FAQs

We are on St. Stephen’s Street, in the centre of Bristol, around the corner from the Milk Thistle and opposite Central Chambers. If we’re open, you will be able to see our pink neon sign and disco ball!

Entrance what3words - ///hush.fuel.badly

Please email ben@afterdarkbristol.co.uk for any lost property or left items, please note we only hold and items for 1 month and then they are donated to charity. Valuable may be held for longer if requested. Items such as IDs or Passports are handed to the relevant authorities if not collected within time frame.

To keep everyone safe and compliant, AfterDark operates a strict 18+ entry policy — no exceptions.
Please bring valid physical photo ID with you, as our door team checks all guests upon entry.

Accepted forms of ID:

  • Passport
  • UK or EU driving licence (full or provisional)

Digital copies, screenshots or photos of ID are not accepted.

If you can’t present valid ID when asked, you won’t be allowed entry even if you’re clearly over 18. This is a licensing requirement, and we appreciate your understanding.

At AfterDark, we’re committed to keeping our venue safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone. Our team is trained under the Challenge 25 and Licensing Act 2003 guidelines, and reserves the right to refuse entry or service at any time in line with these standards.

We may refuse entry or service if:

  • You cannot provide valid physical photo ID proving you’re 18+
  • You appear to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
  • You show aggressive, threatening, or inappropriate behaviour
  • You attempt to bring in alcohol, drugs, or prohibited items
  • You have been previously barred from the venue or associated premises

Our door and bar teams make these decisions to protect guests, staff, and our licence.
All refusals are recorded in our incident log in accordance with local licensing requirements.

We know refusals can be frustrating but they’re always made for safety and fairness, not judgement. Respect our staff, and they’ll always return the same.

Unfortunately, AfterDark is located underground and only accessible via stairs, which means we currently do not have step-free or wheelchair access to the venue.

Once inside, the main bar, dance floor, and toilets are all on the same level, so there are no internal stairs within the venue itself.

We understand this may limit access for some guests and truly regret any inconvenience caused. Our team is always happy to assist wherever possible  for example, helping carry items, providing early entry to avoid crowding, or reserving quieter areas for those who need them.

We’re actively exploring future improvements and accessibility solutions as part of our ongoing venue development plans.

If you have specific access needs or questions before your visit, please contact us at ben@afterdarkbristol.co.uk, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

We’re right in the heart of Bristol city centre  just off Corn Street and a short walk from Broadmead and Bristol Hippodrome.

By Bus

The nearest major bus stops are on Colston Avenue and Broad Quay, both less than a 2-minute walk from the venue.
These stops are served by frequent routes including:

  • 1, 2, 2A, 8, 72, 73, 75, 76 (First Bus Bristol network)
  • Night services (N1, N2) also run late on weekends, connecting to key areas across the city.

You can plan your route via www.firstbus.co.uk/bristol.

By Train

  • Bristol Temple Meads Station is around 15–20 minutes’ walk from AfterDark or a 5-minute taxi ride.
  • You can also catch buses 8 or 72 from Temple Meads directly to the city centre (get off at Broad Quay).

By Car / Taxi

We recommend using public transport or taxis as parking in the city centre is limited.
If you’re driving, the closest car parks are:

  • NCP Rupert Street (BS1 2PY) – 3 min walk
  • The Galleries Car Park (BS1 3XA) – 5 min walk

On Foot

From the city centre, we’re easy to find look for the AfterDark signage just off Corn Street.
Follow the sound of good music and you’re probably close.

AfterDark has a strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs and illegal substances.

Anyone found using, possessing, supplying, or attempting to bring drugs into the venue will be refused entry or removed immediately. Where appropriate, we will inform the police and provide CCTV or incident reports.

We work closely with local authorities and licensing officers to ensure AfterDark remains a safe, legal, and positive environment for everyone.

Our door and security team may carry out searches on entry, and random checks may be conducted inside the venue. Entry is only permitted with consent to search.

If you ever feel unwell, unsafe, or suspect someone may have taken something harmful, please speak to a member of staff immediately  your safety always comes first.

AfterDark is an underground music venue, and our nights can get loud  that’s part of the experience!
We take sound quality seriously and aim to deliver an immersive atmosphere while staying within our licensed sound limits.

If you’re sensitive to noise or just want to protect your ears, free earplugs are available at the bar please don’t hesitate to ask our team.

We encourage all guests to enjoy the music safely and look after their hearing.

We understand that some guests may need to bring prescription medication with them your health and safety are important to us.

If you need to carry medication, please keep it in its original packaging with your name and prescription label clearly visible. This helps our security team verify it quickly during any bag or entry searches.

For safety reasons, medication should only be used as prescribed. Any substances found that are unlabelled, loose, or appear suspicious may be confiscated and could result in refusal of entry.

If you have any medical needs or require urgent assistance while at the venue, please speak to a member of staff or security immediately we’re here to help and will handle all situations discreetly and respectfully.

Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside AfterDark at any time.

We provide a designated smoking area located outside the front of the venue, to the left of the main entrance as you exit. This space is barriered off and monitored by our door team for your safety and comfort.

Please note:
If you are not actively smoking or vaping while in the smoking area, you will be asked to return inside to ensure the space stays clear and accessible for those who are.

We also ask all guests to keep noise to a minimum and dispose of cigarettes or vapes responsibly in the bins provided.

Thank you for helping us keep things safe, respectful, and smooth-running for everyone.

This component will only work on the published/exported site. Full documentation in Finsweet's Attributes docs.