Strange Brew

A venue built for music

Strange Brew was set up by Bristol promoters Dirtytalk in a former car hire and repair space on Fairfax Street, crowdfunded as a home for underground music. The main room holds up to 330 standing and runs on a large d&b audiotechnik sound system, while the back room, with framed art and a raw concrete floor, takes around 200 standing. The bar serves draught beer and cider, and baristas make coffee and tea, so the room works for daytime events as well as late nights.

What's on

Programming centres on DJ nights at weekends plus live bands and seated shows, with the venue also used for talks, markets and workshops. Listings change constantly, so check the website or sign up to its monthly newsletter before you go. The venue has hosted Afrobeat legend Dele Sosimi and DJ collectives such as Idle Hands, which gives a flavour of its leanings towards underground and leftfield music.

Where it fits in a night out

It sits a couple of minutes from Broadmead and St Nicholas Market, so it is easy to eat nearby first. The Bank Tavern and Dareshack are close, and the Titanic Bristol attraction is just around the corner if you are making a day of it.

Highlights

• Independent venue opened in September 2020
• Main room for up to 330, plus a 200-capacity back room
• d&b audiotechnik sound system
• DJ nights, live music and arts events

Good to know

• Events are ticketed and change regularly; check listings on the website.
• The venue is available for private hire, including Christmas parties.

Frequently asked questions