The Louisiana
The Louisiana is a Grade II listed live music venue in Bristol, housed in a building originally constructed in 1809 as The Bathurst Hotel. Its balconies and railings, reminiscent of New Orleans, are believed to have inspired its name. The venue officially began operating as The Louisiana in 1987, with regular live music programming starting in 1996 after a fire at another Bristol venue led promoters to use its upstairs room. It is a family-run, independent venue known for its dedication to music and is often a first port of call for new acts embarking on national tours. The main performance area holds 140 people, with a cellar venue accommodating 45 for intimate acoustic sessions. The Louisiana programs a diverse range of genres, with a particular focus on indie and folk, and hosts live gigs nightly alongside club nights, monthly quizzes, and a Sunday Carvery. It is celebrated for offering some of the best sound quality in Bristol, a result of meticulous soundproofing, and actively participates in citywide events such as the Harbourside Festival and the Dot-to-Dot Festival.
