SWAN, London – 46 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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SWAN -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 46 user ratings

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21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

Located along the scenic Bankside in London, Swan is a unique venue that stands out as a go-to spot for students from King’s College London. It’s not just a bar; it’s a lively gathering place that offers a perfect blend of affordability and atmosphere. Many students appreciate the venue for its modern British restaurant vibe, which serves up classic dishes alongside a wide selection of delicious cocktails and traditional drinks. The venue is well-rated for its cleanliness, with many reviews highlighting the tidy facilities, including the often-overlooked restrooms, which can be a rarity in the bustling London nightlife scene. This cleanliness, paired with a welcoming ambiance, makes Swan a place where students can feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying their night out.

The atmosphere at Swan is often described as vibrant and inclusive, making it an ideal location for students looking to unwind after a long week of classes. The energy here is infectious, with many reviews noting how easy it is to lose track of time once you step inside. The crowd is typically a diverse mix of students and locals, all there to enjoy themselves without the pretentiousness that can sometimes accompany nightlife in the city. This laid-back vibe is complemented by a stellar music selection, with many students praising the DJ's ability to keep the dance floor lively with a mix of popular tracks. Whether you’re in the mood for a chill evening or a night of dancing, the music at Swan is often a highlight, with many students mentioning that the playlists feature 'proper student bangers' that keep the energy high.

When it comes to drinks, students frequently mention that Swan offers reasonably priced options, making it a great choice for those on a budget. The venue is highly rated for value, with many students appreciating that they can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. This affordability, combined with the overall positive atmosphere, makes Swan a popular choice for students looking to have a good time with friends. However, some reviews do indicate that the quality of the experience can vary depending on the night, suggesting that while most evenings are enjoyable, there are occasional nights that may not live up to expectations.

Entry and queuing at Swan seem relatively straightforward, with many students reporting that while the venue can get busy, the queue experience is generally manageable. The venue is appreciated for its ability to maintain a lively yet not overcrowded environment, allowing for a comfortable night out. Students often feel safe and at ease here, which is crucial when choosing a nightlife spot. The inclusive nature of the venue, where everyone feels welcome to be themselves, adds to the overall positive experience that many students report.

In terms of who this venue suits best, Swan is ideal for students who enjoy a casual night out with friends, where the focus is on good music, affordable drinks, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s a place where you can let loose and enjoy yourself without the pressure of pretentiousness or exclusivity. Many students have expressed that they appreciate the charm of Swan, noting that it feels more like a local hangout than a typical chain bar. This unique character, combined with the regular events and lively crowd, makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable night out in London.

However, it’s worth mentioning that, like any venue, Swan has its strengths and weaknesses. While the atmosphere and music are consistently praised, some students have pointed out that the experience can be hit or miss depending on the night. This variability is something to keep in mind if you’re planning your visit. Additionally, while the venue is generally clean, there may be nights when it feels a bit busier, which could impact the overall cleanliness and service experience. Nonetheless, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making Swan a top choice for students looking for a good time.

In summary, Swan offers a fantastic blend of affordability, atmosphere, and great music, making it a standout option for students at King’s College London. With its welcoming vibe and a diverse crowd, it’s a place where you can easily connect with others and enjoy a night out that you won’t forget anytime soon. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or planning to dance the night away, Swan is definitely worth checking out.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Highly rated for value, making it affordable for students.
  • Lively and inclusive atmosphere that encourages socializing.
  • Great music selection with popular tracks that keep the energy high.
  • Clean facilities, including restrooms, which are often noted by students.
  • A diverse crowd that creates a friendly and welcoming environment.
  • Easy entry experience with manageable queues, even when busy.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Quality of experience can vary depending on the night.
  • Some students mention that certain nights are better than others.
  • Can get busy, which may impact cleanliness and service at times.
  • Not a fancy venue; may not suit those looking for an upscale experience.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a casual and fun night out with friends, where they can enjoy affordable drinks and great music.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, making it easy to fit in.
  • Expect a lively atmosphere, especially on student nights.
  • Check the DJ schedule for nights with specific music genres.
  • Arrive early to avoid long queues on busier nights.
  • Drinks are reasonably priced, ideal for budget-conscious students.

❓ Common Questions

What is Swan like?

Swan is a lively riverside venue known for its affordable drinks, great music, and welcoming atmosphere.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally manageable, although it can get busy during peak times.

Is it good value?

Yes, many students find it highly affordable, making it a popular choice.

What music does Swan play?

Swan features a mix of popular tracks, often referred to as 'student bangers'.

What is the crowd like?

The crowd is diverse and friendly, creating an inclusive atmosphere.

Reviews
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Music was decent and the crowd vibe was chill. drinks were reasonably priced and the queues weren't too long.
By user456546 on Apr 1st 2026
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Good vibe and decent tunes most nights. drinks are cheap, and the queue's never long .
By user623197 on Mar 31st 2026
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This place strikes the right balance between affordability and a great atmosphere, with reasonably priced drinks that don’t break the student budget. The DJ played an excellent mix that kept the dance floor buzzing, and I appreciated how clean everything was, including the toilets, which can be a rarity in London nightlife.
By user472549 on Mar 26th 2026
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Not perfect but i'd choose it again. always a good time and the atmosphere is lively
By user788754 on Mar 23rd 2026
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Looking back it was a chill place to hang out. the atmosphere made it easy to connect with others.
By user259704 on Mar 18th 2026
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Easy to lose track of time here, you think you'll just pop in but end up staying way longer than you meant to
By user846817 on Mar 13th 2026
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Simple spot for a chill night out, nothing too fancy
By user510608 on Mar 9th 2026
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Quality's hit or miss depending on the night, but it’s usually okay.
By user908750 on Mar 8th 2026
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Swan has its own charm. not your typical chain bar, it feels more like a local hangout which is what I like.
By user828330 on Mar 7th 2026
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Playlist was fire, proper student bangers all night.
By user284254 on Mar 6th 2026
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Drinks are pretty cheap and the crowd can be wild, which is cool or a bit much sometimes
By user508668 on Mar 5th 2026
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Been a few times and it really depends on the night. some nights hit better than others 😅
By user564059 on Mar 4th 2026
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Went there and had a blast, already looking forward to the next one.
By user294503 on Feb 26th 2026
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The student night feels just right with the atmosphere and energy, nothing random or out of place.
By user361128 on Feb 25th 2026
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Really good spot for students, always something happening without feeling overcrowded. it’s a nice mix of people and energy.
By user138562 on Feb 24th 2026
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Crowd's a mix of people just looking to enjoy themselves, no one's pretending to be something they're not. it's all about having a laugh and losing yourself in the music.
By user691676 on Feb 22nd 2026
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Looking back it was a good time. the place always gets everyone laughing and having a good night.
By user668764 on Feb 20th 2026
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Music's always a highlight, bangers all night. can't wait for the next one.
By user432248 on Feb 19th 2026
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Service was cool and it was an easy night out. by the end, it felt like a regular spot.
By user668949 on Feb 18th 2026
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A night out here usually turns into one of those memorable ones. it’s a regular go-to for a reason.
By user443960 on Feb 17th 2026
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It's really inclusive here, you can be yourself without anyone judging you. that's a rare find these days.
By user650853 on Feb 16th 2026
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Swan has a solid crowd. feels safe and friendly, which is what I like.
By user867809 on Feb 15th 2026
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Stumbled in and it turned out to be one of the better spots to hang out in the evening. would return for sure
By user329498 on Feb 14th 2026
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Always a diverse crowd which makes it a chill place. felt really at ease there
By user730819 on Feb 13th 2026
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Everything was spot on, no issues here. had a blast all night long
By user459564 on Feb 9th 2026
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It's always busy but still laid-back enough to just hang out.
By user436696 on Feb 1st 2026
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Swan has energy. feels like a local spot with cool people, which is my kind of scene
By user182714 on Jan 26th 2026
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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By user469481 on Jan 22nd 2026
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Everyone was chill, just a good atmosphere and nice people around. no bad energy at all
By user217084 on Jan 18th 2026
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Not perfect but i'd go back. the music was really good and everyone seemed to be enjoying it.
By user986269 on Jan 14th 2026
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Music was sick and the atmosphere was lit — a night to remember for sure.
By user360158 on Jan 10th 2026
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Music's solid and the crowd's cool, can't ask for much more than that.
By user751788 on Jan 7th 2026
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Hit it up expecting the usual student night and it turned out to be one of the best. would go again
By user677877 on Jan 2nd 2026
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Service is solid and it’s an easy night out. you know what to expect, nothing wild but it works.
By user174071 on Dec 30th 2025
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Definitely the place for students, you can see why everyone loves it. just fits the scene really well
By user190180 on Dec 25th 2025
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Night out is usually a blast, never really feels boring. just what you want for a night out.
By user114574 on Dec 21st 2025
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Everyone was really friendly and it made settling in so much easier. sets a good vibe for the whole experience
By user257689 on Dec 17th 2025
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Looking back, it was a solid night out. the atmosphere really made it easy to enjoy yourself.
By user787235 on Dec 12th 2025
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Went with my mates and we just laughed the whole night. can't beat a night out with good company like that
By user308430 on Dec 6th 2025
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The crowd was relaxed, made it easy to enjoy the night. no weird tension or drama.
By user726342 on Dec 2nd 2025
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One of those places where the night just flows perfectly.
By user767097 on Nov 27th 2025
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The atmosphere really lifts your mood and it feels like everyone’s just enjoying themselves. small things like that make a big difference when you're out.
By user273927 on Nov 23rd 2025
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Found the perfect balance between laid-back and wild. would definitely go again
By user667980 on Nov 17th 2025
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Everyone felt like mates here. it was cool to be around so many familiar faces.
By user285245 on Nov 10th 2025
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One of the highlights of student life – great place to go.
By user571555 on Nov 3rd 2025
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Music's why you hit this place up. it’s always packed and the energy's just right.
By user911402 on Oct 29th 2025