Leave on Sunday 26th November for a 6 month round the world trip
Leave on Sunday 26th November for a 6 month round the world trip
Member since:07.03.2003
Reviews:35
Members who trust:35
On Friday 2nd September a new club opened on the harbour side in Bristol. Its name, Oceana. 5 bars, 2 nightclubs all in one place. I just had to check it out…..
So a week ago my friends and I decided it was time to see if what everyone had been saying about this place was true. It was, it's a great night out. Oceana is a new five million pound entertainment complex owned by Luminar entertainment, with each room themed as a different city from around the world.
***Clubs and Bars***
New York Disco - This room is straight out of Night fever with the flashing disco dance floor, rumoured to be the biggest in Europe. It goes the whole hog with mirror balls, mirrored ceilings and black leather chairs creating a retro feeling playing 70's and 80's disco music. This was one of my favourite rooms as you really can have a good boogie and the atmosphere was fantastic although it was a little crowded.
Icehouse Reykjavic - The second of the Oceana clubs which is finished in pure white walls and dance floor, mixed with state of the art lighting and sound give this club such a light airy feel it was amazing. The amount of space, the powerful air conditioning
and commercial house and dance music really makes you feel like you're in an ice house in Reykjavic.
Parisian Boudoir - Straight out of the Moulin Rouge this room is a relaxed intimate venue. Decorated in plush red velvet and flock wall paper, drapes surround the booths with are dimly lit, perfect for getting to know someone better or escaping the crowds of the other rooms, if you know what I mean! In here they serve a range of fine wines and champagnes so if your going to get someone to buy you a drink this is the bar to go to.
Aspen Ski Lodge - Entering this room feels like you just stepped off the slopes. A blazing log fire, comfy chairs and moose heads on the wall greet you as you walk in. Decked out in wood and stone it has a relaxed lively atmosphere great for chatting or chilling while you enjoy the range of imported bears served in this bar whilst listening to rock and indie classics.
Wakyama Tokyo - Decorated in bright neon lights and LED's they've managed to create the fast paced Japanese atmosphere. This bars a strange one as where its situated is a kind of thoroughfare between the ski lodge and the icehouse so ideal for grabbing a drink when moving between the two.
Sydney Harbourside - Situated on the ground floor you pass through here on entry. It is decorated with contemporary aboriginal artwork and wood to give it that true aussie feel. However they serve an authentic Italian menu in here, which is a bit of a contradiction! The website recommends you book if you would like to eat here as it has a seating capacity for 52 guests. I personally haven't eaten here as yet but if I do I will update.
First Port - This bar/restaurant opens from 12 noon daily and serves light snacks including pannini, pizzas and nacho's ideal for lunch or later on in the evening if you a bit peckish after all that dancing. Decked out in wooden floors and polished metal this room has a bright contemporary feel. It also has a balcony to look out over Bristol's harbour side but your not allowed to take drinks out with you in case you drop them over the edge and hit someone!
***Facilities***
One thing you expect on a night out is to have to queue to go to the toilet and when you finally get there being no loo roll left. Sound familiar ladies?!? Well at Oceana you just walked in picked your cubicle of choice and it was fully stocked and clean. I was shocked. They have put in toilets everywhere meaning there's plenty for everyone and each one has an attendant to re stock it. Brilliant!
***Atmosphere***
I managed to visit all the bars and clubs during my night out and they all had a laid back fun atmosphere. Every one was having a good time and I didn't witness any trouble whilst I was there. I think Oceana have got it right here as they have created a complex where there is so much space and good design, people are too concerned with checking it all out and having fun to be bothered with creating aggravation with others. In other clubs you're so used to being crammed in like sardines on the dance floor and at the bar Oceana offers a refreshing change. There are so many bars in the place there is more than enough for everyone so you hardly have to queue for drinks. In my experience they have managed to take out the two main factors which aggravate people in clubs, queuing at the bar and getting pushed into.
***Membership***
Free membership is available via the Oceana website or via the membership desk inside the club. This is worth doing if you plan on going on a regular basis as it gets you £1 off the entry fee every time you visit. Also you receive free tickets and special offers through the post once in a while. For those of you feeling flush, Oceana also offer a platinum membership which costs £500 a year and gets you and 3 friends free entry every time you visit and entry to the VIP section.
***Entry Costs***
On a Friday and Saturday entry is free before 10.30pm. After 10.30pm it costs £6 but you do get a pound off if you have a membership card. On a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday it is free before 8pm and £5 pounds after. Tuesdays are free all night.
You pay one entry cost on entering and then you are free to move from room to room as you please.
***Age Restrictions***
You have to be over 18 to be allowed entry at night time on a Monday to Thursday. Its over 19's on a Friday night and over 21's on a Saturday. They seem hot on ID as when I went two girls behind me were denied entry, as they didn't have ID and were blatantly under age. They accept driving licence, passport or proof of age cards as acceptable ID.
***Dress code***
On a Friday and Saturday night they have a strict collar and shoes dress policy for men with no trainers or t-shirts accepted. This is more relaxed during the week with a smart casual dress policy but it's strictly no sportswear. For the ladies they operate a smart dress policy.
***My Opinion***
If you asked me would I go back, my answer is a definite yes. One thing I hate about clubs is the lack of space and I certainly thought this would be a problem in Oceana considering it had recently opened. That's why my friends and I left it a few weeks but were still expecting it to be packed. The design of the club flows from one room to another as do the people meaning there's enough room for everyone. The exception to this is the New York disco which as expected is everyone's favourite due to the dance floor and music so is where most people head for but this room was no busier than a normal bar. My one complaint would be the drinks prices which I thought a little expensive but I was expecting this. Most drinks cost £3 upwards which having just left student life is a shock to the system. It is a novel concept in having so many themed bars and clubs in one place and it is immaculately finished and well designed. You don't get the impression it has be done on the cheap. Whether the clean, polished finish will remain will be a test of time and up keep as this is what could see the place go from sophisticated to downmarket and grubby. I really hope this isn't the case as it really is a enjoyable and different night out which I would recommend to everyone. It's a place to suit all ages as if you don't fancy the clubs you can relax in one of the bars which have plenty of seating.
***Opening times***
Oceana is open from midday to 2.30 am Monday to Saturday.
Sounds a bit more sophisticated than my local Chicagos.
Surveyaholic 26.04.2006 00:01
As a fellow bristolian i have heard so much about this club, although have never been (well not yet anyways :O)
Hope to see what all the fuss is about one day and drinks from £3 dont sound too bad considering all the hype about it being expensive , Great review btw :O)
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Oct 5th, 2005
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