Living in Cornwall

Nightlife

The best thing about Falmouth's nightlife is that each venue has its own personality, not to mention that even if you set off on your own, you’re bound to bump into someone you know. Have a look at the Entertainment page for a full round-up of the live music available ...

Pubs, bars and beats

The Packet Station is our local Wetherspoon’s. It’s often the starting point of nights out in the first year and a great place to find people you know if you’ve lost your friends.

High on a hill over the estuary, the Boathouse is one of Falmouth’s most popular pubs; its lovely covered decking area and heated lamps mean you can enjoy it all year round. In the centre of town, the Waterman’s has a large decking area right on the water’s edge, a busy roster of live bands and a growing reputation for its guest DJs. Meanwhile, the Chain Locker and Quayside are two lovely old-school pubs that share a big outside area overlooking the inner harbour, which gets packed out on most summer nights. For a relaxed evening break, try Dolly’s Bar for tapas, cocktails and wine, or maybe head to the Mali Thai Restaurant for a good – and reasonably-priced – night out. The HAND Beer Bar has a walled courtyard, over 70 bottled beers and a mission to bring the joys of craft beer from all over the world to Cornwall, while The Front is famed for friendliness and choice, as well as its beer: it was CAMRA’s 2011 Cornish Pub of the Year.

The Kings Head holds the best pub quiz in Falmouth. On a Tuesday the quiz is followed by a game of ‘dead or alive’ that tests your knowledge on which celebrities are still alive and kicking. Their ‘Long Live Cheap Mondays’ night doesn’t really need explaining, but is always lively.

On the beach, the Gylly Beach Cafe has the most picturesque scenery in Falmouth; sometimes it feels like you’re not even in England. It’s the hangout that every student knows: fantastic local food, great live music and a warm atmosphere (even in the winter). They offer 15% off with an NUS card, plus buy one get one free for meals on Thursdays from 6pm. To spice things up a little, pop down on a Sunday for a pint and a curry for £5.

Club I (Club International, in full) is the town’s old-school, big-night-out club, with its three bars, cheesy anthems and full-on dance music. Elsewhere, though, there are hip bars galore. 5 Degrees Below is downstairs from the ever-popular 5 Degrees West restaurant: its live music and special guest appearances mean some of Falmouth’s best partying in the kind of bar/club which blends intimate surroundings, a big sound system and a great atmosphere, especially on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Underground’s usually lively and its student night is Monday, while Toast is one of the busiest bars in town, with DJs dishing up the party vibe most nights, look out in particular for Binary Beats, also on Mondays. The Shed serves cocktails with a colourful, kooky vibe. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays are more about the Open Mics and Songwriter Nights, whether it’s at Jacob’s Ladder, The Front or the Q-Bar (although, on a Thursday here, the crowd usually gets its groove on to the live DJ. If you don’t fancy that there’s always the comfy seating area upstairs, with sofas, bean bags and chilled-out lighting).

Over in Penryn, Miss Peapod’s has table tennis, live music nights with a great riverside decking area and they offer student specials and discounts. Number 20 is a cosy bar with events and live music throughout the week.

And of course The Stannary is the largest capacity venue in Cornwall and, what’s more, it’s ours ... Located in the centre of the Cornwall Campus, the Stannary offers regular club nights as well as live bands, DJs, party nights and student balls.