Hot Spots: The South-west

Whatever your taste or budget, the South-westhas something for everybody.

By Zoe Frampton

Published: 30 September 2003

Whatever your taste or budget, the South-westhas something for everybody

CLUBS

THE OPERA HOUSE Home of the nationally recognised Slinky night. 570 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth 01202 399922

ALCATRAZ Alcatraz is a firm favourite among international students. It's a large venue, spread over three floors, playing a variety of international music. Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth 01202 554566

THEKLA Making clubbing that little bit more interesting, Thekla draws crowds onto a boat, where the DJs mostly play hip hop. East Mud Dock, The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB 0117-929 3301

LEVEL A late-night bar and club modelled on a Sixties airport lounge. Plays all sorts: hip hop, drum'n'bass, garage, breaks, r'n'b, soul, jazz and classics. 24 Park Row, Bristol 0117-373 0473 www.level-bristol.co.uk

THE RHINO www.level-bristol.co.uk The best club in Southampton for r'n'b and house music. www.level-bristol.co.uk Waterloo Terrace, Southampton www.level-bristol.co.uk 023-8063 0171

SUBTONE Best known for the Saturday-night house party, Subtone brings in some big name DJs, as well as local talent on the Tuesday night open-mic sessions. 117 Promenade, Cheltenham 01242 575925 www.subtone.co.uk

PUBS

GOAT AND TRICYCLE A real pub serving tasty homemade food. The beer garden is especially popular in the summer. 27-29 West Hill Road, Bournemouth 01202 314220

BAR ROOM BAR With a late licence, Bar Room Bar makes for a good pre-club pub. The Waterfront, Bristol 0117-929 4276

THE ORANGE ROOMS Trendy with a nice atmosphere. A nice place for a pint or two. Bernon Walk, Southampton 023-8023 2333

THE MASH TUN A friendly bohemian bar with an eclectic clientele and DJ sets. 60 Eastgate Street, Winchester 01962 861440

TNT CAFÉ BAR A good pre-club pub with a resident DJ and a lively dance floor. 112 Eastgate Street, Gloucester 01452 330808

THE WINDMILL Busy at night, relaxing during the day. 83-85 East Gate Street, Gloucester 01452 500370

RESTAURANTS

KLUTE AND BREES

RESTAURANTS A bar which also houses the only open-air restaurant in town. Klute and Brees is a popular destination for visiting celebrities. 20 Exeter Road, Bournemouth 01202 252511

KUTI'S BRASSERIE Serves traditional Indian meals in a nice setting. 25 Oxford Street, Southampton 023-8022 1585

LATIMERS Specialises in European and Mediterranean food. 37-39 Oxford Street, Southampton 023-8023 1599

HOTEL DU VIN A bit of a treat! Hotel du Vin is quite posh and expensive but serves very good food. 14 Southgate Street, Winchester 01962 841414

CELLAR PEKING An underground restaurant serving tasty Chinese food. 32 Jury Street, Winchester 01962 864178

AND THE REST

BOOZE CRUISE A chance to tour Bristol harbour by night. The pubs around the harbour range from modern bars to traditional locals. The cruise lasts for three hours and ends at a club or bar. www.bristolferryboat.co.uk

JESTERS COMEDY CLUB Jesters is the only dedicated stand-up comedy club in the South-west region. They use only professional circuit comedians to ensure quality shows every week. There is a licensed bar and fast food is available until late. Booking is recommended, especially at weekends when it packs out. 140-142 Cheltenham Road, Bristol 0117-909 6655 www.jesterscomedyclub.co.uk

BRISTOL OLD VIC THEATRE The oldest working theatre in the country, the Bristol Old Vic first opened its doors on 30 May 1766. It remains a popular venue, producing theatre ranging from classics and new writing to pantomime. Offers a "Pay What You Can" night for 18- to 24-year-olds. King Street, Bristol 0117-987 7877

BRISTOL ICE RINK Runs "disco nights" on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. There is also a rink-side cafeteria and a bar. Student discounts on entry and skate hire. Frogmore Street, Bristol 0117-929 2148 www.nikegroup.co.uk

THE GUILDHALL, The Guildhall not only has its own art gallery but is also a good venue for bands and theatre. Southampton Guildhall, Civic Centre, Southampton SO14 7LP 023-8063 2601

EVERYMAN THEATRE Built in 1891, the Everyman is the oldest theatre in Britain still in theatrical use to have been designed by Victorian architect Frank Matcham. Regent St, Cheltenham 01242 572573