Like most northern cities, Preston knows how to have a good time. From student pubs selling drinks for just a pound to high-class cocktail bars offering bespoke creations, there’s something for everyone.
Nightlife in Preston
Bars
Preston might not have the same nightlife allure as nearby big cities like Manchester and Liverpool, but with dozens of bars and thousands of students and postgraduates, the city knows how to paint the town red.
Check out our favourite Preston bars.
Hogarths
Roper Hall
Clubbing
Pubs
A city that underwent a 19th century boom, Preston has plenty of Victorian-era pubs and drinking houses. It boasts long bars filled with real ales and kitchens alive with the smell of freshly baked pies – including the city’s famous ‘butter pie’.
We’ve selected our favourite Preston pubs on a dedicated page.
Clubs
Driven by a student population, clubbing is big business in Preston. The scene has undergone several big changes in the last few decades, with new clubs reopening on the site of old classics – Revs has become Rift Bar, Cameo was founded on the old Squires site, while Evoque was previously known as Lava (and Tokes before that).
Evoque in Church Street is the largest club in Preston and hosts three main club nights on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Opened in 2013, it’s a late-night dancing den with a licence until 4am and five bars spread across two distinct rooms. Be warned though, it’s a large space and when you’re in the midst of a late-night session, it can be easy to lose your friends.
Playing a mix of commercial music ranging from house music to RnB, BBC Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard and hip-hop star Fatman Scoop are among recent guests. You’ll need to pay at the door on weekends, while drinks are on the more expensive side – expect only a little change from £10 when ordering a couple of drinks. Thankfully, you can save money on taxis by making the 15-minute walk from our Preston Central hotel.
If you’re after a more alternative late-night drinking den, then try The Warehouse. Not only have cult bands like Joy Division and The Stone Roses played there, but the three-room venue has a strong indie ethic, playing a range of emo, indie, punk and alternative anthems. Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, it’s based in the centre of town and just a short stroll from Evoque.