Ride

Formerly known as Bar R this is one of the most popular of the recent wave of student bars to have opened within walking distance of the University. In the last ten years or so, a dozen or more bars have appeared on that long, almost straight, stretch that runs from Drake Circus along North Hill on into Mutley Plain – that is from the Roundabout to the Mannamead. Previously this stretch had only two bars – the Nottingham (Junction) and the Fortescue – who knows what the next ten years has in store?

Officially No.2 Sherwell Arcade, it has the heavily weather-dependent, open-air Air bar alongside it, on the side of Gibbon Lane, while it’s neighbour on the other side, No.1 Sherwell Arcade – Cuba – is similarly spread over three floors with two bars and a dance-floor.