Nightlife in Bath: The 9 Best Bars & Clubs For a Wild Night

If you’re looking to kick off your night in Bath at a legendary venue, you can’t miss Moles. This historic spot has hosted iconic acts over the years, making it a must-visit for live music and dance events. But that’s just the start – from LGBTQ+-friendly hubs with electrifying drag shows to multi-zone clubbing experiences, Bath’s nightlife scene offers an array of options to suit every taste. Get ready to discover the city’s vibrant after-dark offerings and prepare for an unforgettable night out.

Key Points

1. Moles, a historic music venue, showcased iconic acts and hosted indie/rock nights before its closure in 2024 due to financial struggles.
2. Mandalyns Nightclub, a renowned LGBTQ+ hub, offers a welcoming atmosphere for self-expression through drag cabaret performances and themed events.
3. Labyrinth Bath Night Club provides a multi-zone experience with distinct areas for varied preferences, including a Botanic cocktail bar and a high-energy Disco room.
4. Zero Zero Night Club, Bath’s only premium clubbing venue, caters to student societies and celebration groups with a vibrant dancefloor and elevated bar area.
5. Second Bridge Night Club, the largest party venue in Bath, focuses on drum and bass nights, international DJs, and K-pop, attracting a mixed crowd of students, postgraduates, and visitors.

Moles: Live Music and Dance Events

Though Moles had a storied 46-year history as a music venue in Bath, it ultimately ceased operations in December 2023 after facing financial struggles. Established for 35 years, showcasing emerging artists. During its heyday, Moles hosted breakthrough gigs for iconic acts like Oasis, Ed Sheeran, and Radiohead, cementing its status as a cultural institution and hub for the UK indie/rock scene. Offering a 220-320 capacity, the venue shifted from live music to club nights after 10:30 PM, attracting diverse crowds with no enforced dress code. Conveniently located near Bath Spa station, Moles operated until 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a go-to destination for late-night revelry in the city.

Mandalyns Nightclub: Themed Nights and Drag Shows

Mandalyns Nightclub is a prominent LGBTQ+ venue in Bath, renowned for its enchanting drag cabaret performances, engaging karaoke nights, and an array of themed events that cater to diverse tastes. The bar has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 bubbles. Located in the Fountain Buildings, this vibrant club offers a welcoming atmosphere where guests can freely express themselves.

From monthly drag shows featuring renowned performers to interactive karaoke sessions, Mandalyns provides a variety of live entertainment. The club also hosts themed nights throughout the week, offering a blend of pop anthems and classic hits for dancing.

With friendly staff and a range of drinks, Mandalyns is the perfect spot for an unforgettable night out in Bath.

Labyrinth Bath Night Club: Multiple Bars and Clubrooms

Spanning a multi-zone layout, Labyrinth Bath Night Club offers a diverse clubbing experience with its distinct areas catering to various party preferences.

From the Botanic cocktail bar to the high-energy Disco room, the venue features 3 bars serving themed drinks and 2 dedicated clubrooms with separate music genres. Positioned as the latest and best venue for nightlife experiences. Whether you’re seeking a chill lounge or a lively dance floor, Labyrinth’s genre variety – from R&B to EDM – guarantees there’s something for all. Bournemouth’s vibrant nightlife scene is known for its diverse array of bars and clubs.

With its 6-night weekly operation, 18+ policy, and student-friendly environment, this LGBT+-inclusive space also welcomes stag/hen parties, offering VIP booking options and private event packages.

Zero Zero Night Club: Vibrant Nightlife Destination

One of Bath’s premier nightlife destinations, Zero Zero Night Club positions itself as the city’s only premium clubbing venue located right in the city center.

This underground spot features a vibrant dancefloor downstairs and an elevated bar area above, catering to diverse tastes with multiple DJs. Club environment described as quiet at 11 PM with a lack of privacy in VIP booths.

Expect a lively yet manageable crowd, thanks to its popularity among student societies and celebration groups.

Get the VIP treatment with reserved tables and bottle service at the venue’s sizeable bar.

Midweek events offer budget-friendly deals on shots and drinks, while weekends bring stricter dress codes but a charged atmosphere perfect for a wild night out.

Second Bridge Night Club: Popular Among Locals and Visitors

As a prominent nightlife destination in central Bath, Second Bridge Night Club positions itself as the city’s largest party venue.

With four dynamic spaces – the Main Room, VIP Vaults, VIP stage, and Spirit Bar – it caters to a mixed crowd of students, postgraduates, and visitors. Second Bridge Night Club features four dynamic spaces The club focuses on drum and bass nights, international DJs, and K-pop, featuring resident DJs like Lottie, Jambo, and IKANDI.

While praised for its good music and organization, Second Bridge has faced criticism over expensive entry fees, inconsistent security, and restrictive costume policies.

Yet, its multiple themed VIP areas and emphasis on DJ-driven events make it a unique offering in Bath’s nightlife landscape.

The Bootlegger Bath: Elegant Cocktails and Upbeat DJ Nights

Stepping away from the energetic drum and bass nights at Second Bridge Night Club, The Bootlegger Bath offers a markedly different nightlife experience.

Designed to evoke 1920s Prohibition-era elegance with 1950s-60s retro vibes, this speakeasy-style venue in Bath’s city center transports guests to a bygone era. The latest addition to The Bootlegger Bars family, The Bootlegger Bath blends vibes of the 1920s and 1950s-1960s, offering a vintage ambiance for patrons.

Indulge in handcrafted cocktails using locally sourced ingredients, enjoy live music spanning jazz, blues, and classic rock genres, and groove to the upbeat DJ nights.

With a focus on sustainability and dietary accommodations, The Bootlegger Bath caters to a diverse clientele seeking an exclusive, foot-tapping atmosphere for late-night revelry.

Booking is recommended, though walk-ins are welcome when possible.

Sophisticated Wine Bars and Elegant Cocktail Bars

While Bath’s nightlife is known for its energetic clubs, the city also boasts a selection of sophisticated wine bars and elegant cocktail lounges that cater to a more refined clientele.

Wine lovers can discover global vintages at Vino Vino or Beckford Bottle Shop, which offers £15 corkage. For a lively atmosphere, head to Sub 13 with its dance floor, or sip seasonal cocktails at the refined Ivy Bath Brasserie. The Bath Priory offers Champagne with views of beautiful gardens for a tranquil setting to enjoy wine.

Whether you prefer an extensive wine selection or artful cocktails, Bath’s sophisticated bar scene has something to suit every taste.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Venues and Student-Friendly Bars

Along With Bath’s sophisticated wine bars and cocktail lounges, the city also offers a variety of LGBTQ+ friendly venues and student-friendly bars to cater to diverse nightlife preferences.

Mandalyns Bar, Bath’s sole dedicated gay bar, features a lively atmosphere with regular drag shows, karaoke, and cabaret performances.

Mandalyns Bar, Bath’s sole dedicated gay bar, features a lively atmosphere with regular drag shows, karaoke, and cabaret performances.

For students, midweek events at local bars provide budget-friendly options, including drink deals and themed nights.

These venues offer a central location, late-night accessibility, and a diverse crowd, creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, students, and locals alike.

Whether you’re looking for a vibrant LGBTQ+ hub or a budget-friendly student gathering spot, Bath’s nightlife scene caters to a wide range of preferences.

Late-Night and After-Hours Spots With Extended Hours

For those seeking a late-night experience in Bath, the city offers an array of cocktail bars, magic-themed venues, live music pubs, and underground club destinations that operate well past typical closing hours.

Sub 13 keeps the party going until 3 AM on Saturdays, while Sleight Bar, Bath’s only magic bar, entertains guests with craft cocktails and close-up magic performances until late.

Live music enthusiasts can find extended programming at venues like The Bell Inn, The Grapes, and Bath Brew House. [Ludo Sports Bar and Kitchen offers a vibrant sports bar atmosphere with a menu of various food and drink options, ideal for sports fans and casual gatherings.]

For those craving a dynamic nightclub atmosphere, Labyrinth, Second Bridge, and Komedia provide immersive, genre-specific club experiences until the early morning hours.

Final Words

Bath’s vibrant nightlife caters to every taste, from iconic live music venues to pulsing nightclubs. Whether you’re seeking a wild night out or a more sophisticated evening, the city’s diverse array of bars and clubs promises an unforgettable experience. But as the night draws to a close, a hidden gem calls, offering a last chance to savor the magic of Bath’s after-hours scene.