The rise of experiential bars in Bristol and how they're changing nights out

In the current economic climate, many hospitality venues are facing huge struggles and obstacles to keep their businesses afloat. From the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, to the current cost of living crisis, and changes in the way people spend their disposable income, we have seen many a pub, restaurant, bar, cafe and the like close over the last few years.

In fact, more than 50 pubs a month on average were lost in England and Wales during the first half of 2024, according to Government data. And, what's more, there has also seen a rapid change in drinking habits, especially when it comes to younger generations - 62% of adults under 25 drink alcohol compared to 72% two decades ago, according to research.

But, despite all this, in amongst those that have opened in the city in recent times, there seems to be a growing trend of 'experiential' bars and venues in Bristol. These venues often not only offer food and drink options, but also a USP and somewhat of a novelty reason for visiting - an experience of some sort.

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Could we be seeing a new standard night out taking shape?

If you take a look at some of the experiential bars that have opened up venues in Bristol recently, you'll find a whole host of USPs among them - sports0themed bars where you can play the likes of digital darts (Flight Club), virtual cricket (Sixes), and even golf (Par 59). Then you have bars like Coyote Ugly, which provides you with a night out just like you would find in the movie (as well as added perks and extras like bottomless brunches and an arcade area).

And even gaming bars are growing in number across the country - boasting not just arcade machines and the like, but actual retro consoles you can rent out and enjoy with friends outside of your home. Think NQ64 and Kongs of King Street (though the latter has been here for far longer than the rest).

There are even several board game cafes and bars (Chance & Counters), which serve up cocktails and other drinks - as well as food - spread through areas across Bristol. It seems possible that those embarking on a night out these days need far more to entertain themselves than a fully stocked bar and a dancefloor. They need activities and experiences to keep them engaged.

But what impact are these venues having on Bristol's night life and its economy? Adam Devine, co-owner of Sixes Bristol tells BristolLive why he chose to invest in the Sixes brand and why he decided to bring such a venue to Bristol in particular.

He said: “Experiential bars like Sixes are revolutionising Bristol's nighttime economy by offering more than just drinks. These venues provide an inclusive environment where friends, families, and colleagues can connect through interactive entertainment, moving beyond traditional pub experiences.

“This is coupled with more people becoming sober or sober-curious, so bars and entertainment venues must adapt. Virtual sporting experiences and similar interactive concepts appeal to diverse age groups, creating social opportunities that don't have to revolve around alcohol consumption.

“It’s no wonder that in a city like Bristol, known for its creative cultural scene, that people are open to trying new experiences in their leisure time.”

Interestingly, in numerous surveys over the past few years, research has found that younger generations even need subtitles turned on when watching TV, in order to keep them engaged and interested. Research from Stagetext found back in 2021 that 80% of 18 to 24-year-olds use subtitles 'some or all of the time' while watching TV, and 42% of people cite 'concentration' as a reason to use captions and subtitles on their screens.

This, paired with the changes we are seeing in the drinking habits of these age groups, means that people are looking for new and innovative ways to spend their nights out. And experiential bars and the like are said to offer 'a fun experience for sober/non-sober groups where drinking isn't the main focus of the evening', as well as somewhat of a new idea - 'competitive socialising', which describes experiences like bowling or darts, where young people 'enjoy sharing new experiences with their friends'.