The Blacksmiths, Loughborough – 47 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Blacksmiths β€” student bar photo

The Blacksmiths -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 47 user ratings

47 Ward's End, Loughborough LE11 3HB, United Kingdom

πŸ’¬ What Students Say

The Blacksmiths, located in the heart of Loughborough, is a historic pub that has become a popular spot for students from Loughborough University looking for a fun night out. With its warm atmosphere and charming character, this venue offers a cozy setting where you can unwind with friends, enjoy good music, and indulge in a wide selection of drinks and hearty meals. The pub is particularly well-rated for its value, making it an attractive option for students who want to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The Blacksmiths has a reputation for being a place where the vibe is just right, with many students praising the friendly and energetic atmosphere that makes every night feel like a mini event.

When you step into The Blacksmiths, you’ll immediately notice the lively energy that fills the space. Students frequently mention how the crowd is friendly and welcoming, creating an environment where everyone can feel at home. The music selection is consistently praised, with many noting that the tunes are always solid, helping to keep the energy high throughout the night. It's common to find students enjoying their time here, whether they're just hanging out or gearing up for a bigger night out. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance; it’s energetic enough to enjoy, yet not overwhelmingly loud, allowing for easy conversation among friends.

In terms of drinks and pricing, The Blacksmiths is highly regarded for offering good value. Students appreciate the reasonable prices on drinks, which allows them to enjoy a few rounds without worrying about their budget. The pub also offers a variety of hearty meals, making it a great place to grab a bite before heading out. Many reviews highlight the quick and friendly service, which adds to the overall positive experience. The staff are noted for being attentive and helpful, ensuring that you won’t have to wait long for your drinks or food.

As for the queue and entry experience, The Blacksmiths does well in this area too. Many students report that the venue is not overly crowded, which helps to keep the queue manageable. The queue rating is quite high, indicating that getting in is generally a smooth process, allowing you to start your night without unnecessary delays. This makes it a convenient spot for pre-drinks before moving on to other venues later in the evening.

The reviews suggest that The Blacksmiths is particularly suited for students who enjoy a chill yet lively night out. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate a friendly atmosphere where they can relax and enjoy themselves without any pressure. Many students mention that it’s a great place for pre-drinks that can easily turn into an entire night out, thanks to the engaging atmosphere and ongoing events. The vibe here is all about having a good time, and it’s clear that the pub attracts a crowd that shares this sentiment.

However, while The Blacksmiths has many strengths, it’s important to consider some of the weaknesses mentioned in the reviews. A few students noted that while the pub is enjoyable, there may be better options available nearby for those seeking a more vibrant nightlife experience. Additionally, some reviews mentioned that the atmosphere can vary depending on the night, with quieter evenings sometimes lacking the energy that makes the pub special. It's also worth noting that while the venue is generally clean and well-maintained, a couple of reviews pointed out minor cleanliness issues that could be improved. Overall, these factors are relatively minor compared to the overall positive experiences shared by many students.

In conclusion, The Blacksmiths is a highly rated venue that offers a unique blend of a friendly atmosphere, good music, and affordable drinks. It’s a place where students can feel comfortable and enjoy their nights out without the stress often associated with busier clubs. If you’re looking for a place to unwind with friends, meet new people, or simply enjoy a good night out, The Blacksmiths is definitely worth checking out. With its charming character and lively vibe, it’s no wonder that this pub has become a go-to spot for students in Loughborough.
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βœ… What Students Love

  • Great atmosphere with friendly and energetic crowd.
  • Highly rated for value, making it budget-friendly for students.
  • Good selection of music that keeps the energy high.
  • Quick and friendly service from the staff.
  • Convenient location for pre-drinks before heading out.
  • Not overly crowded, allowing for easy conversation.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed yet lively atmosphere to enjoy a night out with friends.

πŸ’‘ Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
  • Arriving early can help avoid queues, especially on busy nights.
  • Prices for drinks are student-friendly, so you can enjoy a few rounds.
  • The music style is generally upbeat and popular, perfect for dancing or chilling.
  • Check for any special events or themed nights that may be happening.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Blacksmiths like?

It's a historic pub with a warm atmosphere, known for its friendly crowd and lively nights.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally manageable, with many students noting it's not overly crowded.

Is it good value?

Yes, The Blacksmiths is highly rated for value, making it budget-friendly for students.

What music does The Blacksmiths play?

The music is upbeat and popular, keeping the energy high throughout the night.

What type of crowd can I expect?

You can expect a friendly and energetic crowd, mostly made up of students.

The Blacksmiths β€” student bar photo
Reviews
1 of 47
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No seats inside but great outside place.
By user664573 (Loughborough) on Aug 13th 2026
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really miss this place
By user249036 (Loughborough) on Aug 5th 2026
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loved this place
By user473529 (Loughborough) on Jul 28th 2026
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football crowd in here is always lively
By user245935 (Loughborough) on Jul 23rd 2026
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Friendly staff with a great selection of drinks.
By user551381 (Loughborough) on Jul 17th 2026
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a solid choice, always buzzing.
By user782612 (Loughborough) on Jul 11th 2026
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Great atmosphere. Loved watching the football there.
By user293908 (Loughborough) on Jul 5th 2026
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good food and friendly staff
By user185641 (Loughborough) on Jun 29th 2026
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super drinks and music
By user844952 (Loughborough) on Jun 24th 2026
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football matches on sundays are cool
By user519139 (Loughborough) on Jun 17th 2026
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had a blast watching the match πŸ”₯
By user842120 (Loughborough) on Jun 12th 2026
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great food, nice staff
By user432831 (Loughborough) on Jun 6th 2026
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burgers were worth the trip for sure
By user805614 (Loughborough) on May 27th 2026
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sunday lunch is nice
By user301718 (Loughborough) on May 21st 2026
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chill place all the time
By user577211 (Loughborough) on May 13th 2026
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burgers and hotdogs were very good indeed.
By user694238 (Loughborough) on May 6th 2026
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great time was had
By user650960 (Loughborough) on Apr 29th 2026
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superb atmosphere honestly
By user241898 (Loughborough) on Apr 20th 2026
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Friendly atmosphere with decent food and drinks. A local favourite.
By user924501 (Loughborough) on Apr 14th 2026
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Nice pint and loved the music played.
By user903361 (Loughborough) on Apr 9th 2026
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the real deal, mate
By user336776 (Loughborough) on Apr 5th 2026
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meal was really very tasty.
By user204401 (Loughborough) on Apr 4th 2026
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vibe is nice here
By user771550 (Loughborough) on Mar 27th 2026
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really like the food here.
By user591438 (Loughborough) on Mar 23rd 2026
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check their Sunday lunch hours.
By user482091 (Loughborough) on Mar 18th 2026
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had a great time watching football, cracking atmosphere.
By user908865 (Loughborough) on Mar 16th 2026
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cheap drinks and lovely staff
By user478396 (Loughborough) on Mar 11th 2026
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local pub experience, always worth it.
By user656324 (Loughborough) on Mar 9th 2026
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great food and drinks with very welcoming vibes.
By user739296 (Loughborough) on Feb 27th 2026
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busy but exciting vibe
By user545571 (Loughborough) on Feb 9th 2026
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class drink selection. 🍻
By user838925 (Loughborough) on Feb 2nd 2026
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sitting with friends for burger and hotdog is a treat.
By user175048 (Loughborough) on Jan 26th 2026
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burger there was absolutley superb.
By user956944 (Loughborough) on Jan 20th 2026
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enjoyed watching football with mates and chatting to staff.
By user835073 (Loughborough) on Jan 15th 2026
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proper sound local pub
By user967348 (Loughborough) on Jan 10th 2026
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niiiiice seats by the screen
By user932865 (Loughborough) on Jan 5th 2026
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grab a seat near the screen.
By user755810 (Loughborough) on Jan 1st 2026
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Good local spot.
By user354967 (Loughborough) on Dec 26th 2025
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service was quick and the drinks selection was good.
By user637151 (Loughborough) on Dec 20th 2025
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grab their special, worth it.
By user979250 (Loughborough) on Dec 15th 2025
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tip: show up hungry for big portions
By user274760 (Loughborough) on Dec 9th 2025
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solid place for chill vibes.
By user676280 (Loughborough) on Dec 3rd 2025
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fantastic atmposhere for watching the football with freinds
By user274047 (Loughborough) on Nov 27th 2025
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enjoyed the good old food. πŸ‘Œ
By user865943 (Loughborough) on Nov 21st 2025
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Fantastic location with great food and welcoming atmosphere.
By user572254 (Loughborough) on Nov 13th 2025
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likely be back soon
By user680829 (Loughborough) on Nov 3rd 2025
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By user120960 (Loughborough) on Jul 30th 2024