Want a buzzing and energetic nightlife? Want to make sure you enjoy your Fresher’s week and student years as best you can?   Freshen up on our pick of Preston’s best clubs, pubs and live music that will make your student nights out uni-que! 

Find me in the club 

Preston has a load of great nightclubs but we may as well start with the one you’ll be chanting the name and falling down the steps of come the end of your Fresher’s week – ROPER HALL. A favourite amongst students and regulars, Roper is cheap, cheerful and fun, playing some great music and the only place to meet your fellow student pals. (Tip, Mick’s Curry Pot over the road is great when you stumble out at 2am!) 

If you fancy a more traditional, town centre club then try SQUIRES NEW YORK NEW YORK or LAVA & IGNITE, both modern, popular clubs with plenty of floors and lots of great music played by some top DJ’s. 

The worst-kept secret in the town though is WAREHOUSE on St John’s Place. Three floors of popular indie and rock music that make it Preston’s best alternative nightclub. Once favoured by Joy Division, get there before 11 on a Friday and Saturday if you like your music “Up to 11” loud.  

A Pub Hub 

If you prefer a good pint and plenty of chat then Preston has some of the best pubs in the North West. The most popular for students is the ADELPHI at the top of Friargate, a large and busy student pub with a good heated beer garden. This sets the tone for a great pub crawl down Friargate towards town.  

On the way check out the DOG & PARTRIDGE (busy but a former Biker’s haven), the LAMB & PACKET (good pub quizzes), the NEW BRITTANIA an award winning pub just off Friargate on Heatley Street, the terrific and great-looking BLACK HORSE, then finishing in the cheap Wetherspoon’s pub the GREYFRIARS, before heading on into town. 

From there you can check out the string of trendy bars that line this end of the street, such as Cafe Manyana, The Academy, Reflex (80's pub/club), Mood, Assembly and Bar Censsa with their comfy sofas and late night coffee-shop vibe.  

If you don’t want to venture into town and prefer some good ale where you can hear yourself think (and talk) try the BLACK BULL in Fulwood for a nice pint, or any of the dozens of terrific smaller pubs which line the Plungington student area each with their own guest ales and ridiculously hard quiz nights! 

Late, Live and Loud 

If you want to see top bands perform then there are two great venues for you. 53 DEGREES at the Uni is hosting Tinchy Stryder, Jamie T, Zero 7, Calvin Harris, Little Boots, Dizzee Rascall, The Enemy and Friendly Fires this term.  

Head into town and the main music venue, the GUILD HALL has Beverley Knight amongst others. Makes a change from watching the endless snooker there! 

If you like to laugh it up before you large it up then at both these venues you’ll be spoilt for some great comedy. 58 Degrees hosts regular comedy nights from those doing the circuit and the Guild Hall has Dave Gorman, Al Murray, Jimmy Carr and Frankie Boyle all coming up in the next few months, who will tickle your funny bones for a small fee! 

Just Can’t Get Enough? 

With the cities of Manchester and Liverpool not far away, and clubs galore awaiting in Blackpool and Southport (where you can play spot the footballer) then in Preston, you really are one lucky little fresher. Enjoy!  

Words by Dan Clay