Where Music Meets Community
The Louisiana is a proudly independent UK music venue that has been a staple in Bristol's vibrant music scene for over 35 years. With a capacity of 140, we are a family-run venue that takes pride in showcasing the best musicians and providing an unforgettable experience for both the artists and the audience.
Our History
The Louisiana's story began in 1996 when a fire broke out at The Fleece, another music venue in Bristol. Two local promoters approached us and asked if they could use the room upstairs to host gigs. We agreed, and within a week, Gianni had built a stage for the performers to use. The first week saw Placebo and Super Furry Animals take to the stage, and it wasn't long before more promoters were involved, and we were hosting gigs on a regular basis.
We started out by hosting up-and-coming DJs, charging only 50p entry. The Chemical Brothers even played one of these gigs. We soon began hosting club nights in the basement at weekends. Over the years, The Louisiana has earned a reputation as a barometer for new bands. When The Scissor Sisters first played here, it was as support for a Bristol band. However, it wasn't long before they were headlining their own shows.
The Venue
Our venue is unique and intimate, making it the perfect setting for both up-and-coming and established artists. We have a friendly and knowledgeable team who are passionate about music and providing an unforgettable experience for our patrons. Our venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Amy Winehouse, Muse, and Dua Lipa.
Our Services
At The Louisiana, we offer a range of services to our artists and patrons. We provide a full sound and lighting system, ensuring that every performance is of the highest quality. We have a fully stocked bar, serving a range of drinks and snacks. Our venue is wheelchair accessible, and we have a team of staff on hand to assist with any special requirements.
We work closely with promoters and artists to ensure that every show runs smoothly. Our team is experienced in managing all aspects of live events, from ticket sales to stage management. We are committed to providing a platform for new and emerging artists and work hard to promote their shows and build their fanbase.
Our Community
The Louisiana is more than just a music venue; it is a community of music lovers, artists, and industry professionals. We are proud to support local charities, including Bristol Zero Tolerance and The Exchange, and we work closely with other music venues and organizations to promote the music scene in Bristol.
Upcoming Events
We host a range of events, from live music to club nights, art exhibitions, and workshops. Our upcoming events include the Photo Club Bristol Exhibition, the Gabe Lee 2024 UK Tour, and the Laissez Faire + Nothing Rhymes With Orange + Sharpie show. We also host regular club nights, featuring the best DJs in Bristol.
Support The Louisiana
As an independent music venue, we rely on the support of our patrons and the music community. We have a Patreon page where you can support us and help us continue to provide a platform for new and emerging artists. Your support helps us cover the costs of running the venue, maintaining our equipment, and supporting local charities.
In conclusion, The Louisiana is a proudly independent UK music venue that has been a staple in Bristol's vibrant music scene for over 35 years. We are committed to providing a platform for new and emerging artists and to creating a community of music lovers. We offer a range of services to our artists and patrons and are proud to support local charities. We look forward to welcoming you to our venue and providing you with an unforgettable music experience.
Atmosphere and Music
- The Louisiana is a popular pub known for its music and atmosphere.
- It is an intimate venue for upcoming performers and an essential pit stop on the Bristol gig scene.
- The venue has hosted various bands of different standards, including Kings of Leon, Muse, and Coldplay.
- The pub itself is large, spread over the ground floor with toilets, a piano, and a fully stocked bar.
- The gig venue is upstairs, in a tiny little room that always manages to pack people in, no matter how many show up.
Prices and Value
- The prices at the Louisiana are reasonable, especially for the drinks.
- The pints are extremely cheap compared to Bath.
- The venue offers great value for money, especially with the live music and cheap entrance fee.
- The meat at the Sunday carvery is beautifully cooked, and you get a choice of beef, turkey, or lamb with a bit of veg and Yorkshire pudding for a good measure.
Service and Staff
- The staff at the Louisiana are friendly and helpful.
- The staff is always welcoming and ensures that customers have a great experience.
- The staff at the bar are attentive and quick to serve customers.
Overall Experience
- The Louisiana is a fantastic venue for live music, with its dedicated room upstairs and bar area downstairs.
- It is a gem of a venue with a great sound, atmosphere, and top-notch staff.
- The Louisiana is a great refuge during the Harbour Festival, as it feels far from the madding crowd but is only 5 minutes walk from the centre.
- The Louisiana is an essential visit for anyone who appreciates music.

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