09 Sep 2024
The Bristol guide to Galentine's and Palentine's Day
February might be mainly associated with couples but the day before Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for people to celebrate their friendships because even the greatest partner can’t meet all your needs. The 13th February is a celebration for Galentine’s and Palentine’s Day, and is all about your platonic soulmates: you can express your gratitude by spending some quality time together. And as we all know, quality time isn’t complete if there’s no good food or drinks involved. Here’s a guide to a perfect night out for Galentine’s and Palentine’s in Bristol.
One of the top things you can treat yourself to on Palentine’s Day is a karaoke night out with a group of your best gal pals. At 98 Club you can sing your heart out whether you’re heartbroken or have already found your other half, and forget about the rest of the world for a couple of hours. For just £20 per person, you’ll be able to rent a private room and choose from thousands of songs, plus enjoy a hefty drinks menu at an additional charge. If you want to try something new or perhaps one of their cocktail making masterclasses, don’t wait and start planning your get-together at 98 Club now.
If singing isn’t your thing and you’d prefer to challenge yourself to more physically demanding activities, one of the top fun spots to visit in Bristol is Lane7. Whatever you’re in the mood for, the venue offers plenty of options that can make Palentine’s Day extra special. You can enjoy bowling, a game of darts, pool, shooting pods, and shuffleboard, visit the arcade or play beer pong like the good old times (check the website for the prices). On the menu, there’s a selection of tempting classics such as pizzas, burgers and fries to keep you going the whole evening or even the whole day.
Visiting an all-you-can-eat buffet might not be anyone’s first choice on Valentine’s Day, but it’s a great way to spend time with your friends and make the best out of Palentine’s Day. For less than £20 per person, you can sample a variety of tapas-style hot and cold dishes (such as steamed mussels and sweet chilli turkey) and sweeten it all up with a dessert of your choice. All food is unlimited! It’s a perfect option if you don’t fancy staying out long, but still want to hang out with your friends and enjoy a celebratory drink.
One of the best ways to celebrate a special occasion with a group of friends is having cocktails and it’s easy to see why: the intimate setting of a cocktail bar always makes for a nice atmosphere and more fun. Coppa Clifton Village fills all that criteria. On the menu, there’s a variety of drinks to choose from, such as Tiramisu Martini and Peach Trip. Alternatively, you can order a bottle and play some drinking games; even if your university years are long gone, it’s always fun to have a giggle over Never Have I Ever. For large bookings, it’s best to make a reservation in advance.
As long as you’re surrounded by good friends, there’s nothing wrong with just going for a traditional night out and settling in at a nice venue. Scarlet Lantern is one of the best in Bristol’s bar scene as it resembles an underground speakeasy with an intimate vibe – if Valentine’s Day is associated with romance then surely singles’ day should be all about being sexy and free? On the menu, you can find drinks with intriguing names: Back to Wonderland, In the Clouds, Red Flag, Dancing on the Ceiling plus all the classics to make you tipsy in no time. Visit Scarlet Lantern to treat yourself to a tasty cocktail and chat the night away with your gal pals.
We love it here! A super fun venue where there is no menu, Bring Your Own Booze (great for those emerging from Dry January victorious and wanting to celebrate), organic gourmet dishes and wall upon wall of fermenting food. The seating style is super social, perfect if you have a group looking for Korean fusion food. Find yourself all seated along one long table, with plates designed for sharing within your group.
Yes it’s true, you caught us! We did feature The Ivy Clifton in our classic Valentine’s feature, but we couldn’t resist including it here for Galentine’s as well. It is the PERFECT spot to get your killer heels out, and go for a boozy Galentine’s brunch. Of course, sophistication is of utmost priority at The Ivy and so this boozy brunch is most likely to be more of a Champagne breakfast, but you get the idea.
A venue we have walked past many a time, and peered in with great curiosity. With gorgeous ambient lighting and girlfriend groups often seen dining in vibrant booths, Nadu is the ideal spot for good food with good friends! Absolutely DELICIOUS Sri Lankan and Tamil dishes all with a modern twist, right in the heart of Stokes Croft. There is food for everyone, with Nadu meaning “land”, the menu boasts brilliant, exotic vegetarian dishes, as well as fish and meat. It is a great place to start your night with perfectly paired food and cocktails. Perhaps join Nadu’s Plantation Rum Club – very fun – and continue on from here.
A gorgeous Japanese kitchen and bar found in the ever popular Clifton village. The perfect spot to get dressed up with the girls and go for some delicious cocktails and sushi whilst capturing that all important instagrammable content. Open until midnight on Friday and Saturdays, this is a great venue to start a girls night out and move on to The Triangle area of town by midnight in true Cinderella fairytale style. If you don’t want a late one, maybe visit here Japanese Afternoon tea instead.
Obento is a fab and super fun Bristol venue! Serving sushi in a relaxed setting, you will also find private karaoke rooms. Well priced and authentic Japanese cuisine, the popular venue is split over two floors with seating for 150. Their menu is also very extensive, meaning there is something for all the gals and pals in the group!
Finally, Bambalan is a brilliant venue for their disco party nights, events, good offers, affordable happy hours, fab cocktails and super fun vibes. Definitely the place to put on a sparkly outfit and boogie the night away. Whether you want a fun flirty night, or are dancing away a recent heartbreak, Bambalan is a great place to start. Keep an eye on their Instagram or website for event updates to book popular tickets! Also worth noting is their all day dining Mediterranean menu, ideal if you feel less like dancing and more like a sourdough pizza or Mezze feast with the team.