A night out in Swindon

Although it previously had a reputation for being a relatively sleepy part of South West England, Swindon has been undergoing a transformation of sorts in recent years.

Thanks to some population changes that have been underway for quite some time, the shifting demographics of Swindon have seen this sleepy slice of suburbia transformed into a lively young city with a lot to offer those of you looking for a night out on the town.

In the space of a few short years, Swindon’s more traditional nightlife scene has been transformed from being predominantly pub-based, to a diverse night-time economy with a wide variety of options on offer. Regardless of whether you are after creative mixology, inventive bites to eat or fun-filled bars where you can celebrate Swindon Town’s latest sporting victory, there is something to suit you!

With that said, let’s take a quick look at some of the best options on offer for your next night out in Swindon.

Embrace your inner mixologist

In addition to the many traditional pubs Swindon is blessed with, there is also a growing cocktail scene here. Cocktail bars have been cropping up with increasing frequency in recent years, and regardless of whether you want a more classic tipple or more modern mixology, Swindon has something just for you.

Some of the most popular spots include Rudi’s Bar, which is an incredibly lively bar with a pleasantly retro feel, as well as Longs Bar, where a team of talented mixologists serve up a variety of ‘signature’ and ‘autograph’ cocktails.

If you want a slightly fancier option — perhaps for that romantic date you have planned — the Hall & Woodhouse comes highly recommended. The mixologists at Hall & Woodhouse serve up an array of finely crafted classic cocktails, which is the perfect setting for that special meal.

Livelier options for those of you looking to seamlessly transition from the bar to the dance floor — without sacrificing the quality of drinks — include The Old Bank and Brass Money, both of which transform into nightclubs later in the evening.

Grab some mates for a game of bingo

Although it is most often associated with an older demographic, bingo is experiencing quite the resurgence among younger crowds. If you are looking for a fun-filled way to start your night out, a game of bingo could be the perfect choice!

There are a number of options for bingo in Swindon, although by far the most popular is Buzz Bingo and the Slots Room. This venue offers live bingo and a range of other casino favourites, in addition to live entertainment.

If you don’t fancy trekking out to one of the many in-person bingo venues in Swindon, you can always check out Profit Squad to see what the best online casinos in the UK have to offer.

Enjoy some al fresco dining

After a long, dreary winter, there are few things as enjoyable as making the best of the summer weather and enjoying some al fresco dining. In addition to the many beer gardens Swindon has to offer, there are also a wide range of outdoor dining options if you want to grab a bite to eat while basking in the summer sun.

Regardless of whether you want a more casual bite to eat or something a little bit fancier, Swindon has you covered!

For more casual bites, Rudi’s Bar on Regent Circus is chock full of outdoor dining seats which make for the perfect al fresco dining experience. Rudi’s is a meat lover’s paradise, so get ready to sink your teeth into their famous pulled beef brisket, which is perfect when washed down with a light, summery lager.

For a more traditional option, the Rose and Crown Ashbury takes the classic setting of the country inn and updates it for modern tastes with killer beers, modern twists on classic pub grub and a range of other interesting bites to eat.

If you fancy something slightly more refined and upmarket, be sure to check out the Cricklade House & Fritillary Spa or the Chiseldon House Hotel — both of which offer al fresco dining experiences to remember!

Dance the night away

If you started the night with a bite to eat followed by a few finely crafted cocktails, it is more than likely that by the later hours you will be ready to hit the dancefloor. If this proves to be the case, you will be pleased to know that Swindon has a number of options on offer.

One of the best options for dancing is Brass Monkey, which seamlessly transitions from a contemporary lounge and bar to a lively nightclub in the later hours. Another great option is 1101, which is situated in the heart of Old Town. 1101 features a menu filled with classic cocktails and is a great spot for live music, including jazz.