247 Student Guide - 2012

STUDENT

CITY GUIDE

2012

Find out how to get the best out of Truro, Exeter, Plymouth and Falmouth with 247 Magazine.

Listen up, students! Here we have the exclusive 247 Magazine city guides, designed to help you get the most out of your new stomping ground, from day one of studentsville. Make the most of our golden nuggets of local knowledge on all the best places to party, shop, hang out and chill out in your city. The guide isn’t sponsored by anyone – just straight–up info from us to you.

Call it your Freshers gift…

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STUDENT CITY GUIDE 2012

PLYMOUTH GO OUT

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North Hill, directly opposite the University, is Plymouth’s student hub.

You’ll find you’ll spend most of your North Hill time at Bar Cuba – cheesy party bar, a bit like P-Town’s answer to Magaluf, Firefly – a cool bar with an urban chic vibe and Ride, which has a nice relaxed atmosphere, big outdoor area and regular open mic nights/ specialist DJ’s/local bands. Also worth a look are Roundabout with it’s indie music vibe and cheap drinks when you get a Yellow Card and The Scholar, which a particularly student loan friendly venue.

The main shopping centre in Plymouth is Drake Circus, where you’ll find all the usual high street suspects like Topshop, Cult Clothing and Office.

Plymouth has more to offer in the spending stakes though with a good selection of independent stores and boutiques. Dappa Me on North Hill is a hot spot for streetwear for guys and gals and only a stones throw away from the uni. For fresh urban skateboarding brands head to Prime Deluxe on Ebrington St, who also sell decks etc, if you are planning to hit up Plymouth’s Prime skatepark. Girls will go gaga for Spoilt on the Barbican, which a lovely little boutique full of cool and kwirky pieces. While on the Barbican, check out eclectic homeware store, The Distinguished and browse through the cobbled antiques arcade, which is always full of interesting finds – life-size Jar Jar Binks, anyone?

On the way into town, check out graffiti clad bar, Jack Chams, for punk rock music, live bands and great drinks promos. Live music in Plymouth is best served at either The White Rabbit, which is good for punk, rock and metal bands and the Plymouth Pavilions, which caters for more mainstream tastes and attracts big names.

For drinking alfresco, you simply can’t beat the Barbican, with it’s plethora of bars with outside seating with a gorgeous view – good for a bar crawl but much pricer than North Hill.

Spend sunny days sitting up on Plymouth Hoe by the lighthouse, walk around the hugged coastline or go on a boat trip and make like a sea pirate for the day. There are plenty of local beaches where you can surf nearby – best bet is to join the uni’s club, at least until you’ve got some mates to lift share with.

Want some fresh air? Dartmoor to the north of the city is the biggest National Park in the Westcountry and aside from the mass expanse of space and rocks, has some awesome hidden pubs – check out The Skylark at Clearbrook. If you’re feeling fit you can get there by cycling up the Plym Valley cycle track. Why not try some wild swimming in the River Plym on the way up too?

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Eat Out Foodies will love Plymouth – there’s a massive array of eateries to suit all tastes and budgets. For food with a view, head to the Barbican. Grab a burger or hot dog from the world-famous Cap ‘n’ Jaspers, which is sure to become a regular haunt. For a nice, reasonably priced lunch head to Monty’s.

When the sun-sets, we love Shirley Valentines Taverna, for fantastic Turkish food and a warm welcome. Mexican Restaurant, Arribas, just down the way on Notte Street is a place to eat on a group night out – filling flavorsome food, good atmosphere and a fab cocktail menu.

Near to uni, try Carpe Diem on North Hill for great tapas and cocktail menu. Hungry at 3am? Jakes, conveniently situated around the corner from Ride, is hard to be - try their melts!

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STUDENT CITY GUIDE 2012

EXETER GO OUT

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Start your nights out with a few warm up drinks on Gandy Street.

Try Coolings, but give the wine bar on the first floor a miss and head to the quirky cocktail bar with vaulted ceilings downstairs instead.

Sex On The Beach, in Exeter – epic. Still on Gandy Street, you’ll find John Gandy’s, a relaxed, student friendly bar which makes a good meeting spot.

Princesshay Shopping Centre houses your run-of-the-mill high street and department stores – make sure you get your student discounts. Not your thang? Head to Fore St and have a rummage around in the Real McCoy, they have loads of fantastic and wearable vintage pieces at a reasonable price. Opposite the Real McCoy you’ll see No Guts No Glory, which is perhaps our favourite shop in the city – a real creative hub, stocking limited edition clothing, prints, Zines and more, all by amazingly talented designers. For independent boutiques and gift shops, head to the cobbles of Gandy Street – great for a leisurely browse, that’s bound to result in a treasured purchase.

For music, head to the Cavern – a brilliant underground venue with live bands every night and some good acts lined up – find them on Facebook to see who is playing. Mamma Stones, owned by Joss Stones’ mom no less, is another great live music venue you’re sure to love – they do great Mexican food, too.

Going clubbing? Head to Timepiece on Little Castle Street – split over three levels there’s something different going on in every room and student nights throughout the week. You can grab a burger at the end of the night from their outdoor BBQ too. Winner.

The Exeter Phoenix is a cultural hub of activity. It’s a great place to go for live music, and even festivals, expect everything from Reggae to Indie to Funk. They also screen classic films and have excellent art exhibitions throughout the year. The Picture House is a fab alternative to the multi screen cinemas. It shows the latest film releases as well as foreign films and more obscure titles.

Need to blow the cobwebs away? Head for Haldon Forest Park, overlooking Exeter just off the A38. Ride your bike on the trails and jumps, swing through trees like a monkey at Go Ape, or take a picnic and chill in the forest.

You’ll don’t have to travel to get active in beautiful surroundings though - one of the best places to hang out at is the Quay. Hire a bike or canoe and travel along the canal to the Double Locks or even The Turf if you’re feeling energetic. Not feeling energetic? Get the boat. Both pubs serve excellent food and have the most incredible settings.

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Eat Out Exeter boasts all the national chain eateries you’d expect to find in a city, but it offers some more exciting independent eateries too. After a hard afternoon hanging out on Cathedral Green, head to The Plant - in this lovely little deli, you’ll find organic food that’s wholesome, filling and tasty. On Queen Street, you’ll find Exeter Sausage and Grill, where there’s a great range of sausages created by the in house butcher, using locally reared meats, as well as steaks etc. and veggie options too. Sunday lunch there is guaranteed to hit the spot.

If you want to blow your student loan on impressing the fittest Fresher of them all head to Michael Caines at the Abode hotel – delicious, decadent and pricy. Back in the real world, for a decent evening meal, the Odd Fellows has a lovely menu, classic English food with a modern twist and great service.

The Beer Engine, in Newton St Cyres, just outside Exeter is a good bet too. They brew their own beers on sight and have a great menu with lots of fresh fish. It’s a fantastic place to spend a Sunday afternoon and there is even a train station just across the road – be rude not to have a drink or two!

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STUDENT CITY GUIDE 2012

TRURO GO OUT

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You’ll find plenty of pubs and bars around Truro for an afternoon beverage or warm up drinks. For a good pub we like Famous Old Globe and Crab and Ale House, which is the oldest pub in the city. If you’re after something a tad swankier, check out The One Eyed Cat for sophisticated drinks or friendly and funky bar, Zafiros, on New Bridge Street.

Being surrounded by some of Cornwall’s best surfing beaches, it should come as no surprise that Truro is full of surf shops, from big name giants like Quicksilver to multi-brand stores selling clothes and boards.

For live music in Truro check out Bunters Bar on Little Castle Street on Thursday and Friday nights . This cool independent venue sees lots of local bands play as well as big acts including Willie & The Bandits, Area 51 and Rudi’s Message.

For something a little different, check out Tsars, for rare sneakers and ultra-hip urban threads. Skateboaders will love SJ’s – an awesome independent skate shop, hidden away on St Mary’s Mews.

You’ll find chain stores like Topshop and tReds in the city centre too and, if you fancy a mooch, they also have a TkMaxx – good for making your loan stretch a little further.

Tucked away behind Truro Cathedral, you’ll find Vertigo, which is definitely a hidden gem. The bubbly, welcoming staff create a brilliant atmosphere and there is always great music too – from themed old school nights through to live bands. L2 Nightclub on Calenick Street is worth checking out too. It’s always busy and offers great drinks promotions, four different rooms and an exciting mix of DJ talent.

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When you’re not sunning yourself at a nearby beach in the day, check out Truro’s half million pound Skate Park, on St Georges Road – great for bmxers, skateboarders and in-liners too.

In the evening, for a treat, fish lovers will enjoy a good, fresh feed at Indaba on Tabernacle Street. If you’re out with a big group, try the Hard Rock Café for American style dinning. For spice, Kathmandu Palace, by the cathedral, serves excellent authentic Indian and Nepalese – they do takeaway too…

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The William IV on Kenwyn Street, always delivers above average pub fare and there outside seating area is very nice too. Another option for a delicious, but budget friendly meal is Xen, for noodles. You’ll get super fast service, mouth-watering menu and a modern, lively setting.

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STUDENT CITY GUIDE 2012

FALMOUTH GO OUT

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Falmouth, or Falafornia as it’s sometimes affectionately know, is, despite its small size, a real party town. We thank its huge student population – you’ll fit right in. We love Toast on Church Street for it’s buzzing vibe, Hand for it’s cool, laid-back charm and the rum bar for its great drinks selection as well as party atmosphere. For cocktails, you can’t do better than Bar Eight where the mixtures will leave you gagging for more. If you’re in the mood for somewhere more urban, check Q Bar and prepare yourself for a Cookie Monster shot and great music. They often project skate and surf films on their walls too.

In the shopping stakes Falmouth is good for surf wear and cool independent boutiques but if you hanker after chain stores, you’ll need to head up to Truro (only 20 minutes on the train). Kit boutique is home to an abundance of funky ladies pieces from hip brands, while Secrets is a more hippy offering and very reasonably priced. Get your surf wear fix at Sessions, which also sells boards and wetsuits – you’re bound to take up surfing, if you haven’t already?

For some late night dancing we like Underground, but be warned: it’s gets bloody hot in there…If you’re in the mood for an old school clubbing experience, with a large dollop of cheese, check out Club International.

The Stannary is Falmouth’s Student Union bar where acts such as Benga and Subfocus have taken to the stage – look around campus to see who is playing and snap up some tickets. It’s worth keep your eye on Falmouth Rugby Club too (yes, really) - Hatcha and Rusko have been among some amazing lineups there - it’s Falmouth muchloved grimey ol’ rave venue.

In Falmouth, when the weather’s good you can’t beat sitting out on the Quay, outside the Chain Locker and Quayside Inn and enjoying an ice-cold pint. There’s loads of seating and it makes a nice meeting spot.

Make the most of your beautiful surroundings with coastal walks – the path from Gylly beach will take you to Swanpool beach and you’ll finally get to Maenporth Beach. At Swanpool you can hire canoes and play crazy golf. Falmouth’s beaches do get surf, but not all the time – join the Uni’s surf club if you need a lift or lessons.

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The Volcom shop, which is on the High Street, like most things in Falmouth, has some cool clobber for guys and gals. At the other end of the scale, the vintage look never seems to date in Falafornia and the abundance of charity shops are always busy.

There are lots of art galleries and gift shops dotted around town – great for brightening up your student digs, unless you’re lucky enough to be able to create your own wears.

Mr Simm’s Olde Sweet Shop is good place to pick up some old fashioned sweeties while you saunter through town, too.

Eat Out The Cornish pasty diet starts here – there are an abundance of pasty shops scattered around the town – you’ll never be hungry again…

Fal Falafel is fabulous – homemade falafel in pitta with all the Middle Eastern trimmings served from a van, usually parked on the Moor.

For cheap pub grub the Quayside comes up trumps with hearty pub fare - £5 steak anyone? The Packet Ship (Weatherspoons) is always heaving too.

Out for a special occasion? Try Amazi – fresh Cornish seafood, with an African twist – highly recommended. You’ll get the best view in town while you eat at Gylly Beach Café, right on the beach as you may have guessed. The burgers are pretty special and they do great Sunday food offers, where you can eat, take in the ocean view and listen to live music too – sorted.

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