The Black Horse, Exeter – 43 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Black Horse -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 43 user ratings

Longbrook Street, Exeter EX4 6AB England

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

The Black Horse, located on Longbrook Street in Exeter, is a well-loved venue among students from the University of Exeter. This Greene King pub is known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for students looking to unwind after a long week of lectures. With a cozy ambiance, quirky decor, and dimly lit corners, the pub sets the perfect scene for a relaxed night out or a lively gathering with friends. Students often appreciate the friendly vibe that permeates the space, making it easy to lose track of time while enjoying good company.

One of the standout features of The Black Horse is its music and events. Students frequently mention the DJ who keeps the energy high and the dance floor lively, creating an atmosphere that encourages everyone to let loose and enjoy themselves. Whether it's a casual catch-up with friends or a night of dancing, the music is always on point, catering to the tastes of the crowd. The pub also hosts pub quiz nights on Thursdays, which adds an extra layer of fun to the weekly routine for many students.

When it comes to drinks, The Black Horse offers a wide selection of beverages, including beers, ales, and ciders that cater to different preferences. Many reviews highlight the reasonable prices, making it a budget-friendly option for students who want to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. However, while the drinks are generally well-priced, some students mention that it may not always be the absolute cheapest option in town. Still, the overall value for the experience is considered quite good, especially given the lively atmosphere.

The entry experience at The Black Horse is generally smooth, with students noting that there's not much hassle getting in. The queue rating is high, suggesting that patrons rarely face long waits, allowing them to start their night out without unnecessary delays. The relaxed entry process contributes to the chill vibe of the venue, where students can easily mingle and enjoy themselves without feeling rushed.

In terms of the crowd, The Black Horse attracts a diverse mix of students, creating a friendly and inclusive environment. The reviews indicate that the crowd is typically laid-back, with many enjoying the relaxed energy of the pub. This makes it an ideal space for those who want to socialize without the pressure often found in more club-like environments. Many students appreciate that the atmosphere strikes a balance between being lively and comfortable, making it suitable for both day and night hangs.

While The Black Horse has many strengths, it's important to consider some of the caveats mentioned in reviews. Some students have noted that while the atmosphere is generally fun and vibrant, it may not be the fanciest spot around. However, this is often seen as part of its charm, as it offers a more authentic local experience compared to chain venues. Additionally, while the pub can get busy, it's not typically overcrowded, allowing for a comfortable experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Overall, The Black Horse is highly rated for its atmosphere and music, making it a solid choice for students looking for a good time. The venue's character and local feel resonate well with those who prefer a more personal touch to their nights out. Students often leave feeling satisfied and eager to return, making it one of the highlights of student life in Exeter. It’s the kind of place where you can meet new people, enjoy good drinks, and have a memorable night without the stress of a typical club scene.

In conclusion, The Black Horse is a fantastic choice for students at the University of Exeter who are looking for a vibrant, friendly, and affordable night out. With its excellent music, relaxed atmosphere, and budget-friendly drinks, it offers a well-rounded experience that caters to a variety of preferences. Whether you're winding down after a week of studying or looking to kick off an exciting night, The Black Horse has something to offer everyone.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Vibrant and friendly atmosphere that encourages socializing.
  • Good selection of drinks at reasonable prices.
  • High ratings for music and DJ, keeping the energy lively.
  • Smooth entry experience with little hassle.
  • Diverse and chill crowd, perfect for relaxed hangouts.
  • Popular for pub quiz nights, adding fun to the weekly routine.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Not the fanciest venue, which may not appeal to everyone.
  • Some students feel it’s not the absolute cheapest option.
  • Can get busy, though not overcrowded.
  • Occasional inconsistency in drink pricing noted by some patrons.
  • Not a club-like atmosphere, which may not suit those looking for a high-energy party scene.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed yet lively pub experience with affordable drinks.

💡 Things to Know

  • The dress code is casual, making it easy to fit in.
  • Expect a relaxed queue experience, especially during off-peak times.
  • Prices are generally reasonable, but check drink specials.
  • Music style varies but is generally upbeat and dance-friendly.
  • The pub is popular for both day and night visits.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Black Horse like?

It's a vibrant pub with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for socializing and enjoying good music.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally short, allowing for a smooth entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, drinks are reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly option for students.

What music does The Black Horse play?

The music is upbeat and dance-friendly, often featuring a DJ that keeps the energy lively.

What kind of crowd can I expect?

You can expect a diverse and chill crowd, perfect for relaxed hangouts.

Reviews
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Music can be a bit hit or miss but when it's good the vibe on the dancefloor is spot on. drinks are reasonably priced too, plus the queues aren’t usually too bad.
By user885091 on Apr 5th 2026
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Been a couple of times and it's alright. drinks are decent and the music is pretty good most nights. no major complaints but it can get a bit crowded sometimes
By user346819 on Apr 2nd 2026
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The dimly lit corners and quirky decor set a cozy vibe right when you step in. The drinks are wallet-friendly, and the DJ keeps everyone dancing late into the night, which is just what you need after a long week of lectures.
By user744018 on Mar 26th 2026
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Not much hassle, just a chill place to hang out with mates
By user158153 on Mar 23rd 2026
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A solid way to wrap up the week. left feeling pretty good and ready for whatever comes next
By user314041 on Mar 18th 2026
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The black horse has a vibe that makes you want to stay forever. it’s the kind of place where the night just flows and you lose track of time.
By user253651 on Mar 16th 2026
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The place just has that student buzz about it. ⚡️
By user164250 on Mar 11th 2026
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Crowd's always spot on and it feels super relaxed. just a bunch of people enjoying themselves.
By user541551 on Mar 3rd 2026
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People are cool, music hits right, and the energy feels just right.
By user832898 on Feb 10th 2026
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Music's always good and the crowd seems to get it. felt like everyone was in sync.
By user647719 on Feb 4th 2026
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The crowd's always chill and it's perfect for a laid-back catch-up with mates. just a good spot to hang out without any pressure
By user690987 on Jan 29th 2026
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Crowd's always chill and no one's acting all extra. just people out to enjoy themselves.
By user345113 on Jan 24th 2026
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Plenty of choices and the prices were reasonable. never felt like I was being ripped off.
By user359220 on Jan 20th 2026
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Not the fanciest spot but it works for a laugh. decent drinks and a fun atmosphere, you know what to expect.
By user823771 on Jan 16th 2026
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The black horse brought a wild energy that made nights out unforgettable. it was the place to be for a proper student scene.
By user390810 on Jan 13th 2026
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The black horse has a good energy. feels more local and less like a chain, which is what i'm into
By user594848 on Jan 9th 2026
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The energy was really something else and everyone was just enjoying themselves. little things that make it worth going back.
By user544063 on Jan 5th 2026
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Good place for day and night hangs, not much else to say.
By user896536 on Jan 1st 2026
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The black horse has character. it's got a local feel that just suits me better than those chain places.
By user558657 on Dec 28th 2025
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Wholesome atmosphere with a bit of fun thrown in
By user836297 on Dec 23rd 2025
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Not the cheapest but the atmosphere here makes it worth it. it’s always buzzing with laughter and good times.
By user722751 on Dec 19th 2025
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No stress getting in, just a chill atmosphere to kick off the night.
By user645931 on Dec 15th 2025
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Always a mix of relaxed and party energy which keeps it interesting. never felt out of place there
By user228002 on Dec 10th 2025
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Not perfect but i'd go back. the atmosphere is just right for a long night out.
By user737541 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Not too packed, just enough energy to keep it interesting.
By user915375 on Nov 30th 2025
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Atmosphere is pretty chill for just hanging out and enjoying.
By user921359 on Nov 25th 2025
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Far from the chaos but close enough to join in when you want to.
By user966644 on Nov 20th 2025
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Drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is lively, makes it a solid choice for a night out.
By user737274 on Nov 14th 2025
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Met loads of new people here every time, which is pretty cool.
By user818702 on Nov 7th 2025
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Never had a bad night here – always a vibe!
By user609793 on Oct 31st 2025
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Drinks were good value and the crowd was something else. had a blast with everyone there.
By user358528 on Oct 25th 2025
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One of the highlights of student life – great place to go.
By user994804 on Oct 22nd 2025
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Great night out, music was spot on and the vibe was brilliant.
By user532628 on Oct 19th 2025
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Atmosphere was lively but could be a bit overwhelming at times. just a small thing really.
By user753548 on Oct 15th 2025
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Exactly what you want for a night out – fun, easy and affordable.
By user130115 on Oct 12th 2025
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Music, atmosphere and people all made it a brilliant night.
By user293436 on Oct 8th 2025
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Queue wasn’t bad at all, totally worth it once inside.
By user357070 on Oct 2nd 2025
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Atmosphere's kind of hit or miss, can be nice for chilling after lectures or a bit too crowded some nights
By user731003 on Sep 26th 2025
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Location's pretty prime and it's packed with lively folks, so it's always a bit of a scene
By user730629 on Sep 21st 2025
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The Black Horse has a good vibe, with a decent amount of seating, and a good outside area. It is quite spenny however, and the queues for the bar when it is busy take quite a long time. It does have a good pub quiz, but is very popular so make sure you get their early if you want a table.
By user521809 on Nov 13th 2023
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By angusmcleoduk on Nov 7th 2023
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Reasonable prices make it an excellent spot for both regulars and newcomers. Outdoor seating option is a nice touch for enjoying sunny days
By user216288 on Oct 26th 2023
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Reasonable prices make it an excellent spot for both regulars and newcomers. Outdoor seating option is a nice touch for enjoying sunny days
By user996981 on Oct 26th 2023
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Amazing food, service fantastic...lovely comfortable friendly environment...definitely will recommend & will return! Lovely outside courtyard area also, perfect for the Summer!
By user408604 on Jul 23rd 2023