Malt Shovel Shardlow, Loughborough – 31 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Malt Shovel Shardlow -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 31 user ratings

49 The Wharf, Shardlow DE72 2HG England

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

💬 What Students Say

Malt Shovel Shardlow is a vibrant and welcoming venue located in the charming village of Shardlow, just a short distance from Loughborough University. Known for its buzzing atmosphere, this place is a popular choice among students looking for a fun night out. The venue has a laid-back vibe that encourages mingling and socializing, making it an ideal spot to kick back with friends or meet new people. The energy here is infectious, especially on student nights when the DJ knows how to get everyone moving and grooving. Students frequently mention that the atmosphere is lively and engaging, with many noting that they never feel bored during their visits. The combination of good music, friendly faces, and a relaxed environment creates a perfect backdrop for memorable nights out.

When it comes to music, Malt Shovel Shardlow does not disappoint. The venue is highly rated for its music selection, with many students praising the DJ's ability to keep the energy up throughout the night. The sound system is noted to be impressive, allowing the beats to resonate and really get the crowd going. Whether you're looking to dance or just enjoy the tunes with friends, the music at Malt Shovel adds to the overall experience. The venue also hosts themed nights, which can provide a unique twist to your usual night out, making it a great option for those looking to try something different.

In terms of drinks, students have shared that while Malt Shovel may not be the cheapest venue around, the drink deals are still solid and contribute to a good value experience. Many students appreciate that the crowd is there to have a good time, which makes the pricing feel more justified. This is particularly important for students who are often on a budget but still want to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The venue also offers a selection of locally-sourced dishes and a variety of ales and spirits, adding to the overall dining experience. This makes it a great place to grab a bite before hitting the dance floor.

The queue and entry experience at Malt Shovel is generally positive, with a high rating for how quickly patrons can get in. Students have noted that the atmosphere inside is worth the wait, and many have expressed that the venue feels welcoming as soon as you step through the door. The friendly vibe continues from the entrance to the dance floor, where everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. This is a significant strength of the venue, as it contributes to the overall enjoyment of the night.

As for who this venue suits best, it’s clear that Malt Shovel is ideal for students looking for a laid-back yet lively place to unwind after a long week of studying. The venue attracts a diverse crowd, making it easy to strike up conversations and meet new friends. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or simply relax with your mates, Malt Shovel has something for everyone. Students often describe it as one of the highlights of their social life, highlighting its importance in the student community.

However, it's essential to consider some potential drawbacks. While many students enjoy the atmosphere, some have pointed out that it can get quite packed, especially on busy nights. This may not be ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment or who are looking for a more intimate experience. Additionally, while the drinks are generally well-received, a few students feel that the prices can be on the higher side compared to other local venues. It's also worth mentioning that while the vibe is mostly positive, some students have noted that it’s not the fanciest spot around, which may deter those looking for a more upscale night out.

In summary, Malt Shovel Shardlow is a fantastic venue for students seeking a fun and relaxed night out. With its great music, friendly atmosphere, and solid drink options, it stands out as a go-to place for many. Just be prepared for a lively crowd, and you’re sure to have a memorable experience.

If you’re planning a visit to Malt Shovel, here are a few practical tips to enhance your experience. Firstly, dress comfortably as the vibe is laid-back, and you’ll want to be able to move freely on the dance floor. Secondly, try to arrive early on busier nights to avoid long queues, especially if you want to secure a good spot. Also, keep an eye out for any themed nights or special events that might be happening, as these can add an extra layer of fun to your night. Lastly, while the drink prices are reasonable for the experience, it’s always a good idea to set a budget before heading out to ensure you can enjoy the night without any stress. Overall, Malt Shovel Shardlow is a venue that brings together good music, a lively crowd, and a friendly atmosphere, making it a must-visit for students in the area.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively atmosphere perfect for socializing and meeting new people.
  • Highly rated music and DJ, keeping the energy up throughout the night.
  • Solid drink deals that provide good value for students.
  • Quick entry and minimal queue times, making it easy to get in and enjoy the night.
  • Friendly crowd that contributes to a welcoming environment.
  • Themed nights add variety to the usual experience.
  • Good mix of people, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get quite packed on busy nights, which may not suit everyone.
  • Some students feel drink prices are higher compared to other local venues.
  • Not the fanciest spot, which might deter those looking for an upscale experience.
  • Occasional noise levels can be high, making conversation difficult.
  • Some reviews mention it may not be the best fit for those seeking a quieter night out.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun and vibrant place to enjoy a night out with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress comfortably for a laid-back vibe and dancing.
  • Arrive early on busy nights to avoid long queues.
  • Check for themed nights or special events for an enhanced experience.
  • Set a budget for drinks to enjoy the night stress-free.
  • Expect a lively crowd, especially on student nights.

❓ Common Questions

What is Malt Shovel Shardlow like?

It's a vibrant venue with a buzzing atmosphere, great music, and a friendly crowd, making it perfect for students.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally quick, with many students noting that entry is smooth and efficient.

Is it good value?

While not the cheapest, the drink deals and lively atmosphere provide good value for students.

What music does Malt Shovel play?

The venue features a mix of upbeat music, often played by a talented DJ who keeps the energy high.

Are there any themed nights?

Yes, Malt Shovel hosts themed nights that add a unique twist to the usual experience.

Reviews
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The atmosphere at Malt Shovel is always buzzing, especially on a student night where the DJ really knows how to get everyone moving. The drink deals are solid too, which makes it a great spot to kickstart a night out without breaking the bank.
By user589259 on Mar 26th 2026
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Every visit is a bit of a highlight in the week, it's just a good place to hang out with mates
By user912282 on Mar 21st 2026
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Everyone's really chill and ready to have a good time, makes it easy to mingle.
By user857699 on Mar 14th 2026
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Music's good and the crowd’s pretty cool at malt shovel shardlow. that’s what keeps me coming back.
By user465798 on Mar 10th 2026
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Things were always lively and there was something happening. never felt bored when I was there
By user216784 on Feb 28th 2026
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Had a chill atmosphere for hanging out with friends. by the end of it, it felt like the go-to place.
By user625149 on Feb 11th 2026
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The place just has that student buzz about it. ⚡️
By user478746 on Feb 4th 2026
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Not the cheapest place but everyone was there to have a good time, which made it worth it. it’s all about the atmosphere, not just the drinks.
By user905577 on Jan 28th 2026
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Good mix of people and the music was top quality.
By user946673 on Jan 22nd 2026
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People were cool and the atmosphere was lively. met some fun mates while out.
By user501363 on Jan 16th 2026
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Not perfect but i’d go back. has a nice energy and feels pretty laid back.
By user914110 on Jan 12th 2026
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Meeting new people is the best part. it's just so easy to strike up a convo with someone.
By user519225 on Jan 7th 2026
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Friday nights here can be just what you need to kick back or a bit too packed depending on the crowd
By user959987 on Jan 2nd 2026
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Nights out here are never boring. there's always something going on which keeps it interesting.
By user711074 on Dec 28th 2025
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Had a good time every time I've been out here. it's just an easy place to enjoy the night with mates.
By user703814 on Dec 22nd 2025
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People here are really friendly, makes it easy to relax and enjoy. just a chill atmosphere to hang out in.
By user624007 on Dec 17th 2025
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Sound system was pretty good — you could really feel it in your bones.
By user278193 on Dec 11th 2025
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Everyone feels like mates, makes it easy to relax and enjoy the night.
By user847576 on Dec 4th 2025
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Good value drinks and a lively crowd, perfect for students.
By user646523 on Nov 29th 2025
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Not the fanciest spot but it works for a night out. good tunes and a decent atmosphere, so yeah, will be back.
By user398685 on Nov 23rd 2025
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Music, drinks, and people all spot on.
By user347269 on Nov 15th 2025
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Crowd's a nice mix and everyone just seems to be enjoying themselves, no one's trying too hard.
By user598746 on Nov 7th 2025
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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user395065 on Oct 28th 2025
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Good value drinks and a lively crowd, perfect for students.
By user939898 on Oct 25th 2025
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The atmosphere was lively and made it easy to get into the night. little things like that really add to the experience.
By user912696 on Oct 22nd 2025
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Good place to dance and just hang with friends, no one's stressing about anything.
By user940303 on Oct 18th 2025
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Couldn’t stop laughing all night – pure fun from start to finish!
By user930566 on Oct 15th 2025
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Malt shovel has a good energy. the music’s always pumping and the crowd feels like it's made for students.
By user463414 on Oct 12th 2025
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The DJ was sick and kept the energy up all night. made the whole experience way better.
By user934798 on Oct 7th 2025
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One of the highlights of student life – great place to go.
By user219367 on Oct 1st 2025
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Great night out, music was spot on and the vibe was brilliant.
By user427188 on Sep 26th 2025
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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By user563608 on Sep 20th 2025