5 live music in Bristol our editors have drunk at, sorted by score. All Bristol nightlife.
The Old Duke ★ 4.4
Old City · 45 King Street, Bristol BS1 4ER
The Old Duke runs free jazz and blues every single night of the week on King Street, Bristol's cornerstone jazz pub in a building dating from around 1775.
Tip: Sunday afternoon sessions are the gentle way in; weekend nights spill onto the cobbles.
The Fleece ★ 4.1
Redcliffe · 12 St Thomas Street, Bristol BS1 6JJ
The Fleece has hosted touring bands in a Grade II listed former wool hall since 1982, Bristol's classic sticky-floored 450-capacity rock room by Temple Meads.
Tip: The stone pillars eat sightlines at the back; arrive at doors for anything sold out.
The Louisiana ★ 4.2
Harbourside · Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 6UA
The Louisiana books tomorrow's bands into a harbourside corner pub, the small Bristol room that hosted Amy Winehouse and Muse on their way up the bill.
Tip: Gigs are upstairs and tiny; downstairs pints before doors are part of the ritual.
Exchange ★ 4.1
Old Market · 72-73 Old Market Street, Bristol BS2 0EJ
Exchange is Bristol's community-owned, not-for-profit music venue on Old Market Street, keeping punk, DIY and brand-new bands on its stage almost nightly.
Tip: Buy through Headfirst and keep the booking fee in the city; the daytime cafe funds the stage.
The Canteen ★ 4.0
Stokes Croft · 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY
The Canteen stages free live bands most nights under Hamilton House's murals, the Stokes Croft room where Bristol's music scenes casually cross-pollinate.
Tip: Arrive for dinner and keep the table when the band starts; Friday and Saturday carry a small late door charge.