Do you enjoy a cheeky night out? Coming to Cardiff this year and want to know what the night-life is like? Then look no further.
A good night life can be vital in deciding where you want to attend university. Having lived in Cardiff for three years I’m here to reassure you that people in Cardiff love to party. From Live Lounge to The Kings, I’ve assembled a long list of some of the best boogie-spots in the Welsh Capital.
Cardiff University’s Student’s Union
A classic for any Cardiff University student, you do not attend the uni without going on at least one night out, (and usually a lot more) to the Student’s Union.
A large dance floor and several side rooms, the “SU” accommodates a lot of students. The best nights being when they put on Silent Disco, hosting three different channels to listen to music to. Which is great when I attend with the pop-girlies and Drum and Bass lads, allowing everyone to listen to their preferred music.
Entirely student focused, one Cardiff University graduate Lydia Barnes said, “The SU is cheap and cheerful”, reiterating this idea.
With the last song of every night being Robbie Williams’s ‘Angels’, only one question remains. Can you last until then?
Misfits
Probably Cardiff’s most infamous club, Misfits is a staple for all university students primarily because of its location. In the heart of Cathays, Misfits is surrounded by several kebab places. For those who want to save themselves from a walk into town Misfits is perfect.
Inside the vibe is extremely funky, with a sofa section and a bath-tub next to the large dance-floor and Photo Booth. Other than Cardiff University’s Student Union, Misfits is the place to be on a Wednesday!
Having moved to a new flat which is a 30 second walk from the club, I am both excited for how close it is and also not excited to hear all the loud students walk past my window!
Live Lounge
As in the name, if you enjoy live music, nowhere does it better than Live Lounge. Always full, “Liveys” is always filled with people ready to party, and has an amazing atmosphere.
Appealing to a wide audience, people of all ages enjoy this club. It is a favourite in the city for a reason. Live Lounge is always a safe bet when I want to make sure I’m going to have a good night.
The Kings
Now for my LGBT+ readers, The Kings, my personal favourite, is the place to be in town for everything queer. The Kings has it all, and I would go as far to say it is my favourite club in the whole of the United Kingdom.
Busy not just on the weekends, The Kings has karaoke throughout the week, and has hosted a variety of events including the recent ‘Roast of Jolene Dover’ where drag artists came together to roast one of the staple drag queens. Other than Jolene, mainstay drag artists include Nicki Knockers and Justin Drag.
When karaoke is not on, the club is always filled, with a dance floor and a stage for those brave enough to show off their moves to the whole room. Whilst dancing make sure to keep an eye out for the fabulous Nicolle and other staff going around offering 346 (three for six) on shots.
If you get tired of dancing easily, The Kings has an answer to this too. With a large smoking area upstairs, The Kings also has an arcade section. With sex-toy claw machines and a punching machine, the best machine is definitely the Photo Booth, and I have at least ten photos from there up on my wall.
A regular Kings-goer and DJ, Samuel “DJ Scissorhands” Powell spoke about how they love the club, saying “I feel like The Kings has always been such an inviting space for everyone. There’s all sorts of people vibing together as one. There’s no judgement, just dancing your heart out to queer classics from Charli XCX, Lady Gaga and other icons. It’s a staple of Cardiff nightlife. If you’re going to Kings you know you’re in for good vibes and a great social”.
Eclipse
After rebranding from Eagles, Eclipse has slowly been gaining more and more traction in Cardiff. Much of this to do with the drag performers and DJs the club has. The fabulous DJ Scissorhands and Chae with a C alongside the ‘divalicious’ Diva Divine can always draw a crowd in.
Certainly growing, Eclipse’s cheap shots and drinks alongside the free entry is always enticing, and the club hosts many different themed nights for all sorts of people.
One student, Harry Jones said “all the staff and people who go there are really friendly. You can always have a good chat. One of the regular drag queens Diva Divine brings the energy and makes it so welcoming”.
Final Thoughts
Of course these are only a few of the many lively clubs in Cardiff, including Revolution, Pulse, Mary’s, and Walkabout.
But rest assured, people in Cardiff love to party, and for anyone considering coming to University here, you are looking at a future filled with many crazy night outs!
