The Griffin, Loughborough – 41 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Griffin -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 41 user ratings

Ashby Square, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5AA

💬 What Students Say

The Griffin is a popular pub located in Ashby Square, Loughborough, that has become a go-to venue for students from Loughborough University. With its inviting atmosphere and a reputation for delivering enjoyable nights out, it’s a place where students can unwind, socialize, and enjoy great music. The venue is known for its friendly vibe, making it an ideal spot for those looking to have a fun, relaxed evening with friends. The Griffin is not just a bar; it’s a community hub where students gather to celebrate, chill, and create memories. Many students appreciate the local feel of the pub, which sets it apart from the more commercial chain bars. This authenticity contributes to the overall charm and appeal of The Griffin, making it a beloved choice among the student crowd.

Atmosphere is a key highlight at The Griffin. Many reviews emphasize the inclusive and friendly vibe, where everyone feels welcome. The crowd is described as laid-back, which fosters an enjoyable environment for hanging out with friends. The atmosphere is often described as chill yet lively, striking a balance that allows for both relaxed conversations and energetic moments when the music is pumping. Students frequently mention that the venue feels cozy, which makes it easier to connect with friends and enjoy the night. The ambiance is enhanced by the presence of a good crowd that contributes to the overall energy of the place.

Music is a significant part of the experience at The Griffin. The venue is well-rated for its music selection, with many students noting that the DJ keeps the energy high with a mix of throwback tracks and current hits. The consistent flow of music helps maintain a lively atmosphere, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. Whether students are looking to dance or simply enjoy the tunes while chatting, The Griffin delivers on the music front. The venue often hosts themed student nights, which are particularly popular and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere students have come to love.

When it comes to drinks and pricing, The Griffin is considered a solid choice. Many students appreciate the reasonable prices, which allow them to enjoy a night out without feeling the pinch on their wallets. The drink selection is varied, catering to different tastes and preferences. This affordability, combined with the lively atmosphere, makes The Griffin a favorite among students looking to have a good time without overspending. The pub’s beer garden is an added bonus, providing a lovely outdoor space for those who want to enjoy their drinks in the fresh air.

The queue and entry experience at The Griffin are generally favorable. Students have noted that the queue is manageable, and the staff are efficient in getting people inside. This aspect is crucial, especially on busy nights, as it helps maintain the positive vibe right from the start. The rating for queue management is high, indicating that students can expect a smooth entry process, allowing them to quickly join their friends and enjoy the night.

Review patterns show that students consistently have a good time at The Griffin. Many express their satisfaction with the overall experience, often highlighting that it’s a place they can rely on for a fun night out. The combination of a friendly atmosphere, good music, and reasonable drink prices makes it a reliable option for students. While some reviews mention that the venue can get a bit crowded at times, this is often seen as a minor drawback compared to the overall positive experience. The Griffin has a reputation for being a place where students can feel safe and comfortable, even when it’s packed.

In terms of who this venue suits best, The Griffin is ideal for students who enjoy a social atmosphere where they can hang out with friends, listen to good music, and have a few drinks. It’s perfect for those looking for a balance between a lively night out and a relaxed environment. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to unwind after a long week of classes, The Griffin offers a space that caters to various moods and preferences.

However, there are a few honest assessments of the venue’s weaknesses. While many students love the atmosphere, some reviews suggest that it can become too packed during peak times, which might detract from the experience for those who prefer a more spacious setting. Additionally, while the venue has its charm, it may not have the glamorous appeal of some other nightlife spots in the area, which could be a consideration for students looking for a more upscale experience. Despite this, the reliability and consistent fun that The Griffin offers make it a beloved choice for many.

Overall, The Griffin stands out as a student-friendly venue with a lot to offer. With its inviting atmosphere, great music, reasonable prices, and a welcoming crowd, it’s hard to go wrong with a night out here. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, you’re likely to leave with good memories and a desire to return. The Griffin is more than just a pub; it’s a place where students can come together, enjoy each other’s company, and create lasting memories.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Inviting and friendly atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome.
  • Great music selection that keeps the energy high throughout the night.
  • Reasonable drink prices that cater to student budgets.
  • Efficient queue management for a smooth entry experience.
  • Cozy beer garden for outdoor drinks during nice weather.
  • Consistently positive reviews highlighting reliability for a good night out.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get too crowded during peak times, which may detract from the experience.
  • Not the most glamorous venue compared to other nightlife options.
  • Some students may prefer a quieter atmosphere on certain nights.
  • Limited information on specific events or themed nights.
  • Occasional complaints about noise levels when it’s packed.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun and relaxed night out with friends in a friendly atmosphere.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
  • Try to arrive early on busy nights to avoid long queues.
  • Keep an eye on student nights for special events and deals.
  • Music is typically upbeat, with a mix of throwbacks and current hits.
  • The beer garden is a great spot for sunny days and socializing.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Griffin like?

The Griffin is a vibrant pub with a friendly atmosphere, great music, and a cozy feel, perfect for students looking to unwind.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally manageable, with efficient staff ensuring a smooth entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, students find the drink prices reasonable, making it a budget-friendly choice for a night out.

What music does The Griffin play?

The Griffin features a mix of throwback tracks and current hits, keeping the energy high throughout the night.

Reviews
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Crowd makes or breaks the experience here; a mix of locals and students creates a lively atmosphere that somehow makes you feel right at home, even when you’re far from your own.
By user799191 on May 12th 2026
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Vibes here shift throughout the night, and it's cool to see how the energy transforms. early on, it feels relaxed with people catching up, but as the night goes on, the music kicks in and the place fills with excitement. it's a spot where you can let loose and just enjoy the company around you
By user246418 on May 6th 2026
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Staff attitude really sets the tone here; they seem engaged and genuinely enjoy their work. it makes a difference when you're looking to unwind after classes.
By user632136 on Apr 28th 2026
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Staff at The Griffin are pretty chill and approachable, though sometimes swamped 😅. it’s easy to have a laugh with them when it’s not too busy, which adds to the fun, casual vibe of the whole place.
By user285186 on Apr 20th 2026
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Caught a local band here one night and it was a surprisingly good time, though we did have to wait quite a bit at the bar.
By user947388 on Apr 13th 2026
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Noticed loads of uni students just letting loose and having a good time. everyone's chill, easygoing, and just there to enjoy the music and company.
By user849376 on Apr 10th 2026
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Walking into The Griffin always feels like a reunion of sorts. it's like everyone from uni has found their corner and the air's filled with that buzz of familiarity and low-key excitement. you instantly get this sense that tonight is going to be a proper laugh.
By user800113 on Apr 6th 2026
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Danced my shoes off to some bangers one night when the DJ nailed the playlist. queue was long but met a bunch of chill people.
By user743490 on Apr 3rd 2026
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Music tends to be quite loud here, so it's a bit tough to chat unless you've got a proper corner table.
By user180115 on Mar 26th 2026
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Heard a lot about the lively scene at the griffin, and it totally lived up to the hype. wasn't expecting to hear my favorite tunes being played either, so that was a nice surprise.
By user407372 on Mar 21st 2026
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Catching a live band at The Griffin was a blast. it definitely draws a lively crowd which makes it perfect for meeting new people. even on a quieter night, the energy is there and it's always welcoming.
By user830153 on Mar 13th 2026
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Lots of students letting loose after a week of studying, which made for a lively vibe. everyone seemed like they were just there to have a laugh and enjoy the music, no drama at all.
By user602853 on Mar 4th 2026
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Noticed loads of students at the griffin last time, all looking like they were having a blast. everyone was mingling and the chatter was lively, which definitely added to the night. made it feel like a proper student hangout spot where you could lose the stress for a bit.
By user877765 on Feb 25th 2026
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Had a really chill night at the griffin when a mate's impromptu dance-off broke out. we were all crammed in near the DJ booth, and everyone just joined in with their goofy moves. makes you appreciate how spontaneous and fun nights out can be without spending loads.
By user943740 on Feb 24th 2026
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Noticed how the bartenders remember faces and always greet you with a smile, feels so welcoming. even when it's packed, they somehow manage to keep up and make you feel acknowledged. it's those little things that really make the griffin stand out on a night out.
By user263361 on Feb 22nd 2026
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Remember chatting with a bunch of other students during a live music night , everyone in high spirits and the band played some familiar favourites that had everyone singing along.
By user954263 on Feb 21st 2026
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Usually packed with students in the evenings, the griffin offers a laid-back vibe that's perfect for unwinding after early morning training sessions. being close to campus means i can squeeze in some extra sleep before meeting mates for a pint.
By user185246 on Feb 20th 2026
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Staff at the griffin make you feel like you're part of the gang from the moment you walk in. their laid-back vibe and quick service mean you can just focus on enjoying your night with mates.
By user993392 on Feb 19th 2026
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Staff here are genuinely chatty which makes such a difference. it's easy to feel welcome when the people pulling your pint actually seem interested in how your day's been. this kind of interaction is rare and really adds to the laid-back vibe.
By user777538 on Feb 18th 2026
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Stumbled upon the griffin and was pleasantly surprised by how spacious it is. you'd think with crowds that big it would feel cramped, but there's always room to breathe. music was unexpectedly good too, with a mix of tunes that kept everyone in good spirits.
By user161499 on Feb 17th 2026
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Absolutely would go back to the griffin. it's one of those places that just feels comfortable, like you can chill and chat without feeling like you have to impress anyone.
By user927970 on Feb 16th 2026
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Danced with strangers on a friday night and it felt like everyone was there to celebrate.
By user309695 on Feb 15th 2026
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Caught up with some coursemates at the griffin one night and ended up chatting with the DJ. the mix of classic hits and current tunes really made for a great atmosphere.
By user397180 on Feb 14th 2026
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Folks working at the griffin are always up for a chat and make you feel welcome right away. reckon it's that warmth that makes this spot feel so comfortable whenever you're there.
By user294897 on Feb 13th 2026
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Music at The Griffin is way better than other pubs around. Compared to other places in town, the crowd's just more fun and relaxed which makes a big difference on a night out.
By user424814 on Feb 6th 2026
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Had some expectations of a typical student pub, but the griffin was a pleasant surprise with a vibrant buzz and decent tunes 🎶. thought it'd be too crowded, but it was perfectly lively without being overwhelming.
By user530839 on Jan 29th 2026
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Didn't expect to find such a mixed crowd at the griffin, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. students mingling with locals made the night feel more lively and gave plenty of chances for random conversations over a pint or two.
By user444624 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Usually when my friends and i hit up a pub, it’s either too crowded or oddly quiet, like a library. at The Griffin, it felt like they nailed the balance between lively and chill 😅. i've tried other places around, but here, the atmosphere just felt down to earth and welcoming without being overwhelming.
By user358329 on Jan 18th 2026
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Walked in expecting just another pub, but the vibe here is surprisingly chill yet lively. you'd think everyone knows each other by the way conversations flow so naturally 😊. music's on point too , always sets the mood just right.
By user968054 on Jan 13th 2026
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Usually drop by The Griffin on Friday nights to relax after studio time , it feels like my weekly 🎉.
By user648320 on Jan 9th 2026
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Noticed that the bartenders somehow remember your drink from the last visit, which gives it a friendly touch 😮. kind of makes you feel like you belong, even after only a couple of trips.
By user452503 on Jan 3rd 2026
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Music's usually great but it can get uncomfortably crowded, especially on weekends 😬 which makes it hard to move around.
By user859201 on Dec 29th 2025
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Where the griffin sets itself apart is how genuine everything feels, from the music to the people you meet. there's an energy that's somehow both laid-back and lively, which is not easy to find in other spots around town.
By user972961 on Dec 23rd 2025
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Walking into The Griffin feels like being welcomed into a second home, where worries just slip away. friends are always around, ready for a laugh, and the buzz of chatter immediately gets you into a great mood. it's impossible to leave without a smile after soaking in the lively ambience and familiar faces.
By user494630 on Dec 19th 2025
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Everyone seems to be having a fantastic time, chatting and dancing without a care, which creates such a lively atmosphere.
By user853742 on Dec 13th 2025
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Never thought i’d be so comfortable at a pub packed with students, but the griffin somehow manages to make it feel like everyone's welcome. loved how the music sets a nice background without overpowering the chatter.
By user769561 on Dec 5th 2025
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Staff at the griffin are genuinely some of the friendliest folks around, making you feel welcome right away.
By user935816 on Nov 30th 2025
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Felt a bit overwhelmed the first time, but each visit has grown on me. the crowd is always lively, and it's become one of my favourite spots to unwind with mates
By user518865 on Nov 25th 2025
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Noticed a lot of students hanging out, just like me, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. it felt like a mini campus reunion, with familiar faces around and chilled conversations happening at every corner.
By user232073 on Nov 17th 2025
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Found it surprising that even on busy evenings, there's enough room to breathe and chat without shouting. you can just grab a seat and relax after the queue, making it worth the wait every time.
By user767043 on Nov 9th 2025
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Caught on a friday night when it's packed with students and tunes are blaring, the atmosphere at the griffin is something special. you can't help but feel all your worries disappear as you chat away with mates, making it a proper place to unwind after slogging through problem sheets all week.
By user496622 on Oct 30th 2025