Old Red Bus, Leeds – 25 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Old Red Bus -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 25 user ratings

104 Vicar Ln, Leeds LS2 7NL, United Kingdom

💬 What Students Say

Old Red Bus, located at 104 Vicar Lane in Leeds, is a unique nightlife venue that has transformed from a former bus station into a lively spot for students. This venue offers a distinct industrial-chic atmosphere that many find appealing, making it a popular choice for those attending the nearby University of Leeds. With a focus on electronic music, Old Red Bus features multiple dancefloors and a vegan restaurant, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. The venue is well-rated across several categories, including cleanliness, music, and value, making it a reliable choice for a night out.

When it comes to atmosphere, students frequently mention the laid-back vibe of Old Red Bus. It’s described as a place where you can always count on a good time, with a crowd that maintains a friendly and inviting energy. Many patrons appreciate that it’s not overly rowdy, allowing for enjoyable conversations while still being lively enough to dance the night away. The friendly staff further enhance this welcoming environment, ensuring that guests feel comfortable and included in the scene. This combination of factors contributes to an overall enjoyable experience that many students find appealing.

The music at Old Red Bus is another highlight, with students noting that the playlist is consistently solid. The venue is known for its electronic music, which resonates well with many attendees, creating an atmosphere that encourages dancing and socializing. Reviewers have remarked on the quality of the music and how it positively impacts their nights out, making it a key component of the venue's appeal. The diverse range of events hosted here means there’s likely something for everyone, whether you're looking for a high-energy night or a more relaxed evening with friends.

In terms of drinks and pricing, Old Red Bus is often praised for its affordability. Many students have expressed satisfaction with the drink deals available, noting that they don't have to worry too much about their budget while enjoying a night out. This is particularly important for students who are often looking for value when it comes to nightlife. The positive feedback regarding drink prices suggests that the venue strikes a good balance between quality and cost, making it an attractive option for those on a student budget.

The queue and entry experience at Old Red Bus is another aspect that students appreciate. Many reviews highlight that the queues are usually manageable, allowing guests to get inside without significant delays. This is particularly beneficial for students who want to maximize their time enjoying the venue rather than waiting outside. The quick-moving queue is often complemented by friendly staff, who contribute to a smooth entry process. This efficiency helps set a positive tone for the night ahead, making it easier for students to dive into the fun as soon as they arrive.

While Old Red Bus has numerous strengths, it’s important to acknowledge some potential downsides as well. Some students have noted that the experience can be hit or miss, with certain nights being more enjoyable than others. This variability means that while many have had fantastic nights at the venue, others might find that their experience doesn’t quite meet expectations. Additionally, because it’s a popular spot, it can sometimes feel a bit crowded, which may not suit everyone’s preferences for a night out.

Overall, Old Red Bus is a great choice for students looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy with friends. The blend of good music, affordable drinks, and a welcoming vibe makes it a standout option in Leeds. It's particularly well-suited for students who appreciate electronic music and a chill environment where they can unwind after a long week of classes. Whether you're a frequent visitor or considering your first trip, Old Red Bus is likely to deliver a good time, making it a staple in the Leeds nightlife scene.

In summary, Old Red Bus is a highly regarded venue among students, and it’s easy to see why. With its unique setting, solid music, and friendly atmosphere, it offers an experience that many find enjoyable. While there are some caveats to consider, such as the potential for variability in experiences and occasional crowding, the positives far outweigh the negatives for most patrons. If you’re in the area and looking for a place to dance, socialize, and have a good time, Old Red Bus is definitely worth checking out.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Laid-back and friendly atmosphere that encourages socializing.
  • Solid music selection, particularly for electronic music fans.
  • Affordable drink prices, making it budget-friendly for students.
  • Quick-moving queues, allowing for a smooth entry experience.
  • Welcoming staff who enhance the overall experience.
  • Diverse range of events that cater to different tastes.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Experience can be hit or miss depending on the night.
  • Can get crowded, which may not appeal to everyone.
  • Some nights may have a less energetic vibe than others.
  • Limited information on specific events or themed nights.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a chill, enjoyable night out with friends in a lively atmosphere.

💡 Things to Know

  • Expect a relaxed dress code; casual attire is usually fine.
  • Arrive early to avoid potential crowds on busy nights.
  • Check for special events or themed nights for a different experience.
  • The venue has a vegan restaurant, perfect for plant-based eaters.

❓ Common Questions

What is Old Red Bus like?

It's a unique venue with a laid-back vibe, great music, and friendly staff, making it a popular choice for students.

How long is the queue?

Queues are generally manageable, allowing for a quick entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, many students find the drink prices affordable and appreciate the good value for a night out.

What music does Old Red Bus play?

The venue primarily features electronic music, which is well-received by attendees.

Reviews
1 of 25
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Good vibe most nights, always some decent tunes playing. drinks are cheap and never had to wait long to get in .
By user463721 on Apr 6th 2026
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The old red bus is the kind of place where you can always count on a good time. the music's solid, and drink deals keep things affordable for students. queues are usually manageable, so you won't waste your night waiting to get in. it's just got that laid-back vibe that makes it easy to keep coming back.
By user443627 on Mar 27th 2026
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Drinks are alright and the crowd has a good buzz going. it’s nice when everyone’s into it but not too rowdy.
By user192480 on Mar 23rd 2026
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Feels like a safe and friendly spot to hang out, which makes the night way more enjoyable.
By user888015 on Mar 18th 2026
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The music hits just right and the staff are always up for a chat which is cool
By user766097 on Mar 16th 2026
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It's just a chill place where everyone's there for a laugh, no one’s trying too hard. just a good atmosphere with no fuss.
By user639528 on Mar 11th 2026
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Not perfect but i’d choose it again. great location and always packed with lively people.
By user127922 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Been a few times and liked it a lot, so planning to go back soon.
By user328905 on Feb 9th 2026
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Always a laid-back atmosphere and the energy is just right. never felt out of place there
By user592139 on Feb 2nd 2026
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Been a few times and it’s hit or miss, but some nights are way better than others. would say check it out if you’re in the area 😄
By user668659 on Jan 27th 2026
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Staff are really friendly which makes the place more enjoyable
By user799590 on Jan 21st 2026
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It's the spot everyone hits up which can be cool or a bit much depending on the night
By user576055 on Jan 16th 2026
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Wholesome enough to keep it relaxed but lively enough to enjoy a night out
By user584096 on Jan 12th 2026
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Went on a whim and ended up having a pretty carefree night. would go back for sure
By user985275 on Jan 7th 2026
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The place has this charm that just doesn't fade, always feels like a good spot to hang out.
By user678331 on Jan 3rd 2026
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Really enjoyed the night – will definitely be going back.
By user924871 on Dec 29th 2025
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It's the kind of place that always delivers when you're out with friends. that's what you want, right?
By user963410 on Dec 23rd 2025
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Place always has a good atmosphere that makes for a fun night out. it just feels right every time you’re there.
By user291232 on Dec 19th 2025
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Music's solid and the crowd's chill. it's a cool spot to hang out with mates.
By user612809 on Dec 13th 2025
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Drinks were better priced than i thought. didn't feel like i had to check my bank account after every round.
By user637536 on Dec 6th 2025
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Good value drinks and a lively crowd, perfect for students.
By user494774 on Dec 1st 2025
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Felt really included in the scene here, which was a nice surprise. made it easier to connect with everyone.
By user766213 on Nov 25th 2025
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The playlist was fire the whole night. little things like that make a big difference when you're out.
By user175209 on Nov 19th 2025
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The nights here are always decent, you can count on it being a good time with friends. that's what you want when you're looking to unwind.
By user771509 on Nov 11th 2025
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Queue moved quick and the staff were cool. felt right at home pretty soon.
By user943492 on Nov 3rd 2025