The Louisiana

The Louisiana is a 140-capacity, family-run pub and venue on Bathurst Terrace by the harbour, and Headfirst calls it Bristol's most important indie venue.

Its story as a venue began in 1996. After a fire at The Fleece, two local promoters asked to use the room upstairs. In the first week Placebo and Super Furry Animals played, before there was even a stage. Gianni built one a week later, and regular gigs soon followed. There were 50p club nights with up-and-coming DJs (The Chemical Brothers played one) and weekend club nights in the basement.

Since then it has been a barometer for new bands. Muse, Kings of Leon, The White Stripes, Bloc Party, Coldplay, The Libertines and The Strokes have all played its small stage, along with The Scissor Sisters, Florence and the Machine and The National on their way up.

Gigs are 16+, and under-18s must be with an adult. Upcoming shows include Moxie Dolls, Shaking Hand, and Wendy Eisenberg with Patsy Delve and Elle Barker.