The Shack, London – 72 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

Back
add_circle Add your night out listing
The Shack — student bar photo

The Shack -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 72 user ratings

Boland House, Guy’s Campus

💬 What Students Say

The Shack, located at Boland House on King’s College London’s Guy’s Campus, is a lively student bar that serves as a popular social space for students looking to unwind, grab a drink, or kick off a night out. With a friendly atmosphere, decent music, and affordable prices, The Shack has become a go-to venue for students wanting to enjoy a relaxed yet upbeat environment. The venue is characterized by its welcoming vibe, making it an excellent spot for both new and returning patrons. Students frequently highlight the lively atmosphere, noting that it’s a great place to meet new friends and enjoy a good laugh with mates. The Shack is often described as feeling like one big student crew, where everyone is just there to have a good time without any pretentiousness. This makes it particularly appealing for those looking for a casual and inclusive night out. The music at The Shack is another major draw for students. Reviewers consistently mention that the tunes are lively and engaging, with a playlist that keeps the energy high throughout the night. Many students have noted that the music selection is varied enough to keep things interesting, encouraging patrons to get up and dance. This lively music scene contributes to the overall vibrant atmosphere, making it a desirable venue for those who love to enjoy a good beat while socializing. When it comes to drinks, The Shack is highly rated for its value. Many students appreciate the reasonable prices, allowing them to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. This affordability is often cited as a significant advantage, especially for those on a student budget. The drink options are described as plentiful, making it easy to find something that suits everyone’s taste. The venue also provides a selection of snacks and light meals, adding to the overall experience of unwinding after a long day. However, it’s worth noting that queues can sometimes be a bit long, particularly during peak times. While many students have mentioned that the atmosphere remains enjoyable even while waiting, it’s still something to keep in mind if you’re planning a visit. The Shack has a reputation for being a safe space where students can enjoy their night out without worries. Reviewers have expressed that they feel comfortable and secure, contributing to the overall positive experience. The staff are often praised for their friendliness, which adds to the welcoming nature of the bar. In terms of crowd dynamics, The Shack attracts a diverse mix of students, which many find appealing. The friendly faces and upbeat energy make it easy to strike up conversations and meet new people, enhancing the social aspect of the venue. Despite its many strengths, The Shack is not without its weaknesses. While the atmosphere is generally lively, some students have noted that it can get quite packed, which may detract from the comfort level for some. Additionally, while the music is often praised, there may be times when the playlist doesn’t resonate with everyone’s tastes. Overall, The Shack is best suited for students who enjoy a friendly, lively bar atmosphere where they can socialize, enjoy good music, and have a fun night out without spending too much. It’s ideal for those looking to unwind after classes or kick off their weekend in a relaxed setting. If you’re planning to check out The Shack, there are a few things to keep in mind. The bar operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, making it a great spot for daytime relaxation as well as evening socializing. However, it’s closed on weekends, so plan your visits accordingly. As for the dress code, it seems fairly casual, allowing students to come as they are and enjoy themselves without worrying about looking overly formal. If you’re concerned about the queue, try to arrive earlier in the evening to avoid longer waits. Overall, The Shack is a vibrant venue that captures the essence of student life at King’s College London, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a fun night out.
▼ See more

✅ What Students Love

  • Lively atmosphere that encourages socializing and meeting new people.
  • Highly rated for music, with engaging playlists that get everyone dancing.
  • Affordably priced drinks, making it accessible for students on a budget.
  • Friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming environment.
  • Safe space where students feel comfortable and secure.
  • Diverse crowd that adds to the fun and lively vibe.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a lively, friendly bar atmosphere to unwind and socialize.

💡 Things to Know

  • The Shack is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
  • Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
  • Arriving earlier in the evening can help avoid long queues.
  • Expect a diverse crowd, which enhances the social experience.
  • The bar serves snacks and light meals, adding to the overall experience.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Shack like?

The Shack is a vibrant student bar known for its lively atmosphere, friendly crowd, and engaging music.

How long is the queue?

Queues can be a bit long during peak times, but the atmosphere remains enjoyable even while waiting.

Is it good value?

Yes, The Shack is highly rated for its affordable drink prices, making it great for students.

What music does The Shack play?

The Shack features lively music that keeps the energy high and encourages dancing.

Is there a dress code?

The dress code is casual, so you can come as you are.

The Shack — student bar photo
Reviews
1 of 72
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Perfect spot to chill post-lectures. Laid-back with decent tunes.
By user307681 (KCL) on Aug 12th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Love this spot I can recommend
By user518038 (KCL) on Aug 6th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Lively spot with a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for pre-drinks with mates.
By user970099 (KCL) on Aug 5th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Long wait at the bar, but still had a blast with the lively crowd!
By user381241 (KCL) on Jul 29th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Lunch at The Shack is the best chill.
By user309293 (KCL) on Jul 24th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Great for post-class hangouts with mates and meeting new faces.
By user141917 (KCL) on Jul 19th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Friendly bartenders make the night! Warm and welcoming compared to other places.
By user774405 (KCL) on Jul 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Met some interesting people; memorable night out.
By user145083 (KCL) on Jul 8th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
The Shack's nachos are a must-try for sure!
By user784491 (KCL) on Jul 3rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff keep the energy up and things smooth even when busy.
By user873586 (KCL) on Jun 28th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Bass was intense, but the vibe ended up great. Worth it.
By user996644 (KCL) on Jun 23rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Instant energy hit. Spacious and lively with attentive staff. 🌟
By user960616 (KCL) on Jun 18th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Wifi's decent. Music can be loud but still a cool hangout.
By user324685 (KCL) on Jun 13th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Feels familiar every visit. Music's ace, vibe's homey.
By user390240 (KCL) on Jun 8th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Affordable drinks and chill vibe. Loved it! 🌟
By user697554 (KCL) on Jun 3rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Buzzing with laughter and music, perfect post-lectures. Great prices too! 🎉
By user427179 (KCL) on May 26th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Great vibe and doesn't break the bank. Perfect for a fun night.
By user425088 (KCL) on May 21st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Comfy chairs, quick service. Perfect for long chats with mates.
By user124058 (KCL) on May 16th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Place is spotless, even the loos. Makes the night better.
By user472824 (KCL) on May 11th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Too packed for me, but if you like it lively, you'll love it!
By user437420 (KCL) on May 5th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always a good laugh during lunch at The Shack.
By user905505 (KCL) on Apr 28th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Grab a burger and chill on those comfy sofas.
By user834583 (KCL) on Apr 20th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Decent tunes and lively vibe make it a great spot for pre-drinks.
By user298605 (KCL) on Apr 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always meet new people from King's. Can get cramped but lively.
By user517916 (KCL) on Apr 11th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Surprisingly chill vibe for a campus bar. Proper relaxed and fun! 😅
By user336742 (KCL) on Apr 10th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Went there for pre-drinks, chill tunes and cheap pints.
By user699908 (KCL) on Apr 5th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Chilled spot for a pint and nachos with mates.
By user706561 (KCL) on Apr 2nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Being on campus makes it effortlessly accessible compared to other student hangouts.
By user639195 (KCL) on Mar 30th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Worth the wait when the crowd's just right. 🎶
By user462487 (KCL) on Mar 30th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Became a favourite hangout. Lively but easy-going, and staff remember me.
By user547952 (KCL) on Mar 25th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Catchy tunes and a lively vibe. check it out! 😅
By user289816 (KCL) on Mar 20th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Cheap drinks, decent space for pre-drinks. Music can be loud tho.
By user923776 (KCL) on Mar 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Expected a quiet night, ended up seeing loads of coursemates. Proper fun.
By user124720 (KCL) on Mar 9th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Lanyards on the bar make it feel like home. 😂 Class vibes.
By user521183 (KCL) on Mar 8th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Thursdays at The Shack are legendary for pre-drinks. Affordable pints!
By user684155 (KCL) on Mar 7th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Student bartenders keep it chill and friendly.
By user865029 (KCL) on Mar 6th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Chill place, but you might need to lean in to chat.
By user752121 (KCL) on Mar 5th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Lively vibe with a community feel. Might become a regular spot.
By user795659 (KCL) on Mar 4th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Random debates at the bar turn into hilarious nights.
By user886930 (KCL) on Feb 26th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Friendly crowd and chill vibe for a relaxed evening.
By user393735 (KCL) on Feb 25th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Super laid-back spot, cheap prices too. Great for new students. 😊
By user212422 (KCL) on Feb 24th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Feels like a local spot for King's students. Always fun catching up. 😊
By user738926 (KCL) on Feb 22nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Great place to chill with mates before a night out.
By user610596 (KCL) on Feb 20th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Relaxed spot to unwind after King's College classes. Cheap prices!
By user516888 (KCL) on Feb 19th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Chill early, turns lively after 9pm. Perfect pre-drinks spot.
By user541571 (KCL) on Feb 18th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Unexpected chill vibe amidst campus hustle. Perfect for laid-back pints.
By user324778 (KCL) on Feb 17th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Chilled afternoon hangout. Love the affordable pints! ⭐️
By user921382 (KCL) on Feb 16th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Nights here are so much more enjoyable because of the super chill and approachable staff.
By user150225 (KCL) on Feb 15th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Great tunes and budget-friendly drinks. Told my mate to come! 😄
By user599337 (KCL) on Feb 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Easy to grab a quick drink here after training.
By user799998 (KCL) on Feb 13th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Feels like a mate's house party. Staff are a good laugh!
By user172953 (KCL) on Feb 9th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Forgot how much I missed these nights with mates.
By user751247 (KCL) on Feb 2nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Felt right at home on my first visit.
By user429919 (KCL) on Jan 27th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Chilled atmosphere, even though it's on campus. Love it!
By user951171 (KCL) on Jan 22nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
More relaxed than other bars. Can actually chat here!
By user504754 (KCL) on Jan 19th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Great place for pre-drinks with mates. Chill atmosphere.
By user495837 (KCL) on Jan 15th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Perfect spot for pre-drinks with affordable pints.
By user527250 (KCL) on Jan 11th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Perfect midweek chill spot after class. Love it.
By user999404 (KCL) on Jan 8th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Buzzing atmosphere with music at the right volume. Fun times without overspending.
By user171417 (KCL) on Jan 3rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music's a bit repetitive, but the atmosphere saves it.
By user458374 (KCL) on Dec 31st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music really sets the mood while the staff make ordering drinks a breeze.
By user284101 (KCL) on Dec 26th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Feels like a living room for students. Always see mates popping in.
By user812574 (KCL) on Dec 21st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Bartenders remember your order after a couple visits. Nice touch.
By user355417 (KCL) on Dec 17th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music's ace, but the chairs? Bit wobbly. Lean carefully!
By user693868 (KCL) on Dec 13th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music's a bit loud early on, but vibe's worth it.
By user239594 (KCL) on Dec 6th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always a laugh here with mates, budget-friendly and banging tunes.
By user636227 (KCL) on Dec 2nd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Great for pre-drinks before a big night. Affordable pints!
By user969117 (KCL) on Nov 28th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Lively tunes, but easy to chat and unwind.
By user945101 (KCL) on Nov 24th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always packed after lectures; getting a seat is tough!
By user752144 (KCL) on Nov 18th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Ideal place for a cheeky pre-drink. Affordable pints!
By user395235 (KCL) on Nov 11th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Cheap pints and great company. Perfect pre-party spot.
By user764780 (KCL) on Nov 4th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Great spot for a casual pint and tasty chips.
By user261736 (KCL) on Oct 29th 2025