Swansea can be described as a melting pot of cultures from all around the globe as well as a breeding ground for talent and creativity, which is why there is an abundance of venues that are all within 5 minutes walking distance from each other. The only issue is choosing where to go.

These are some of the best places outside of Wind Street to enjoy a casual drink as well as get carried away in a roaring atmosphere of music, cheers and some fine beers. The venues on this list tend to cater more towards an indie crowd, so you won’t find these to be anything like a typical nightclub that charges you an extortionate entry fee or over-priced drinks at the bar.

The Bunkhouse: 24 Park St, Swansea SA1 3DJ

The Bunkhouse is a decently sized venue which is constantly host to touring bands as well as local musicians and even stand-up comics on occasion. They have a bar on one side of the venue with comfortable sofas and a small stage to enjoy local artists, as well as a bigger stage area on the other side on the venue for larger performances.

You can find more information about gig, events and special deals on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bunkhouseswansea/

*Front bar of The Bunkhouse (featuring a local good boi)*

*One of many regularly occurring concerts in The Bunkhouse*

Hangar 18: 50 Plymouth St, Swansea SA1 3QQ

This venue is slightly bigger compared to the others on this list and it’s not hard to see why when you understand what kind of regular events are organised at this amazing place. They have Dead of Night which occurs on the first Saturday of each month and stays open until 3am, and the owners are dedicated to always organising a good performance for it’s customers whether they prefer rock n’ roll, metal, RnB or house music.

Not only do they host a monthly event, but this venue will be hosting Station 18 festival from Friday 29th April to Sunday 1st May. You can find more information on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hangar18MV

*There’s always a demand for emo/goth night*

*Techno nights are guaranteed to be a full house at Hangar 18*

The Hanbury: 43 The Kingsway, Swansea SA1 5HG

This delightful pub has outlived a large number of nearby bars and nightclubs for decades, yet it continues to change decor regularly to cater to everyone who fancies something such as a casual drink and a game of pool or something louder like a gig which occurs every Saturday night. It’s also a big bonus when they always have wonderful bar staff who love nothing more than a good crowd and a great atmosphere of music and chill vibes.

Crowley’s Rock Bar: 7 Craddock St, Swansea SA1 3EN

This venue is one of the smallest venue in Swansea but it used to be smaller. It went through a massive renovation during lockdown in 2020 and managed to make a massive comeback when they made the stage bigger and gave customers the chance to request their favourite songs to be played on the speakers as they drank the night away! The owners of Crowley’s also own the previously mentioned Hangar 18, so you know that they understand what it means to put on a good show and make anyone who frequents their bars never forget them.

Crowley’s regularly hosts karaoke on Wednesday nights and live music on Saturdays. As mentioned before, Hangar 18 hosts Dead of Night until 3am, but the fun doesn’t stop due to Crowley’s being the designated after-party spot that stays open on Dead of Night until 6am the next morning

*A haven for metal-heads and rock fans looking to stay out late*

*Always best to have a couple of drinks before your turn*

*One of the best venues for making friends and casual drinks*

These are only a small handful on independent bars and music venues in the Swansea area, but every venue always takes the time to go out of it’s way to provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable environment to sing long with the crowd during a concert, show off your skills during a turn of karaoke or chilling with a few friends on a night out looking for some good entertainment and company.

So if you’re thinking of staying in Swansea and want to explore the town but don’t want to pay a lot of money just to get into somewhere on Wind Street, take a few minutes to walk around the corners and you’ll stumble upon some spectacular places to spend some time with a good crowd and chill bar staff.

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