Vinyl, Cambridge – 37 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

Back
add_circle Add your night out listing

Vinyl -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 37 user ratings

22 Sidney St, Cambridge CB2 3HG, United Kingdom

💬 What Students Say

Vinyl, located on Sidney Street in Cambridge, is a popular retro-themed nightclub that has become a go-to spot for students at the University of Cambridge. With its light-up dance floor and a playlist filled with nostalgic hits, Vinyl offers a unique atmosphere that transports you back in time while keeping the energy high for a fantastic night out. The venue is known for its lively weekend events, making it a great choice for students looking to unwind after a long week of classes. Students frequently mention the good vibes and friendly atmosphere that permeate the club, making it feel like a real local hangout. Many reviews highlight how the atmosphere at Vinyl contributes significantly to the overall experience, creating a space where everyone feels included and ready to have a good time. The crowd is described as friendly, and the overall buzz of the venue enhances the fun, carefree vibe that students are after on a night out.

The music at Vinyl is another standout feature. Students rave about the DJ's ability to keep the energy up throughout the night with a carefully curated playlist of student anthems. Reviewers appreciate that the music flows well without awkward transitions into less popular tracks, ensuring that everyone can dance and enjoy themselves. The vibe is lively, with many students noting that they found themselves on their feet dancing for most of the night. This is the kind of place where you can expect to have a blast with friends, as many reviews reflect on the hilarious memories made during nights out at Vinyl.

In terms of drinks and pricing, while Vinyl is noted as not being the cheapest venue around, many students feel that the atmosphere makes it worth the price. The drinks are reasonably priced, considering the overall experience, and students often comment that it’s more than just another night out; it’s an experience that can’t be missed. The venue is rated fairly well for value, though some students do suggest that it could be more affordable. It’s important to keep in mind that the venue is priced at a mid-range level, so budgeting for a night out here is advisable.

The queue and entry experience at Vinyl are generally rated positively. Students mention that the queue isn’t too bad, and once you’re inside, the night flows smoothly without long waits at the bar or for entry. This seamless experience contributes to the overall enjoyment of the night, as many students appreciate not having to deal with stress before they even start their evening of fun. The venue is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM, so planning your night accordingly can help you avoid any potential rush.

Vinyl suits a wide range of students, particularly those who are looking for a laid-back yet energetic night out. Whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away or just relax with friends, this venue offers a welcoming space for everyone. It’s especially popular among those who enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere filled with throwback hits. While it may not be the most extravagant spot in town, it certainly makes up for it with its vibrant energy and friendly crowd.

However, like any venue, Vinyl has its strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, students appreciate the lively atmosphere, great music, and friendly crowd. Many reviews highlight the fun and easy-going vibe that makes it a great place to unwind. Conversely, some students have pointed out that it may not be the most affordable option, and if you're looking for a quiet place to chill, this might not be the right choice for you. Overall, the strengths of Vinyl far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a highly recommended spot for students looking to enjoy a memorable night out.

In conclusion, Vinyl is a vibrant and welcoming nightclub that captures the essence of a fun student night out. With its lively atmosphere, great music, and friendly crowd, it’s no wonder that it’s become a staple for students at the University of Cambridge. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy a good time with friends, Vinyl promises an experience that you won’t soon forget. Plan your visit to this retro gem and get ready to make some unforgettable memories with your fellow students.
▼ See more

✅ What Students Love

  • Vibrant, retro-themed atmosphere that feels like a local hangout.
  • Lively and friendly crowd, creating a welcoming vibe.
  • Great music selection that keeps everyone dancing all night.
  • Smooth entry and minimal waiting times, enhancing the night out experience.
  • Good value for the overall experience, despite being mid-range priced.
  • Nostalgic playlist that resonates well with students.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Not the cheapest option for a night out in Cambridge.
  • Can get quite busy, especially on weekends.
  • Not suitable for those looking for a quieter night out.
  • Limited opening hours, only open on weekends.
  • Some students feel it lacks extravagant features compared to other clubs.
  • The atmosphere can be overwhelming for those who prefer a more laid-back vibe.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a lively and energetic night out with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, but stylish attire is recommended.
  • Expect a busy atmosphere on weekends; arrive early to avoid long queues.
  • Drinks are reasonably priced, but budget accordingly for a full night out.
  • The music is primarily throwback hits and student anthems.
  • Vinyl is open only on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Tickets can be obtained through a 'Bridge Rep' or the FIXR ticket app.

❓ Common Questions

What is Vinyl like?

Vinyl is a retro-themed nightclub known for its lively atmosphere, friendly crowd, and great music, perfect for a fun night out.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally manageable, and students report a smooth entry experience once inside.

Is it good value?

While not the cheapest option, many students feel the atmosphere and experience make it worth the price.

What music does Vinyl play?

Vinyl plays a mix of throwback hits and student anthems that keep the energy high throughout the night.

What are the opening hours?

Vinyl is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM.

What is the crowd like?

The crowd is friendly and lively, creating a welcoming environment for all students.

Reviews
1 of 39
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walking into Vinyl hits you with this wave of nostalgia that's impossible to ignore. felt like I was stepping right into a different era, and it instantly lifted my mood. maybe it's the light-up dance floor or the old-school tunes, but it just brings a certain vibe that makes you want to stay all night.
By user111415 on Apr 23rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Would love it if the playlist mixed in a few more modern tracks; it's fun to dance to throwbacks but hearing the same ones every time gets old fast.
By user279241 on Apr 18th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Lighting on the dance floor totally sets the mood at Vinyl. it almost makes you forget you're in Cambridge and not in a disco from decades ago. that nostalgic vibe makes it stand out from other places for sure.
By user399392 on Apr 13th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Step into Vinyl and feel like you’ve been transported to another era. those vibrant, nostalgic tunes really make you want to hit the light-up dance floor, even if dancing isn’t your thing 🎶. drinks are reasonably priced so you don’t feel guilty indulging a bit.
By user473997 on Apr 6th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Finding a spot on the iconic light-up dance floor took some patience, but the throwback tunes made it worthwhile. the crowd was fun and seemed to enjoy reliving the hits as much as i did,definitely made the night feel more electric.
By user713939 on Apr 4th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Groovy vibes at Vinyl! that light-up dance floor is seriously the best for forgetting about essay deadlines and just getting lost in those nostalgic tunes 🎶. staff's laid-back attitude really adds to the fun without it feeling too over the top, if that makes sense.
By user587542 on Mar 25th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Takes a bit to adjust to the flashing lights and throwback tunes, but once you get used to it, nights at Vinyl feel like a fun flashback.
By user800396 on Mar 21st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Danced like it was the 80s with mates till we dropped.
By user808563 on Mar 15th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Gonna be honest, the staff here are absolute legends. they keep the place running smooth even when it gets packed with loads of students. always up for a chat at the bar, giving the whole place a chill and welcoming feel.
By user558392 on Mar 3rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Would definitely go back to Vinyl because it's just such a good laugh. dancing on that glowing floor while belting out throwback tunes is the best way to shake off the stress of student life 😊
By user719709 on Feb 11th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Settling in at Vinyl has been a blast, especially once I realised how nostalgic their playlist is. now it's basically my go-to for nights when I need something chill yet lively without spending too much, and the retro lights always make everything feel a bit more fun.
By user960077 on Feb 4th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Everyone on the floor seemed completely committed to letting loose , you could feel the collective energy. it's rare to see so many people genuinely vibing to every track without a care, which made the entire night even more entertaining.
By user313369 on Jan 28th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Everyone seemed to be having a blast dancing to throwback hits, and it was nice seeing a mix of students and locals letting loose together. the crowd was easygoing,no awkward nightclub tension.
By user799690 on Jan 22nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Remembering that light-up dance floor at Vinyl, it just pulls you in with its retro vibes. the place is packed with students who are all just there for a good time, and you can feel that energy everywhere.
By user749742 on Jan 16th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Getting used to the light-up dance floor at Vinyl took a moment, but now it's part of what makes nights out there so unforgettable 🌟. it’s nostalgia central and the tunes are brilliantly cheesy. finding my rhythm here feels like going on a delightful little journey back in time.
By user497434 on Jan 12th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Stepping into vinyl feels like getting a ticket to a blast from the past. those light-up dance floors set the place apart, making every night a time machine ride back to simpler days.
By user870968 on Jan 7th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Vinyl has a quirky vibe that other clubs in cambridge just don't have, with that glowing dance floor really setting it apart. music took me back to the 80s and 90s, which was a fun surprise. drinks weren't the cheapest, but the nostalgia factor was worth it for a chill night.
By user605495 on Jan 2nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Once you're on that light-up dance floor, it's like nothing else matters. the best nights are when everyone's singing their hearts out to those throwback hits. the feeling of being part of a massive, joyful crowd is just something special.
By user206987 on Dec 28th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Immediately felt like walking into a time capsule that was all about fun and good vibes.
By user562378 on Dec 21st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Starts off as a fun disco throwback and quickly becomes a regular haunt where you feel right at home.
By user831292 on Dec 17th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Dancing on that light-up floor with mates, I remember how the cheesy 80s hits had everyone singing loudly and laughing uncontrollably. somehow, the place felt both new and familiar, like a wild throwback you never knew you needed. the crowd was just as lively as the tunes, making it feel like a proper night out you can't easily forget.
By user690840 on Dec 11th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Worth a revisit just for the electric atmosphere. crowded with students and those catchy tunes you can't help but sing along to, it's a blast from the past that hits just right. one of those places you leave with tired legs and a full heart.
By user990559 on Dec 4th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Got there not knowing what to expect, but the retro vibe totally surprised me. it's like stepping straight into an 80s dance movie with that lit-up floor and throwback tunes.
By user246759 on Nov 29th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Didn't expect the bouncers to actually be friendly, it made the night more enjoyable.
By user547217 on Nov 23rd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Bouncers at Vinyl always have the best vibe, acting more like cheerful hosts than the usual stern door staff you'd expect elsewhere.
By user229584 on Nov 15th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Plunge into a swarm of joy when "Dancing Queen" blares through the speakers and everyone's alive
By user607754 on Nov 7th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed the super chill bouncers who actually say hi as you walk in. kind of makes the whole night feel welcoming before you even hit the light-up dance floor 🌟
By user862658 on Oct 28th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walked in expecting just another themed club but was genuinely surprised by how everyone seemed to be having loads of fun, no pretension, just pure enjoyment. it was like stepping back in time with the perfect mix of nostalgia and student energy.
By user223008 on Oct 24th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Came in just thinking it was another typical night out, but the retro vibes caught me by surprise. didn't expect to enjoy the old-school tracks as much as i did, which turned the night into something special. the light-up dance floor adds such a classic feel that keeps pulling me back in.
By user686354 on Oct 21st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Had no idea a place like this existed in cambridge but a mate convinced me to visit and i honestly didn't regret it for a second
By user461216 on Oct 18th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Groovy tunes had us all feeling the nostalgia on that light-up dance floor. didn't expect to enjoy myself so much, but looking back, it's where some of the best laughs of the term happened.
By user737806 on Oct 14th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed that on quieter nights, the bar staff are quite chatty and have loads of stories about the music they've chosen
By user770124 on Oct 11th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
First few visits were a bit hectic with all the crowd, but once you figure out the best times to pop in, Vinyl becomes kind of like a second home 😅. can't beat the tunes for a proper night out.
By user742432 on Oct 6th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Would definitely head back to Vinyl for the light-up dance floor alone. the nostalgic hits were a bonus that had everyone singing along 🎶. loved the crowd's energy, felt like a fun time travel session 💭
By user359555 on Sep 30th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Definitely heading back to Vinyl again. love the light-up dance floor and the music is just perfect if you're into throwbacks. it really switches up the usual night out vibe and it's a breath of fresh air in Cambridge.
By user702988 on Sep 25th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed such a mix of people grinding on that light-up dance floor. students all over embracing their inner disco, adding to the throwback vibe that makes you feel like you've gone back in time.
By user554056 on Sep 19th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Found the drinks overpriced compared to other places in town but the music's a blast.
By user522948 on Sep 12th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Expected it to be much more crowded, but there was space to dance to those nostalgic tunes. maybe it's quieter on weekdays but hey, not complaining at all 😊
By user259594 on Apr 1st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
By user628418 on Mar 31st 2025