One establishment which has reclaimed one of the empty shop fronts is the Here Shop at the top of Stokes Croft. The Here Shop stocks an increasingly abundant and inspiring range of independent, small-press and underground art, books, 'zines, handmade-clothing, comics, music and much more, as well as heralding an impressive line-up of exhibitions of both local and international importance.

Across the road at the bottom of Ninetree Hill, the newly-opened Cafe Kino tends to be the place where the oddball Cube volunteers (see below) hang out, giving it instant credibility. The cafe was set up as a workers' cooperative recently by DIY music promoters Local Kid and has become instantly popular with its delicious veggie/vegan food, wide range of teas and coffees and a fine selection of cakes which you would be forgiven for thinking were not vegan!

Tucked away behind King's Square is the Cube Cinema. The Cube, by its own admission, is run by 'a proper left field oddball crew' of volunteers, and it offers a near continuous stream of films, events, activities and music pouring out of every nook and cranny. The Cube is committed to promoting local talent, so watch out for the bring-your-ownfilm "Bluescreen" night, and the monthly fundraising night for the Bristol Indymedia collective. It's also one of the few cinemas where you can sit and drink a beer whilst enjoying the film.

If you're up for more of a mash-up, Stokes Croft offers three quality nightclubs. Lakota, Bristol's largest underground club, was renowned across the country throughout the 1990s. It has lost its edge of late but it still offers some wicked regular drum'n'bass, techno, hardcore and old skool parties, along with the legendary Tribe of Frog. The Blue Mountain nightclub has also suffered a dip in popularity recently, but, described as dark, sleazy and hard, the club still plays host to some quality underground breaks, d'n'b and hip hop nights.

St Pauls often gets bad press, but it is one of the most interesting and diverse areas to live in. It is home to the annual St Pauls Carnival, the festival of culture held every summer. Attended by a staggering 40,000 people, the carnival includes music, entertainment, stalls, sport and exhibitions. The festival committee sparked controversy by canceling the 2006 carnival, but the committee promises that their 40th birthday carnival will be back in 2007 bigger and better than ever.

Up the road on Cheltenham Road, the Pipe & Slippers offers a welcome alternative and the Pipe & Slippers offers quality Pieminster pies, sky sports for the footy, pristine cocktails, and a great selection of beers.