W

ith the lights of the SS Great Britain refracting in the water and the constant buzz of laughter and music in the air, Bristol’s harbourside is alive with pure West Country energy. And the best way to soak it up is a good old-fashioned pub crawl.

The first port of call should be Bristol Beer Factory’s floating gastro pub, the Grain Barge. As the locals will tell you, it’s a good idea to eat a hearty meal before embarking on your night out and the Barge certainly delivers in that respect. Take a seat out on deck and enjoy the views of the illuminated SS Great Britain with your grub and a pint of Exhibition or a bottle of yummy Milk Stout. Then follow the unruly rabble of seafaring swashbucklers out on one of Pete the Pirate’s guided tours towards town.

Take your pick of the waterside bars before crossing the bridge to the Thekla, a gig venue-cum-nightclub on a boat. Bristol's finest including Massive Attack, Portishead and Roni Size all started out by playing in the Thekla's hull. It’s still alive and kicking with hip club nights and gigs making the most of the unique surroundings. And to seal the venue’s ultra-cool status there’s a Banksy on the hull, the ultimate in Bristolian kudos.