A vibrant shopping and leisure destination in Bristol with over 130 stores beneath a stunning glass roof, blending modern design and historic charm.
Bex's Hall Of Mirrors
0.5 km
Discover a mesmerizing world of reflections and illusions at Bex's Hall Of Mirrors, a captivating interactive attraction inside Bristol’s Cabot Circus.
Bristol Shopping Quarter
0.5 km
Explore Bristol Shopping Quarter, where historic charm meets modern retail in a vibrant city-centre shopping and leisure destination.
The Lanes
0.6 km
Bristol’s ultimate destination for boutique bowling, live music, karaoke, and great pizza in a lively, vibrant setting.
Castle Park
0.7 km
Discover Bristol’s historic heart and peaceful riverside green space at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet vibrant urban life.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
0.7 km
Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
Round Pool
0.7 km
Discover Castle Park’s blend of medieval ruins, peaceful gardens, and vibrant community spirit in the heart of Bristol city centre.
St Peter's Church
0.7 km
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of St Peter's Church, a beloved landmark in Castle Park, Bristol, steeped in centuries of heritage.
St John's Church
0.7 km
A medieval church built into Bristol’s city walls, St John on the Wall is the last of five gate churches, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s fortified past and spiritual life.
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
0.8 km
Explore Palestinian heritage and culture at Bristol’s vibrant Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre, a hub for history, art, and community events.
The Christmas Steps
0.8 km
Step back in time on Bristol’s historic Christmas Steps, a charming medieval street rich in culture, history, and cozy local character.
Essential places to dine
Caribbean Croft
0.1 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant culture in the heart of Bristol’s creative Stokes Croft neighborhood.
The Canteen
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A vibrant vegetarian restaurant and live music venue in Bristol, blending ethical dining with a lively community spirit.
Nadu
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Bold Tamil and Sri Lankan flavours in Bristol’s cultural heart, with fiery curries, giant dosas and creative rum cocktails in a vibrant Stokes Croft setting.
Caper and Cure
0.3 km
Savor expertly crafted British cuisine in a historic Stokes Croft setting, where heritage meets vibrant, flavourful dining.
Bianchis
0.5 km
Neighbourhood Italian trattoria serving refined Northern Italian cuisine and handmade pasta in Montpelier, Bristol.
Bulrush
0.6 km
A Michelin-starred tasting menu in a former greengrocer’s – inventive, intense, and unforgettable modern British cooking in Bristol’s Cotham.
Chris and Jo's Kitchen
0.8 km
A Bristol gem serving hearty, seasonal British food in a warm, unpretentious setting where every meal feels like a home-cooked feast.
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
0.8 km
Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
The Ox
0.9 km
Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
San Carlo - Bristol
0.9 km
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Mugshot Restaurants Bristol
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Experience 1920s vintage glamour and interactive hot stone steak dining in the heart of Bristol’s historic old town.
Four Wise Monkeys
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Lively pan-Asian fusion dining with retro Tokyo vibes and bold flavours in Bristol’s city centre.
Pasta Ripiena
1.0 km
A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
1.0 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
Bambalan
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Vibrant Mediterranean dining with rooftop views, lively DJs, and a spirited social scene in the heart of Bristol.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
That Thing
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Discover unique festival fashion and original designs at That Thing, Bristol’s vibrant independent boutique in the heart of Stokes Croft.
Wild Thing
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An independent Bristol boutique for alternative, festival and dopamine fashion with an ethical heart.
The Ethical Gift Shop
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s charming boutique for sustainable, fair-trade gifts and eco-friendly treasures in the heart of Broadmead.
Beyond Retro - Bristol
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Discover unique, hand-picked vintage fashion treasures in the heart of Bristol’s bustling Broadmead shopping district.
Menkind
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Bristol's premier destination for unique gifts, gadgets, and toys that delight all ages.
Everything one pound shop
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Discover unbeatable bargains and a vibrant shopping experience at Everything One Pound Shop in Bristol’s The Galleries.
& Other Stories
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Discover contemporary women’s fashion and accessories blending Scandinavian design with urban style in Bristol’s Cabot Circus.
Garmden of Eden
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A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
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Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
Fig1
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Discover stylish Scandinavian-inspired homewares and gifts in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Broadmead shopping district.
Blaze
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Unique gifts and artisanal treasures in Bristol's creative heart—perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind souvenirs on Colston Street.
Unique Word Collection
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Discover unique and thoughtful gifts at Bristol’s welcoming Unique Word Collection, where originality meets charm in every item.
Urban Fox
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Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Good Store Studio
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A vibrant independent shop and creative hub in Bristol’s Old Market, showcasing eco-friendly products and supporting local artists.
Memories
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Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Pipe & Slippers
0.3 km
A charming Bristol pub blending vintage style, excellent food, and lively local culture on Cheltenham Road.
Blame Gloria - Bristol
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Dive into Bristol’s wildest retro cocktail bar with themed brunches, dazzling performances, and a party atmosphere like no other.
The Gold Bar
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Experience Bristol’s ultimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar with opulent décor, masterful mixology, and vibrant weekend entertainment.
The Rummer
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A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
The Milk Thistle
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Bristol's multi-level speakeasy masterpiece: inventive cocktails, taxidermy charm, and intimate lounges in a historic townhouse—pure nightlife alchemy.
Dirty Martini - Bristol
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Bristol's dazzling cocktail bar on Corn Street, blending royal elegance, masterful martinis, bottomless brunches, and electric nights in the heart of Old City.
The Library Bristol
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Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
Flight Club Bristol
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Experience the thrill of Social Darts® and vibrant cocktails in Bristol’s lively, carnival-inspired cocktail bar on historic Corn Street.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
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Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
The Mothers' Ruin
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Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Boardroom
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Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
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Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
Revolution Bristol
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Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
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Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
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Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lakota
0.0 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
Popworld - Bristol
1.0 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
1.0 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
1.2 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
Silk Nightclub
1.2 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Basement 45
1.2 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
1.2 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
Antix
1.2 km
Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
OMG
1.2 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Lizard Lounge
1.3 km
A small, loud student nightclub on Queens Road famed for cheap drinks, DJ nights and a packed, party-first atmosphere.
Bristol Lola Lo
1.3 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
The Pearl NightClub
1.4 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
La Rocca
1.4 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
Dare to Club
1.4 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
PRYZM
1.4 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Industrial
- Street Art
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- LGBT Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
