The city of Preston has a very active nightlife and there are a range of places to choose from, especially in the city centre.

From a quiet pint to a big night out the city has it all. There has been a big influx of student nights in recent years but there’s still plenty of places for a classy night out.

Some of the best spots are tucked away down side streets, although the main bars on Church Street are well known on a Friday and Saturday night. Friargate tends to be busiest on Wednesday and Thursday nights as students at the University of Central Lancashire head out.

The Assembly is one of Preston’s biggest and busiest bars in the core of the city centre.  By day it has a very relaxed atmosphere.  By night, it becomes a more dynamic bar with DJ’s playing everything from old classics to modern day mixes.

Operating over two floors, The Assembly can be visited by everyone and has always has great drinks on offer.  It also shows all the biggest sports matches live and caters for private functions.  Find out more on The Assembly website.

Roper Hall is situated in what can be known as the ‘student area’ of the city – but don’t let this put you off.  This place accommodates for all ages and all needs every day of the week, ranging from open mic nights on a Sunday and ‘quid’s’ on a Monday.  They offer an exciting lunchtime trade, and it becomes one of the best clubs in the city at night.  Find out more on the Roper Hall website.

Getting out of the city centre, there’s the Black Bull in Fulwood.  Open every day of the week, this pub is never empty.  They have a very high quality choice of affordable wines and ales, and also have a classic pub food menu.  Find out more by calling 01772 716834.

Situated in the prime nightlife area, Forum is one of Preston’s newest and most stylish bars.  The drinks menu includes not only world beers and a large wine list, but also includes many classic and contemporary cocktails.

It has recently become the first choice if you’re looking for a more glamorous evening, and also hosts private and corporate functions.  Find out more on Forum Bar’s website.

If you want to visit one of Preston’s smaller bars, there’s The Loft; a classy bar open until the early hours of the morning.  Each night brings a different theme ranging from House and Electro, to Hip Hop and Reggae.

This bar always has the best local talent playing all the music you want to hear and will have you dancing till dawn.  Find out more on The Loft’s website.

Preston’s best night out

In September 2009 we entered a nationwide competition about the best night out in the UK. We described Preston as the “Mars bar city” as it had plenty for people to work, rest and play.

You can read the article here and we’d love to hear your views about nights out in the city, so feel free to drop us an email.

Guide put together by Holly Sutton.

Image credit to Tony Worrall