University life is ever evolving; hobbies come in and out of fashion, and wider societal trends influence our behaviour. Famously, Gen-Z are drinking less. More and more, we are swapping heavy nights for productive mornings; be kinder to both our livers and minds. Few places have felt this shift more than the Bristol Lido.
The Lido, located in Clifton, is a restored Victorian swimming pool. The original swimming baths opened in 1850. Much of its charm lies in the fact that it’s remarkably well hidden; If you didn’t know it was there, it would be easy to miss. A tardis-like oasis; the Lido boasts a 25-metre pool, spa and modern restaurant. Embellished with striped, old-fashioned changing huts, greenery, and lovely staff, it’s a charming space that has managed to cling to its heritage.
Over the last year, and particularly over the summer, I noticed the Lido popping up more and more as I tapped through Instagram stories. Friends, acquaintances, and ex-flatmates were flocking to the pool. Bristol students are spending weekdays, weekends, birthdays and hungover mornings amidst the art deco charm of one of the most expensive recreational swimming pools in the country. It seems that grotty student housing is no longer sufficient to our host changing priorities, so naturally, we are turning to robes, saunas and small plates.
I didn’t know whether I had imagined this recent phenomenon, or whether, given the London-based and privately educated demographic of a large chunk of Bristol students, visiting the Lido was the norm. So, I rang the Lido and a very friendly voice on the end of the line confirmed that it was not. Our love for it is new and budding. And better still, the Lido could not be happier to see us.
Of course, this is not universal. Many of us will have never stepped foot in the Lido, and some will have never heard of it. But nonetheless, it is a trend, one that is seemingly antithetical to student life, especially considering a membership will set you back £80….a month.
During my conversation with the Lido, they confirmed that an increasing number of students are going to swim, have coffee and chill at the Lido, and this is “great.” They emphasised the proximity of the Lido (located at the end of Southleigh Road in Clifton) to the UoB campus. But its proximity to uni has not always been a guarantee that the restored Victorian swimming pool would lure a host of 20-something-year-olds into its doors (waters). This is a new phenomenon.
I asked why they think the Lido it’s attracting more young people, and they thought it could be put down to “a growing awareness around self-care, mental health and the benefits of time away from screens”, following that socialising away from alcohol is becoming a “priority” for young people. Apart from in the bar/restaurant, alcohol is not permitted at poolside, and the pool shuts at 10 pm (earlier for non-members). This all sounds very different to the vibe on the triangle, only a stone’s throw away. Students are willing to give up upwards of £30 for a 1-2 hour swim, money that could otherwise be spent on six pints.
I asked whether there had been any disgruntlement from older Lido guests at the increased presence of 20-something-year-old students arriving with their mates to swim, gossip and experiment with Ice buckets. “No, not at all”, was the answer. The Lido insisted that they “have always been about creating a welcoming, respectful environment for all.”
I specifically asked what the Lido has to offer students and young people beyond being an upmarket swimming pool that far outshines our typical student lodgings. They replied that it offers “a restorative wellness experience in a world where sauna culture and outdoor swimming are growing in popularity.” I didn’t get a chance to interrogate what exactly constitutes a “restorative wellness experience” or indeed “sauna culture”, but, speaking from experience, the Lido is immensely relaxing and serves as a welcome change from both the busy and unglamorous nature of student living.
On Sundays, the Lido hosts “Sunday DJ sessions” and on Tuesdays, customers and encouraged to bring their own alcohol to enjoy alongside the Lido’s carefully curated, albeit not cheap, menu.
The newfound popularity of the Lido is symptomatic of two things. The first being a trend towards health and wellness. Considering (as major publications in the UK seem to be obsessed with), Gen Z are drinking less, and a beckoning social media culture characterised by matcha, pilates, and so-called ‘hot girl walks’, it is no surprise that the Lido is reaping the benefits of health-conscious young people.
But is this new focus on health and wellness exclusive?
As aforementioned, memberships are £80 a month, and the cheapest ‘swim and eat’ package is £45. For the large majority of Bristol students, contrary to my Instagram feed, visiting the lido is not realistic. The new trend reveals a wealth disparity amongst Bristol students. The lido is expensive, there is no two ways about it. This does not detract from how lovely it is (all those I have spoken to are happy to pay the price). But, for the vast majority of students, pints at the White Bear will remain the more feasible way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Many university cities do not have a Lido, and for those that do, admission is no more than £5. The increased popularity of this upmarket pool begs the question of whether changing university hobbies and emphasis on wellness over drunkenness in a city like Bristol is only really accessible to those who can afford it.
I asked whether the Lido would consider offering a student discount to further welcome students and perhaps make it a less exclusive experience. It does not seem to be something they plan on doing anytime soon; however, the idea was not shut down. They replied that it could be something “we consider in the future.”
I am sure we will continue to see a trend towards wellbeing and less alcohol, and, as such, the Lido will continue to host university students. It was lovely to speak to them and hear of their excitement to see us, but questions remain about the accessibility of a beckoning wellness culture in Bristol.
