The Louisiana, Bristol

Formerly the Bathurst Tavern, this is a great gig venue for small unsigned bands. The pub is located by the harbour side and the exterior has an attractive Deep American South-style iron balcony. The interior is quite large, with a stripped wooden floor. There’s a nice atmosphere when it’s busy (which is irregular unless a gig is on upstairs or at weekends) and was a great pre-Thekla Purple Heart meet-up venue back in the day after moving on up from the Watershed. Unlike 1996, it now has a token handpull (Pride) in decent nick. Many happy memories for me here, shame it’s often so quiet.

I didn’t get this place at first when we visited. Seemed a strange non- pub like set up to me, being a one room pub with the bar tucked up one end an open expanse in the middle and then some seating down the far end. That was until I saw some posters on the walls and had it confirmed by the barman that this is actually a music venue with a music room and stage above the bar area. Now that I’m home and googled it, this is a key venue on the Bristol music scene for unknown bands and they have had several people play here who then went on to be big (The Killers and Keane for example). I’m sure this is a great venue when there’s a band on but not sure I’d bother when there isn’t, as there wasn’t much atmosphere considering we visited on a Saturday night. And for the record there is one real ale pump dispensing Fullers London Pride.

Official site of the Louisiana - www.thelouisiana.net

Official site of the Louisiana - www.thelouisiana.net