Best Student Bar Crawls Over Bank Holiday Weekend

Best Student Bar Crawls Over Bank Holiday Weekend

29 March 2022 • 6 min read


Whether you’re a bar crawl pro or the new kid on the block, here are the best ways to plan and prepare for a night of fun in your University City over the bank holiday weekend!

 

Written by one of our Brand Ambassadors, Erin Bates  


HOW TO PREPARE:

 

Believe it or not, a lot of planning goes into a bar crawl, especially if you want to make it a night to remember. I’ll be highlighting some of the best-known watering hole routes in the country, but before you throw yourself into the deep end, here are some of my top tips:

 

📲1. Stay Connected – It’s easy when everyone’s having a good time to get carried away and lose your friends (we’ve all done it!). I’d advise making a group chat on WhatsApp. That way you can post the plan for the night and are able to stay in touch if someone strays away.

🍌2. Eat Beforehand – Set yourself up for success with a great meal to line the stomach. For something quick and easy, try having a meal with eggs, oats or even a banana! Going out on an empty stomach is always a bad idea.

🏃🏻‍♂️3. Pace Yourself – It’s easy to go all in at the first bar but remember not to get ahead of yourself… you have a long way to go.

💧4. Stick to One Type of Drink – Mixing could lead to a quick downfall. Don’t be that person that makes everyone else have to go home early. I’d also advise having a glass of water in-between every alcoholic beverage (it work’s wonders!)

 

 

TOP 8 UK BAR CRAWLS:

 

Here are a few crowd favourites…

 

1.     LEEDS – OTLEY RUN:

·      There are an impressive 15 stops on the Otley Run in Leeds, therefore it’s not surprising its suggested you start at 3pm.

·      Starting 5 miles out of the city centre, you’ll journey down Otley Road. Starting at Woodies Ale House in Headingly all the way to a crowd favourite, The Dry Dock, a refurbished ship at the heart of the city. The Box bar is also great for sports inspired snacks on route.

·      Groups often travel in fancy dress! Golfers are popular, along with Cowboys & Indians, Smurfs and many more.

 

2.     NOTTINGHAM - SEVEN-LEGGED CRAWL:

·      Created by students, the idea is that six people tie their legs together, with the seventh on “drinks duty”.

·      The team will usually wear a group costume whilst all being tied at the ankle.

·      The route includes on average fifteen locations, including the infamous BarBar and Bodega, ending at Ocean and Rock City.

·      The best part is that students are encouraged to raise money for charity!

 

3.     THE MONOPOLY CRAWL – LONDON:

·      One of the most extensive crawls you’ll ever come across. Takes you across all twenty-six London streets from the popular board game, including the stations.

·      The crawl is completed in the same order as on the board, starting at Old Kent Road, heading into the city.

·      It’s suggested to start at 11am to finish at 11pm and to only drink half a pint at each location if you want to reach the end without passing out.

·      Hotspots include Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street, a favourite of Charles Dickens, and Mayfair’s Ye Grapes.

 

4.     GLASGOW SUB CRAWL – GLASGOW:

·      Following the subway map under Glasgow city centre, crawlers get off at each one of the fifteen stops and grab a drink at the nearest pub.

·      *Top Tip* make sure to buy an all-day ticket so you don’t end up spending a fortune on travelling around!

·      A few options to stop off at include Jackson’s Bar, Pot Still and Stereo.

 

5.     KING STREET RUN – CAMBRIDGE:

·      Cambridge hosts a bi-annual crawl starting at the King Street Run – hence the name.

·      The route originated in the 50s, was banned in the 60s, and revived in the 80s. Crawlers have the opportunity to do four or eight pubs, depending on the mood.

·      Other stops along the way include The King’s Arms and Cambridge Brew House.

 

6.     THE MUMBLES MILE – SWANSEA:

·      Pub Crawlers walk two miles down Mumbles Road, enjoying the nine pubs at a relaxed pace.

·      Starting at The White Rose, other favourites include the Village Inn or the William Hancock.

·      Although the Mumbles Mile may not be as well-known or popular as it once was due to a lot of the venues closing, it’s still a great option for beginners who don’t want to throw themselves into the deep end.

 

7.     BACKPACKER PUB CRAWL – DUBLIN:

·      The Backpacker Pub Crawl was started by a group of backpackers in 2001 who were desperate to see beyond the tourist hotspots Dublin has to offer.

·      The concept has now spread across Europe into countries such as Budapest and Berlin.

·      Perhaps more commercialised than the other routes mentioned, as the most popular way to enjoy the route is via a tour group, however this can reap benefits such as discounts, free entry, and extra shots – always a bonus!

·      Beginning at the Norseman Pub in the city centre, you’ll meet your tour guides and the rest of your team.

 

8.     THE ‘TRADITIONAL BOOZER’ CRAWL – MANCHESTER:

·      This route will take you across Manchester to some of the best locations in the city, including a few typical “older gentleman” pubs.

·      The route designed to give crawlers an insight into what Manchester has to offer.

·      Includes: The Marble Arch, The Angel Pub, The Smithfield Tavern, The Crown and Kettle, The Wheatsheaf, The Millstone and many more.

 

 

That’s it! You’re all set for a day/night of fun and laughs with some good friends, and hopefully a few new along the way!

 


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