A cheap, lively student bar with pizzas, games and events, but inconsistent door-security experiences and occasional safety or facilities concerns make the night highly dependent on timing and crowd.
Ships and Giggles draws a loyal student crowd with nautical theming and game-oriented decor that reviewers repeatedly praise, and its pizza earns consistently positive mentions. Food consistency across the broader menu is hard to establish and service at the bar is more mixed at the door, which keeps it out of grade A territory.
Ships and Giggles is a distinctly Preston student-bar experience: nautical wreck-themed decor, pool, darts, consoles, beer pong and event nights, with the mood shifting from relaxed pub to club-like bustle after dark. Regulars describe it as a dependable alternative to a full nightclub, while one memorable summary is that the place feels like being on a shipwreck. The outdoor area and promotions add practical appeal. Food is secondary to the drinks-and-games identity, but the current menu makes a convincing case for a cheap pizza stop. Stone-baked pizzas run from £6.50 to £8.50, with familiar Margherita, pepperoni and meat-feast choices alongside Carolina Reaper options; reviews specifically praise the pizza's size, taste and value. This is accessible comfort food rather than ambitious Italian cooking, and the venue suits groups wanting entertainment and inexpensive fuel more than a quiet meal. Families can use the venue for a daytime event or an earlier visit, and one reviewer specifically reported enjoying pizza and food there with children. The menu includes familiar pizza, fries, nachos and garlic bread, plus vegetarian and vegan choices. However, the student-focused atmosphere, smoking outdoor area and potentially loud nightlife make it a much less comfortable choice later at night.
Area vibe: Busy city-centre with universities, shops and nightlife.
Safety: Generally safe in daytime; evenings are busy near nightlife but exercise usual caution.
What's nearby: Near University of Central Lancashire campus, Preston Railway Station, shops and student housing.
Start with one of the generously sized stone-baked pizzas, then consider a loaded side if you are sharing.
Choose an earlier visit for a more comfortable experience, because the student-bar atmosphere gets louder and some security experiences have been inconsistent.
Expect a shipwreck-themed student bar that shifts from casual games and drinks to a louder, club-like night out.