There really is nothing like a great night out, and in the UK we’re blessed with all the nightlife options you could possibly ask for. There’s always a huge amount to choose from, but here are a few of our favourite local night out experiences worth checking when you’re ready to hit the town.
This fascinating historic building is an innovative, not-for-profit multi-arts hub. Buzzing all year round with a selection of exciting and inspirational events, it’s a hotbed of talent that provides entertainment for the whole community.
The Old Courts, Gerrard Winstanley House, Crawford St, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN1 1NA. www.theoldcourts.com
Premier Inn Wigan Town Centre, Harrogate St, Wigan, WN1 1BL. 650 metres
This traditional pub with a great rotating selection of craft beers is also one of the town’s best live music venues (aka Jazz at the Jug, find them on Facebook). Jazz and blues bands are regular fixtures, but there’s also the occasional cabaret show. A simple but tasty menu of pizzas includes veggie and vegan options.
Old Brown Jug, 41 Bridge St, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 2RY.
Premier Inn Newcastle-under-Lyme, Talke Rd, Red St, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 7AH. 3.6 miles
Lost for something to do on a Sunday evening? Hosted at the Borough pub, the Lancaster Comedy Club has been going since 2009 and showcases the talents of comedians new to the circuit as well as older, better-known names. Pre-show dining is available, too.
Lancaster Comedy Club, The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1PP. www.lancastercomedy.co.uk
Premier Inn Lancaster, Lancaster Business Park, Caton Rd, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 3PE. 1.3 miles
Show the love for this small east London community garden created in 2010 on a patch of disused railway line, Dalston’s own rus in urbe. It’s open year-round so you can relax with a locally made soda or ale among the greenery in summer, or curl up by the wood-burning stove in the pavilion in winter. There are events during the day but also at night, when there are a range of funky happenings – check the website for the latest news.
Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, 13 Dalston Lane, Dalston, London, ED8 3DF. www.dalstongarden.org
Premier Inn London Hackney, 25-27 Dalston Lane, Hackney, London, E8 3DF. 500 metres
The Watermans arts centre runs an innovative and eclectic programme of live performances and events, including children’s shows, dance, stand-up comedy, book festivals and a regular Friday night cabaret. There’s also an independent cinema showing the latest releases and RSC Live screenings, and a multimedia exhibition gallery displaying digital art.
Watermans, 40 High St, Brentford, London, TW8 0DS. www.watermans.org.uk
Premier Inn London Brentford, Alfa Laval, Great West Rd, Hounslow, Greater London, TW8 9AD. 0.5 miles
A centre that aims to help new artists develop, The Point is a contemporary arts venue offering masterclasses and one-off workshops alongside live shows, family events and exhibitions. Regular sessions also include its monthly Board Game Café.
The Point, Leigh Rd, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 9DE. www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk
Premier Inn Southampton (Eastleigh), Leigh Rd, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 9YX. 0.9 miles
This well-established independent music and arts venue is a great place to spend some time. A community hub for creative minds, it provides an intimate experience with great vibes and has hosted everyone from Ed Sheeran to Fairport Convention.
The Boileroom, 13 Stoke Fields, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4LS. www.theboileroom.net
Premier Inn Guildford North (A3), Parkway, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1UP. 1.1miles
Home of the Red Rose Chain Theatre Company, the Avenue is a beautiful space presenting classic and new productions including children’s shows and live comedy. In warmer months, it also puts on outdoor performances at Theatre in the Forest (at Jimmy’s Farm, Suffolk).
Avenue Theatre, Gippeswyk Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 9AF. www.redrosechain.com
Premier Inn Ipswich (Chantry Park), Old Hadleigh Rd, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3AR. 2.4 miles
One of Fife’s most prominent live performance venues, the Alhambra in Dunfermline is the place to catch a wide variety of gigs, plays and concerts, from children’s shows and big-name touring comedians to musicals and semi-regular visits from Russian ballet companies.
Alhambra Theatre, 33-35 Canmore St, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 7NX. www.alhambradunfermline.com
Premier Inn Dunfermline, Fife Leisure Park, Whimbrel Place, Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 8EX. 3 miles
While Tolbooth is predominantly a place to catch touring Scottish trad and folk acts, it’s worth checking to see what else is on the programme – jazz outfits, rock and pop bands, comedians and theatre shows all regularly crop up.
Tolbooth, Jail Wynd, Stirling, FK8 1DE. www.culturestirling.org
Premier Inn Stirling South (M9, J9), Whins of Milton, Glasgow Rd, Stirling, FK7 8EX. 3.5 miles
Occupying a former church at the top of Glasgow’s West End, the Òran Mór (Gaelic for ‘big song’) is a fantastic all-purpose bar, restaurant, theatre and gig venue, and features a ceiling mural by local luminary Alasdair Gray.
Òran Mór, Top of Byres Rd, Glasgow, G12 8QX. www.oran-mor.co.uk
Premier Inn Glasgow (Bearsden), Milngavie Rd, Glasgow, G61 3TA. 4 miles
Belfast isn’t short of great venues, and the Metropolitan Arts Centre, in the city’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter, buzzes with live events and exhibitions even during the day. Come the evening, it has a laid-back, welcoming feel, hosting everything from theatre and cabaret to comedy, dance, talks and rock and classical gigs. Swing by, there’s bound to be something happening!
The MAC, 10 Exchange St West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ. www.themaclive.com
Premier Inn Belfast City Centre (Cathedral Quarter), 2-6 Waring St, Belfast, BT1 2DX. 350 metres
Check out what’s on at this award winning theatre and arts centre. With three floors there is plenty to choose from, including galleries, cinema and a great variety of performing arts. Spend a few hours in this great cultural space either as audience or workshop participant.
Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN. www.artrix.co.uk
Premier Inn Bromsgrove Central, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 0BA. 500 metres
Why not entertain yourself in this beautifully restored art deco cinema. As well as the latest films, you can soak up the atmosphere while watching live music, comedy and theatre. The décor can also be admired in the comfortable café, which becomes a wine bar in the evening.
The Regal Cinema, 41 Port Street, Evesham, WR11 3LD. www.theregal.ac
Premier Inn Evesham, Adjacent to Evesham Country Park, A46 Trunk Road, Twyford, Evesham, WR11 4TP. 1.7 miles
From the top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, from vibrant cities to the wilds of Wales, find what you’re looking for in Premier Inn’s brand new UK One Great Thing guide. Whatever your idea of the perfect weekend away is, you’ll find it here.
