One of the mainstays of student life is the nightlife, and if you’re coming to Lancaster University to study and nightlife is important to you then you’ll find it’s no exception.
If it’s your first time away from home then venturing out into an unknown city for the first time can be quite daunting, and you might not know the best bars or pubs to go to, or even where they are. However, Lancaster University’s campus is well-known for its lively nightlife, and it’s just a 15 minute bus ride to the university from our CityBlock apartments, with a regular bus service running to and from the city centre to the campus.
Pubs & Bars
The campus has a multitude of venues that provide a vibrant and lively student atmosphere in a home from home environment, catering specially for the student lifestyle.
Here at CityBlock we’ve put together the ultimate guide to Lancaster University’s pubs and bars to ensure that you can get the best on-campus experience when going out.
The Northern Oak: County College
This bar offers a wonderful contemporary atmosphere. During the day, it’s a popular chill out bar where students come to drink coffee or eat snacks from a wide range of different light bites on offer, but during the evening, it offers a livelier atmosphere. With regular live music performances every alternate Wednesday and fortnightly stand-up from the County Comedy Club, this bar is a great place to go with your mates. This bar is very popular with societies, and is known for its lively fun and friendly atmosphere.
Trevor Bar: Furness College
Trevor bar has been open for more than 40 years! This bar hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year, including its very own real ale festival in December. In addition, it’s the home of many other college socials including international theme nights and Jam-in-Furness, the bar’s jazz night. Trevor is a vibrant and lively bar and it’s one of the traditional starting points for the vast majority of college socials. Trevor was recently re-launched, and now has a great selection of quality wines, along with all of its usual favourites. It also has a range of locally brewed ales from Lancaster University’s on-campus brewery.
The Mill: Fylde College
For a sports bar with a difference, you should definitely pay The Mill a visit. With its recently re-launched food menu, The Mill boasts that it’s currently the only place in Lancaster where you can buy a crocodile, kangaroo or even a llama burger! They also serve food until 9:30pm, seven days a week, and have an excellent menu with a wide variety of different foods such as burrito wraps, pizzas and burgers. If you’re looking for great place to watch sports with your mates, then this is the place for you. All major fixtures are shown throughout the bar on HDTVs, as well as their big screen. There’s also the One Big Kitchen event, which is a big party held every Saturday with great drinks deals and a fantastic environment.
Grizedale Cafe Bar: Grizedale College
Located at Lancaster University’s South Spine, the Grizedale Café Bar is one of the main hubs when it comes to starting off on a night out around Lancaster University’s campus, and also when it comes to eating great food. This bar has a wonderful contemporary atmosphere, along with a wonderful menu of top quality food including delicious pizzas, hot wraps and scrumptious doughnuts. This is also the place to go on campus for classy cocktails. From Strawberry Daiquiris to Long Island Iced Teas, it’s a great place to come and chill whilst visiting Lancaster University’s many other great campus bars.
Barkers: Cartmel College
Tucked away in Cartmel College on the South West Campus, Barkers is one of those places that feels instantly familiar. It’s the kind of bar where you can settle in for a chilled pint, catch the match with mates, or just grab something decent to eat between lectures. The menu’s full of proper pub favourites, think burgers, loaded fries, and a Sunday roast that’s got a bit of a reputation across campus.
It’s also a solid spot for events, with a lively atmosphere when things kick off, but still laid-back enough for a quiet coffee during the day. Speaking of which, they serve Starbucks, so whether you’re after a flat white or something sweet and frothy, you’re sorted. Barkers isn’t flashy, but that’s part of the charm, it’s reliable, friendly, and always a good shout when you’re on the South West side of campus.
Restaurants
It’s not all about the bars, campus also has some great spots for food and coffee. Whether you’re after something fresh and healthy, a proper meal, or just a good brew, there are a few places that stand out.
HIVE
HIVE sits on the first floor of Health Innovation One and brings a fresh, relaxed vibe to the campus. It’s known for its healthy, feel-good menu, with vegan and low-sugar options that actually taste good. You’ll find locally sourced Atkinson’s coffee, fresh meals, and a few sweet treats too. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or meeting up for a chat, it’s a bright, open space that makes it easy to hang out or get stuff done.
The Marketplace
Up on North Campus in County South, The Marketplace is a solid choice for a proper hot meal. The menu changes daily, always offering two meat options and something veggie, plus hot sides and a fresh salad bar. It’s a good shout if you’re after something filling and balanced, and they serve Costa coffee too, made fresh at the bar.
The Deli
Right off Alexandra Square, The Deli is a cosy spot with a brunch menu that covers everything from pancakes and mac n’ cheese to fresh salads and flatbreads. They serve Atkinson’s coffee and specialty teas, making it a great place to grab something warm and tasty in the middle of the day.
Still Stay in The Loop
Whether you’re still looking to secure student accommodation in Lancaster, or you’ve already booked your room, you can be assured that you’ll have a great night out if you visit Lancaster University’s campus. Unlike many of the bars in the city, the campus bars won’t burn a hole in your pocket, as they’re run by students for students.
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