The UK`s Most Instagrammable Bars for Student Drinking
24 September 2020 • 6 min read
Looking for a new student drinking spot? Check out these hidden gems 🍻
Is there anything better than finding a new favourite drinking hideaway? From cosy cocktail bars to funky speakeasies, there are plenty of quirky, Instagram-friendly student go-tos dotted across the UK to explore.
If you're looking for your next favourite hangout, you've come to the right place. These first-class pubs and bars are at the top of their game, so you can dive headfirst into a new level of student drinking culture. Check them out 👇
Opium Bar, Bath
Opium Bar was made for Instagram. This eclectic hangout is tucked away just off the Pulteney Bridge in Bath and is a sanctuary of decadent decor. With mismatched furniture and rustic trinkets scattered throughout the bar, there’s plenty to keep your eyes busy while you have a much-needed bev. Their ‘secret room’ is available for hire for groups of up to 25 AND it come with your own private bartender (plus, it has a karaoke machine!).
Opium Bar is renowned for its cocktails. Its bartenders are armed with an extensive drinks menu - so they’ll definitely do your fave mix. From a classic Cosmopolitan to a quirky Red Passion, there’s something to suit everyone. Plus, the cocktails are MEGA Instagram-friendly.
The Plotting Parlour, Brighton
The cosy vibes in the Plotting Parlour have a reputation in Brighton, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike – it’s even been dubbed the best cocktail bar in the city by a number of national papers.
This back-alley cocktail bar’s extravagant drinks make for an incredibly appetising student drinking spot, with a huge list of concoctions to choose from. Combining this with the envious ornamentation and comfortable atmosphere, the bar is certainly one of the best in the UK (we suggest booking a table right now⏳). Plus, the quirky surroundings and relaxed atmosphere are definitely worth a pic.
Nightjar, London
Tucked away behind an unassuming door on Old Street in Hackney, Nightjar is a legendary speakeasy with an incredible atmosphere. The bar frequently hosts some of the best live music in London, with jazz and swing nights creating the ideal backdrop for a cocktail with your mates.
Nightjar is designed to help you relax, and the staff inside will make you feel super comfortable. With antique furniture, delicate glasses and excellent company, heading down to test their cocktail menu is a must if you’re ever nearby.
The Maven, Leeds
The Maven is a unique and charming cocktail bar which offers the perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. This hidden gem is decorated with 20s-style booths, eccentric art and wood-panelled walls – the ideal spot for a snap.
The Maven’s cocktail menu is where the city’s leading mixologists invent tempting creations which are ideal for a post-work tipple. This discreetly located speakeasy is found on Call Lane in Leeds and is certainly worth exploring.
Horticulture, Newcastle
Horticulture is a must-visit for anyone in the toon. This vibrant and bohemian hangout prides itself on having the world’s biggest espresso martini menu - and with names like Mint Choc and 70% Cacao, it’s clear to see why.
You’ll be the envy of your followers with the selection of aesthetically pleasing cocktails on offer, and the airy decor and abundance of plants make for the perfect picture backdrop. Plus, Horticulture is super environmentally friendly, so you have even more reason to get to Newcastle and pay a visit!
Birdcage, Norwich
Birdcage in Norwich is brimming with character. This friendly watering hole has a bright and spacious interior, filled with bohemian vibes and plenty of greenery. The atmosphere in the joint is always chirpy, making for an excellent evening out enjoying student life.
Birdcage is a haven of quirky personalities, and the cocktail bar complements the excellent music blasting through the speakers. The drinks are super Insta-friendly, so you might have some trouble choosing which pic to pop on the ‘gram.
Picture House Social, Sheffield
Set in an old picture house, this independent Sheffield venue combines cocktails and street food to make a remarkable student drinking hangout. Loved by locals, the selection of tinnies, bottles and craft beers on offer will leave you spending hours exploring the menu.
From the fresh doughy pizzas to a classic Aperol Spritz, the menu is super Instagrammable – and so is the venue. Head downstairs to test your table tennis skills or enjoy the terrace with some best mates, there’s something at Picture House Social for everyone.
Bring & Mix, Southampton
Bring & Mix is rated the top nightlife spot in Southampton on Tripadvisor, and it’s clear to see why. This unique cocktail bar encourages patrons to bring their own spirits, and the welcoming (and super skilled) mixologists will mix up cocktails right at your table. From home-made syrups, fresh fruits, unique herbs and spices, these genius bartenders have a wealth of concoctions up their sleeve.
Bring & Mix’s musky decor complements the vibrant atmosphere inside, and you’ll sure to spend hours admiring the embellishments, not to mention a few more discovering the menu.
Bag of Nails, Bristol
This delightful pub in Bristol combines two well-loved student favourites: cats and beers. This cat pub (yes, cat pub) is insanely adorable, and is home to over a dozen friendly felines who will undoubtably say hello. Is there anything more Insta-friendly than cats?!
The Bag of Nails isn’t just tabbies; there’s an impressive selection of craft beers and real ales to test out. Discover local options or well-known favourites, all while meeting your new feline best friend.
Gin & Olive, Portsmouth
Gin & Olive is the go-to for all things gin. This quirky, eclectic spot on Portsmouth’s Albert Road is right in the middle of the city’s student drinking quarter, so it’s certainly worth a visit if you’re out for the evening nearby.
Gin & Olive’s bustling atmosphere is complemented by the aesthetically pleasing drinks selection and comfortable interior, which are perfect for a snap on the ‘gram. With spicy gins, fruity gins, dry gins and even American range gins on the menu, there’s plenty to try a taste of. Anyone for a gin tree?
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