For those willing to pay a little more rent whilst still staying on the main bus routes to Frenchay, Bishopston and St Andrews are situated around some of the best bars and cafes in Bristol. On a summer day, many a student can be seen sprawled out in St Andrew's Park, tucked away behind Gloucester Road. The Independent newspaper recently declared Gloucester Road as the "last great British high street" for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes and bars, and unique atmosphere.
Gloucester Road boasts no less than three greengrocers, a local butcher selling organic and free range meats, four hardware stores and a plethora of other independent retailers. For health-foods, vitamin supplements and vegetarian foods try Scoopaway, La Ruca or Harvest. You can also find two Chinese supermarkets on Cheltenham Road (bottom of Gloucester Road), and tucked away on Station Road, leading to Montpelier Train Station. For clothes and books on a shoestring, Gloucester Road is packed with charity shops, if you're looking for some retro gear there's the popular Repsycho, Bishopston Trading Co. offers fair trade fashions and if you'd like something more esoteric try Katze. Rain or shine you are spoilt for choice if you want to stop for a coffee while you're shopping. Cafe Delight offers a range of delicious fresh juices and smoothies, Cafe Unlimited is a haven for all things fair trade, while La Ruca's cafe above their healthfood store offers delicious but affordable middle-eastern food.
What really makes Gloucester Road appealing to students is the great selection of bars. For its famous "Yellow Card" student discount and large screen sports, the Rising Sun is a favourite with UWE students and has sponsored the UWE Skydive club, among others, for the past four years. For live music, the Prom is hard to beat, hosting an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, funk bluegrass, country, folk, and whatever up-and-coming artists are around. The Prince of Wales is a favourite among locals and students alike. Its reputation and welcoming atmosphere means it is often full-to-the-brim with punters vying to sample their offering of local and organic beer and cider. The PoW also boasts one of the finest Sunday roasts, with organic meat and a veggie/vegan options, but get there early as they go quick. Due to its liberal interpretation of licensing laws, Halo has long been the place to go for an after-hours drink, although with the new licensing laws in place, Bar Unlimited and North Bar are now open after-hours.
