Bristol’s hidden nightclub reopens this weekend
Female-led, fiercely independent and rooted in social impact, The Island returns with a no-camera dancefloor and a lineup designed to disrupt the mainstream.
One of Bristol’s most iconic underground venues, The Island, will reopen its doors this Saturday 27th September, relaunching with a bold new identity, a carefully curated lineup and a commitment to reimagining club culture in 2025.
Located in the basement of a former police station in Broadmead, The Island is accessed through an alley, down past abandoned cells and a prison exercise yard – a descent that’s become a rite of passage for generations of ravers. With just a 300-person capacity, no phone cameras and a zero-tolerance harassment policy, it’s one of the last remaining venues where music is the main event.
The Island is now led by an all-female management team and pushes for inclusiveness at every level – from booking women and non-binary DJs to using the bar to fund social impact. Every drink sold supports causes like Dandelion, a trans HRT access service, or Gaza Cola, which funds hospital rebuilding in Palestine.
But this isn’t your average bar. The Island’s energy-inducing menu has become a cult favourite in its own right – serving up unorthodox combinations like the Tschunk (rum and Club Mate), Vodka Mate and Yerba Buena (tequila, lime, ginger beer). These drinks are both standout as well as purpose-driven: every sip fuels The Island’s wider mission.
“The Island is about music, yes, but it’s really about community, resistance and reclaiming nightlife as a space for joy and freedom,” said Marina Bastos, co-venue manager. “When you dance here, you’re supporting artists, local causes and a creative space that belongs to the people.”
Despite economic pressures that have closed venues across the UK, The Island remains resilient. As a subsidiary of the charity Artspace Lifespace, every penny spent inside the club supports affordable studio spaces for over 100 local artists, plus dance, circus and gallery spaces. “Even in tough times, we’re committed to making an impact,” adds Marina. “This space exists so a starving artist can just be an artist.”
Since 2007, The Island has built a cult reputation, hosting sets from Joy Orbison, Saoirse, LCY and Skream. Its return is expected to be a landmark moment for Bristol’s music scene.
The relaunch night this Saturday features a three-hour set from Berghain and Khidi resident Phase Fatale, alongside London-based Livid and Bristol’s own Field Case crew. The venue has secured a 5am license for the occasion and ticket demand is already high.
“We’re not just programming DJs; we’re curating experiences,” said Andreea Ivanescu, co-venue manager. “Every lineup is intentional. It’s about championing underground sound, platforming emerging talent and building nights that feel fresh, inclusive and genuinely meaningful. Whether it’s a Bristol debut or a hometown favourite, the music always leads.”
As the UK’s grassroots nightlife faces mounting pressure, The Island stands out as a model for cultural resilience – and what the future of clubbing could look like.
Read more What’s on in Bristol at https://directlocalbristol.co.uk/whats-on-bristol/
