Thekla

What better retirement for a boat than as a music venue? During Dot To Dot, the Hold stage was great - volume and gain cranked to the max, and a crowd already hopping by 14:00. Audio was great, putting the O2 Academy to shame and bringing lots of Bristol together. Outside for the festival there was a second stage and good and drink options, giving the whole experience a great vibe.

I recently visited Thekla for the first time and was amazed by how accessible and easy it was for a disabled person to enjoy a gig there. Blue Badge parking is free just outside the door and from a comfy chair on the viewing balcony, you have a wonderful view of the stage (see photos). I was able to climb the few stairs down to the viewing balcony as my assistant carried my walker downstairs and I followed him with my walking sticks. Bit it might not be so easy for someone in a wheelchair. We did not sample the food but had drinks, and the the service at the bar was impeccable. The security staff at the door had been notified of our arrival: they were friendly and ushered us past the queue, which was useful. The Michael Monroe gig we attended was a wonderful experience and I hope there will be something else worth seeing soon, as I would love to return to Thekla.

Myself and a friend came here for the first time to see American folk artist Willie Watson perform live and we had a great experience! Taking aside the concert itself as this review is about the venue, every member of staff we encountered was professional and pleasant, which is far more than can be said for many music venues. The toilets were nice and clean, however they were small, but that’s to be expected as the venue is literally under the decks of a boat. The stage area itself had a great atmosphere, we were able to get right up close to the stage which was awesome, and they also had a further viewing platform above the standing area. The location of the venue is also extremely convenient; we decided to use public transport instead of driving as we didn’t fancy navigating the centre of Bristol at night by road. Therefore, we took the train to Bristol Temple Meads, which was an easy 15 minute~ walk to the venue! However, Thekla does also have its own dedicated car park as well as larger multi-storey ones around a 5 minute walk away, if you were so inclined. I’d definitely recommend this venue if they happen to be hosting an artist you’re interested in!

Re Natty 21/6/25 Would have appreciated some postings of times of actual bands rather than just "doors open at 7... " while i accept i was running on 'my time' and estimated a later start of the main act than it actually happened - and we were not aware that the WHOLE gig had to end by 10pm to facilitate 'Club Night'. Our fault for being late - but some guidance would have helped . As Ever Iconic Venue- Great Singer

Saw a band called Weather Systems. Parking was right outside the venue. Tad expensive, but what do you expect? Service behind the bar, was adequate from one person and great from another. The important thing was, the sound was excellent. Good light show as well.

I didn't eat here hence no stars for that element. This is such a cool little venue. Friendly staff both in bar and security.

Came all the way from germany to see Jam Baxter and even though i had really high expectations they were actually exceeded! Location itself is amazing, staff is super friendly and helpful. The smoking deck offers a really nice view of the harbour side if you're a smoker or just want to have a quick break! Sound is actually incredible given you're inside a boat. Drink prices are absolutely reasonable too! 10/10 would recommend! Cheers guys!

Really cool small venue. Sound and atmosphere were great. Only slight issue is the layout may restrict view if you're not near the front (it is on a boat to be fair!). Staff were friendly and helpful.

Described by the NME many years ago as "a floating toilet", the Thekla has thankfully had a few makeovers since and is now quite possibly the best club and gig venue in Bristol. The downstairs main room is fairly small and generates a great atmosphere, and there are also balconeys overlooking the dancefloor and stage, which are great for gigs. Moving upstairs, there's a decent bar which is open during day times and has a daily happy hour and food offers. On sunny days, though, you're better off taking your pint/burger out on the open air deck, which is heated, has plenty of seating and offers great views across the harbour.

A club on a boat! The Thekla (I don't know if that's the name of the boat as well as the club) is moored up in Bristol harbour with a few good nights and live music as well. There's no need to worry about sea sickness, the boat doesn't sway or anything. Its over two floors (decks?) and has an outside area at the bow of the ship. The upstairs bar is open all week and the bottom opens for club nights (Socialism, electro-indie on Saturdays is my favourite). Being on a boat, things are a bit crowded, but theres plenty of space on the bottom floor (in the bowls of the ship?) to dance. The staff (bouncers and bar staff) are friendly, and there's always a good atmosphere. There's no premium for floating whilst you drink, with the nights I've been too, priced around a fiver. A novelty that's a good night out too.

The Thekla is probably the most successful live music venue of its size in Bristol. With room for over 400 people and offering two stages on different levels there's plenty of scope to stage different types of events here. Being an adapted boat there's also a really quirky look and feel to the place. When you first go there it seems labyrinthine, (I got lost several times before I figured it all out). Since discovering it, when I first moved to Bristol, I have been a regular ever since. Featuring bands like The Bays, and local heroes such as Turbowolf and hosting some fantastic after show parties as well as being one of the most used venues during the various city based music festivals (e.g. Venn Festival) there's a lot to like about this converted boat in the centre of town. It's easy to get to, and has loads of free parking out front. The views are amazing, and there's plenty of restaurants within a 150 yards. Great!

If you want a change to the drum and bass, electronic, chart topping generic tunes - head to Thekla. 90's nights, pop/punk nights, what more could you ask for! Last time I checked, Thursday night 'pressure' is more rock, punk tunes, but definitely not too grunge for normal people. Friday night is a bit more electro (haven't been yet so I won't comment.) And Saturday night, my favourite, Pop Confessional - the 90's classics where you aren't ashamed to let loose to Madonna, because everyone else is. Dress how you want, as long as it's not too smart. You'll enjoy your night, it's always my favourite place to go for New Year, never any idiots looking to start a fight for the fun of it, accidentally fall into someone, you'll be fine - this isn't Syndicate.

This is the stuff legends are made of - the famous Bristol gig venue boat. There's hardly a band that plays the dimly lit venue without marvelling at the fact they are effectively underwater. The bare metal walls are a godsend during sell out gigs - there's nothing worse than being sweltering hot in a room full of sweaty, smelly folk during a gig. It shouldn't happen at the Thekla. Recent gigs include Band of Skulls, Ash, Noah and the Whale, Frightened Rabbit, Yeasayer and The Alarm. But it's not just gigs, this is a good place to grab a late night bevy and have a dance at one of the clubnights, including Pressure on a Thursday night which sees some wicked DJs spinning decent indie tunes to a less wicked crowd of Skins-type students. And if you go to the gig beforehand it gets you free entry to the clubnights. And they've got ginger beer on tap. Result.

The Thekla is a club Bristol should be really proud of. It's not only my favourite in this city but the best I've ever been to. It certainly served me and my friends well throughout our university days, no matter what the occasion; end of term, end of exams, or just on a Friday night, we could usually be found somewhere on the deck of this old boat. The fact that it's a club on a boat is a novelty that never really wears off and suits Bristol's harbour town traditions. It's also tough to find clubs that work so well as both a live music venue and a club. You can have two completely different nights out all under one roof. It's the best makeover of an old location I have witnessed. It went from a grimy, dark, underground club to a beautiful, cool, great place to be on a night out. Although I saw my favourite band (Camera Obscura) here I think it's their club nights that keep bringing me back. You will not find newer or cooler DJs anywhere else than here at the weekends. They have a great selection of rum and I've been known to enjoy a tipple from time to time. The DJ in the upstairs bar will always chat to you about music and does take requests (as long as they tie in with his set of course). They play the best funk & soul in this bar and as you enjoy some great music you can sit in one of the booths and look out of the river. Perfect. Apparently they even do food in the daytime!

As one of Bristol's more tasteful places to party, The Thekla is probably the club (along, perhaps, with Motion) I would recommend to a visitor if I hadn't been filled in on their musical tastes. The reason for this is Thekla's broad musical selection, which diverges slightly from the mainstream...but not too far. One of the better clubs in Bristol for indie music, it mixes things up with house, dnb, hiphop and some good student nights. Alongside the clubnights is a concert programme packed with acts from all across the musical spectrum, but which are normally relatively good. They tend to occupy the ideal middle ground of being famous enough for you to know who they are, without being so famous that you lose out on atmosphere drowning in a massive crowd. Food during the day is apparently pretty decent and the bar is relatively well-stocked, especially with spirits. There's also the novelty of a club on a boat, which never fails to please. The smoking area boasts some pretty pleasant views and offers a welcome breathing space for when things get a little too hot and sweaty inside.

Not been to thekla in years, and it hasnt changed much since the refurb. booze prices are ok in comparison to other places. Staff seemed nice. Reasons for low stars, the soundsystem was both quiet and so muffled on vocals that I couldnt get into the music or hear any of the lyrics of almost all the acts, and at a live / club venue thats the biggest tick box failed, especially at a hiphop night. Wont be going back in a hurry.

If you are looking for an Ibiza themed night then this is not the place you are looking for. Thekla is a small venue that regularly has live Indie gigs, and a few Drum and Bass raves every now and again. I visited when a friend of a friend was performing and I was pleasantly surprised. I especially liked the fact that it was on a boat (little things please little minds eh!). I personally found the downstairs a little claustrophobic, but that's down to personal preference. I preferred spending my time upstairs on the deck where it can be quite peaceful. Drink prices are not bad and they have a huge selection of spirits and whiskys. It does tend to get full of Freshers in the first few months of term just to warn you!

Ladies, I don't want to sound like your mother but please wear sensible shoes if you go to this floating nightclub. One of Bristol's most iconic clubs, Thekla is a converted boat that sits on the harbour behind Queens Square. Split over two levels, there are to main staircase that get you were you want to go and once the drink starts flowing, those steps can get slippery. On several occasions I've seen slightly intoxicated girls go head over high heels while sashaying down the stairs. Aside from precarious footwear and wet stairs, I love this club and live music venue. The owners have kept to the nautical feel inside the venue as there are plenty of exposed pipes and panels and the novelty factor is great if you have any friends visiting. Most popular in my student days, I still frequent this place for gigs and the odd Saturday night out - normally an electronica night. The drink prices are quite cheap but if you go to Gorilla Audio on a Monday there are lots of cheap deals and often free shots for the first 50 people aboard. The possibility for nautical puns in endless and the atmosphere is always great, especially on the top deck where it's a little quieter.

Now that big names have been drawn to play their gigs in the O2's of our land it is always refreshing to see somewhere that is not a branded arena and remains untouched by the claws of corporate branding. Other than that Thekla obviously has another claim to fame, it is a nightclub on a boat, and a pretty big one at that. It is nice to find somewhere that can host everyone from Sandi Thom to Audio Bullys, and still open to serve food in the day. P.S. If you are able to, try and get round to the other side of the harbour to have a look at the Banksy that is painted at water level on the side of the boat.

Thekla always offers something new and different to other clubs in Bristol which play the same playlist over and over again, and think they are being quirky by playing chart electro. Thekla is different, it plays music found nowhere in the charts. Soudns refreshing but this also drags in a lot of music snobs, making the night a little less enjoyable. However, nothing beats dancing on a boat! The stage is quite large and there are 2 floors and a few bars to keep you happy.

This nightclub is something a bit different from your standard club - and it's location is a boat! It is located down on the waterfront, and there are several really nice bars near by which you can have a few drinks at before hand - I would recommend the apple if you haven't tried it out before! Thekla classes itself as an alternative nightclub, and puts on a variety of different nights. Gorilla Audio, which is partnered with UWE university, takes place every Monday night and is geared towards a more studenty audience. On this night there are many drink deals, making it good if you are on a budget! This little hotspot is also known as a local gig location - many independent bands on tour play a gig here, because its something a bit different that has an authentic feel. It is great for gigs because it provides a relatively intimate venue - and the acoustics are not bad at all! I went to see a band called Frightened Rabbit here, and it was a brilliant experience! Check www.bristolticketshop.co.uk for upcoming gigs at this venue if you are interested! The bar/club itself has an upstairs and a downstairs - and as you can imagine, being on a boat makes it all the more appealing in the summer months! Definitely worth checking out!

The Thekla, once known as the Dirty Old Boat, is one of the best places in Bristol to see music. A wide range of acts play there, from electro and breaks DJs to experimental to indie to folk. The bar upstairs is bright and serves burgers. The outside seating is usually packed with smokers but a nice place to spend a Summer evening. By three o'clock the main dance area (in the hull of the boat) can become as hot and sweaty as any of the best venues in the country. Treat the bouncers with caution, they can be a bit over-zealous sometimes. Remember to check for loo paper in the toilet before you shut the door... it's a particular problem here. Also, check out the Thekla's unusual history as Vivian Stanshall's Old Profanity Showboat: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Profanity_Showboat_(Thekla) Not a lot of venues have this kind of history. It's a classic piece of Bristol.

The Thekla was brought from Greece to Bristol by Vivian Stanshall of 60's surreal geniuses "The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band", and was originally called "The Old Profanity Showboat", a floating theatre designed to sail up to the Edinburgh Festival each year. Although profanity is still in abundance amongst the clientele and, occassionally, the performers, the boat has been revamped in to a modern, stylish music venue, with nice tables and benches on the deck and an eclectic, varied live music schedule.

Club-on-a-boat in the centre of Bristol, offering dance beats into the early morning, and a rocking rhythm all of its own. There's a bit of a thing in Bristol for Riverboats converted into bars, and Thekla has to be the original innovator, with various rooms and bars, two levels, and seriously good music. Oh, and there's no need to wear a stripey t-shirt and cocked hat!

I didnt go to Thekla on a night out, I'd spent my evening drinking on some other ship and ended up on Thekla because the other place stopped serving. First impressions were good, I like the lay out etc. but it wasnt very busyas in me, my friends and about 5 other people on board (including the barman!) Since leaving Bristol however, the name Thekla keeps coming up. Acts like Alice Russell, The Maccabees and Andrew Bird are lined up to play and Im desperate to go back!

I've only been a few times, but recommend this as a great place to see a concert. The upper level has a bar and food (you don't need a concert ticket to go there) and the bowels of the boat has the venue itself, with balcony, toilets, bar and minimal seating. Drink prices are reasonable, there is some seating on the edges as well as a few tables in the balcony, staff are friendly and the place has a unique atmosphere. It's hard to believe at times that you are inside of a boat! I look forward to seeing more gigs here in the future.

can have a good night out here, when the students are back. Unfortunately, when they're away, most of the nights here stop running, which is a bit rubbish. The drinks can be quite cheap sometimes, but not always.

The Thekla is one of the best club venues in Bristol. Its a refurbished boat which makes it a bit of a novelty and its lovely to sit up on the deck with a drink and just look at all the boats. It has some awesome nights, I recommend Socialism on a Saturday night for Electro fun times. It used to host Stutter but recently kicked it out which is a shame. It now has Death from Above on Thursday nights, which is basically exactly the same as Stutter. But not. Cheap alcohol and lots of fun people. Best venue in Bristol!

There are two parts to the thekla. The is the venue downstairs where they hold gigs and club nights and then there is the bar upstairs leading out onto the deck where you can eat. The top part is also open during the events downstairs. It is a great venue for gigs as it is a very intimate venue - I have seen a number of bands here and they still remain the best I have seen in bristol. The only problem is if it is bvery popular - it doesnt get much air downstairs and so you soon get condensation dripping off the walls if it is full. Upstairs the refurb of the bar area makes it a really nice place to eat and the deck outside is really pleasant and faces the afternoon sun, amking it a really nice palce to go for food. They do a great sunday lunch and their other food is pretty good too - although they often seem to run out of bread bizarrely.

Bristol legend. A sort of artists and actors commune when I was a kid, this old hulk on the floating harbour has long been a significant venue in the city. I remember taking some discerning (fussy) friends from New York to see Shy FX down in the sweaty hold which lead them to enthuse that Bristol had 'official flavour' by way of commendation. Professional, pleasant door and bar staff, and a generally good crowd. Has a big sound system that gives the close interior an in-your-face, vivid atmosphere but may be a little too much if the boat is fully rammed with revellers. Not just great drum'n'bass nights on offer- once saw Schoolly D in all his his spitting furiousness here, Franz Ferdinand played not long ago and have heard that Goldie Looking Chain are doing a set on Sunday which could be worth a look. Can't say I like the new green and beige paint job as much as the sober black with Banksy's reaper in stark relief on the hull, but the decent beer and newly offered scran are a sure improvement since the refurb and the seating and heating now on the front deck are most welcome on a clement night.

Can I just say the lack of ability in the bar staff has really annoyed me, so I want to take away a star. Upstairs and down, miserable, pouring one drink at a time and getting the service in the wrong order. Pay attention, and put a flippin smile on your face. I've done this myself in some of the busiest bars in the UK so I know what it takes. Only two of these self-absorbed staff on a bar downstairs on a gig night = half an hour to get a drink. gRRRRRRR.

I used to frequent this place back in the 90's when it was drum and bass nights and underground music events. It was cool then, gets hot of course but it is a great night out. Today there are some great live music acts down there and recently I just popped in randomly to find an amazing singer/guitarist there with his band and I kid you not he was very skilled. I say that as I am a music obsessive so quite critical I guess but neverhtheless these guys ROCKED the roof off.

Like a lot of things, your appreciation of the Thekla will be largely determined by what kind of night out you enjoy. It's pretty small and can get pretty sweaty when there's a gig on downstairs, so if you don't like live music or sweaty Indie types jumping all over you in a close confined space, then this probably isn't for you. Having said that, if that sounds like your idea of fun then it doesn't get much better than the Thekla for live music in Bristol. The atmosphere is great and there are even balconies overlooking the dance floor and stage area for the more civilised. There's also an outside seated area you can enjoy without having to pay the cover charge (£5 last time I went) required if your are going down stairs to the main dance area. The drinks are reasonably priced, so if you simply want a quick drink before heading further into town you could always just knock a few back on the upper deck without even seeing the riff raff down stairs. .

My favourite Bristol Club. It has some really good club nights Indie, Dance, Funk, 60's and live bands. I like the fact that there is an upper deck which plays completely different music and serves Cheese Toasties as well as drinks at the bar!

I love this boat, the sound is good and people are really friendly. This venue is really cool and not very expensive. Go there if you're fed up with all electronic club of Bristol.

It's a club on a boat, whether that's what makes it so cool or it's the great selection of music played there, I have always enjoyed returning to the Thekla to dance my sock off and see the big acts. It's just big enough to get happily lost in but it is also easy to get around the various levels due to the handy balconies and various stairways -check out the one that wraps up behind the main stage. Always a good night out! Video link: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sYfDiBShkYg

I loved the atmosphere here - being on board a ship and going for some drinks and food was a great idea! Sadly I've not yet managed to go to a gig here, however having said that, it would be an interesting experience, i'm sure there would be lots of friendly faces and a great time had by all! Drinks were good, if a little on the steep side, and food was freshly made and very tasty.

I went to Thekla to see the Babyskins last year and it was a lovely little intimate gig. They weren't the main act so people started piling in later although it was still good. So everyone could see people started sitting down on the floor which was strange. Being in a boat is a bit weird but you get used to it quickly. There's a bar in the night club part and a bar upstairs if you don't want to see the gig. There's a banksy around the back of the boat but you have to see it from the other side of the river!

Thekla is a music venue and club, providing an alternative experience for most students and young adults in Bristol. Based on a boat, Thekla provides a unique environment for party goers, with an outdoor seating area for all smokers. Thekla is open most days of the week, and provides exceptional themed nights for those wanting to go for specific music. Being based on a boat has its disadvantages, as Thekla can seem a little confusing when you first visit due to many stairs leading to the same area. However, there are more rooms than meets the eye, and so Thekla is an enjoyable club to go to. With a large dance floor area, large seating area and large bar downstairs, Thekla boasts an extra dance floor area, with an additional bar and seating area, as well as another DJ booth. An excellent outdoor smoking area provides smokers with seats, umbrellas and views over the waterfront. This is an idea place to mingle. Thekla has many little hubs of enjoyment where seating is provided for a more subdued environment. It is inexpensive to enter (at the very most £4 entry without student card, and sometimes it is even free), Thekla is renowned as a student boathouse. Drinks are relatively cheap, and on Thursdays all drinks are two for the price of one. Thekla can seem a little dark and unclean, but provides the perfect environment to let loose on the dance floor.

One of Bristol's oldest clubs, the Thekla is certainly a venue with a twist. The old ship has been anchored where it floats today for more than 20 years and is now the home to a very popular bar and cafe by day and even more loved bar and club by night. Hosting great club nights and gigs, the Thekla is certainly one of the most popular haunts of Bristol.

Met the father of my child on this boat so watch out clubbers! Complete with a Banksy piece on the outside of this boat / nightclub the Thekla is an upbeat swinging venue with a difference, lots of funk, house, contemporary indie and break beat nights one of Bristols oldest and most loved clubs.

Recently, the Thekla was host to über-producer Mark Ronson. Not bad for boat-that-is-actually-a-club at night! As one of the most popular dub hang outs, the crowd varies but it has achieved a niche following among students. Inside, it almost looks like a boat that has not been cleaned but this illusion seems to be done on purpose, to make it seem more raw and gritty. If you like dub, drum & bass and the idea of being nautical does not make you sea-sick, this club may float your boat.

This is just a really cool place. It's probably one of the best known venues in bristol and transforms from a cafe bar in the day to one of liveliest clubs in bristol in the evening. It also hosts many live acts including, just jack, people under the stairs and many more. With such a unique venue, being on a boat, it really is a great place to go, whether you simply have a bite in the day or rave your socks off in the evening.

This is a fairly well known club in Bristol as it on a boat next to the quayside. It plays a variety of different types of music (drum and bass and indie mostly) to a predominanetly student crowd. You can drink outside overlooking the water too.

May well be the best club in Bristol IMO. Equally versatile for food and drink, raving or rocking there is music for pretty much all palates here. The surroundings of the venue offer some of the best views in Bristol and as others here have said the novelty of the dance floor being underwater never quite goes away. Particularly noteworthy is the 51' 27 club night, serving up a medley of underground music for all tastes; basically everything from grime through to 90s house.

The Thekla is not quite as confident as a Carlsberg marketing slogan, calling itself 'Possibly the best bar and venue in Bristol'. Its modesty is unnecessary because The Thekla is certainly one of the most unique and best venues in Bristol. The kings of alternative music Wolf Parade or recent Mercury prize winner Speech Debelle is the calibre of live act that the place attracts but Thekla is perhaps more suited to dark and grimy nights of music. It has attracted promoters from far and wide none bigger than Hospital records who put on many of their famous Hospitality nights at Thekla. I saw DJ Marky and High Contrast there and it was one of my most memorable nights in my time at Bristol University so far. I would advise standing in the middle of the main room to avoid poor acoustics/getting squashed. You must check out Thekla if only for the novelty that...it's on a BOAT! This makes it a cool place for a summer beer, a cool place to dance, but an average place for live music.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I first set foot on deck here. Its ugly hulk conceals a really atmospheric rabbit warren of little nooks and crannies overlooking a tiny stage and dancefloor. The acoustics aren't exactly amazing but every live act I've seen here really seems to dig their surroundings and plays up to them. It attracts some really credible names and has become a pivotal player in the praiseworthy annual Dot to Dot festival at venues across the city. It's not the greatest venue in terms of sneaking a peek of the stage when it's packed but I've taken to going upstairs and looking down on the stage from the gallery up here. And if you choose to have a few pre-show drinks up near the balcony, you are more than likely to bump into the band who often sit in one of the cubby holes getting some Dutch Courage. The upstairs bar, although almost entirely separate from the music venue also does really really good food that is cheap. And if it's a sunny day The Thekla is a wicked place for a cheap as chips lunch out on deck.

Fantastic club on a boat in Bristol - it's really smartened up its act since the days of the Kandi Klub! But still has a great line up of nights, and love the fact that it's on a boat

great boat and good music