The Hercules Pillars , London – 29 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Hercules Pillars -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 29 user ratings

18 Great Queen St, 18, Great Queen Street, Holborn, London WC2B 5DG

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM, Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

Nestled in the heart of Holborn, The Hercules Pillars is a highly-rated pub that serves as a fantastic venue for students looking to unwind after a long day of lectures or kick off a night out with friends. With its inviting atmosphere and a solid mix of laid-back vibes and lively energy, this pub has become a go-to spot for students from the London School of Economics and Political Science and beyond. The venue is known for its friendly crowd, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a relaxed night catching up over pints without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The warm and welcoming environment is often highlighted by students, who appreciate the chill vibe that allows for easy conversations and mingling with new friends. The Hercules Pillars has a reputation for being a place where laughter and good times flow freely, making it a popular choice for midweek outings or weekend gatherings.

When it comes to music, The Hercules Pillars does not disappoint. Students frequently mention the solid music selection that keeps the energy up throughout the night. The DJ is known for creating a lively atmosphere that encourages dancing and socializing, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the evening. While some nights may vary in energy, many students have noted that the music is generally well-received and contributes to the fun ambiance. The crowd size is often described as perfect—not too cramped, yet energetic enough to keep things lively. This balance makes it an ideal venue for those looking to enjoy a night out without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds.

In terms of drinks, The Hercules Pillars offers a nice range of options at reasonable prices, which students have found appealing. While it may not be the cheapest night out in London, many patrons feel that the quality and atmosphere justify the cost. The friendly staff enhances the experience, ensuring that everyone feels welcome from the moment they walk in. Students appreciate the attentive service, which adds to the overall positive vibe of the venue.

The entry experience at The Hercules Pillars is generally smooth, with many reviews highlighting the quick queue and friendly door staff. Students have noted that the wait to get in is manageable, making it a convenient option for those looking to start their night without long delays. Once inside, the atmosphere is described as warm and inviting, with a mix of laid-back and party energy that keeps patrons engaged and entertained.

However, it's worth mentioning that The Hercules Pillars can get quite packed during peak times, which may detract from the overall experience for some. While many students enjoy the lively atmosphere, others have noted that it can feel a bit crowded on busier nights. It's advisable to arrive early if you prefer a more relaxed environment. Despite this, the overall sentiment is that the venue remains enjoyable, with many students stating they often end up staying longer than planned due to the engaging atmosphere and good company.

The Hercules Pillars is best suited for students who appreciate a friendly, unpretentious environment where they can enjoy good music and drinks with friends. Whether you’re looking to kick off a night out or simply unwind after classes, this pub offers a solid option for those who value a chill yet lively vibe. The welcoming crowd and engaging atmosphere make it a great place for students to connect and have fun.

In summary, The Hercules Pillars stands out as a well-loved venue among students for its combination of good music, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. While it may not be the cheapest option available, the overall experience and positive vibes make it a worthwhile choice for a night out in London. With its strong ratings for cleanliness, music selection, and queue management, it’s clear why this pub has garnered a loyal following among the student community.

Overall, The Hercules Pillars is a highly recommended venue for students looking to enjoy a fun, relaxed night out in a friendly setting. Whether you're catching up with friends or meeting new people, this pub provides a great backdrop for memorable evenings.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Inviting atmosphere that encourages socializing and mingling.
  • Solid music selection that keeps the energy lively.
  • Friendly and attentive staff enhancing the overall experience.
  • Quick queue and smooth entry process.
  • Good mix of patrons creating a chill yet energetic vibe.
  • Reasonable drink prices considering the quality of the venue.
  • A perfect spot for both relaxed hangouts and lively nights out.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get quite crowded during peak times, affecting the experience.
  • Not the cheapest option for a night out in London.
  • Some variability in energy levels depending on the night.
  • Limited outdoor space for those who prefer smoking areas.
  • May feel overwhelming for those seeking a quieter environment.
  • Occasional wait times can be longer on busier nights.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a friendly pub atmosphere to enjoy good music and drinks with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, making it easy to fit in after classes.
  • Arriving early can help avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience.
  • The venue offers a good range of drinks, so consider exploring the menu.
  • Music style varies, but it's usually upbeat and conducive to dancing.
  • Check for any special events or themed nights that may enhance your experience.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Hercules Pillars like?

It's a lively pub with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for relaxed nights out and socializing.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally quick, especially during off-peak times.

Is it good value?

While not the cheapest, many students find the atmosphere and quality justify the prices.

What music does The Hercules Pillars play?

The music is usually upbeat and well-received, creating a lively atmosphere.

What is the crowd like?

The crowd is friendly and chill, making it a welcoming place for everyone.

Reviews
1 of 29
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Not the most vibrant place around but it gets the job done. drinks are cheap and the music's alright. queues can be a bit much at times though.
By user328895 on Apr 3rd 2026
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The vibe on the dancefloor is always lively with good music and a solid DJ. drinks are reasonably priced, and they often have deals that make it easier on the wallet. queues can get a bit long during peak hours, but door staff are usually friendly and efficient. it stays open late, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the night.
By user424036 on Apr 1st 2026
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It's a solid spot if you're after a relaxed night with friends, perfect for catching up over pints without feeling rushed. The music's generally pretty decent, and the crowd feels welcoming, making it an easy choice for our midweek outings.
By user244186 on Mar 26th 2026
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The type of place that instantly puts you in a good mood.
By user267089 on Mar 23rd 2026
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Perfect crowd size, not too cramped but enough energy to keep it lively.
By user922617 on Mar 18th 2026
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Couldn’t stop laughing all night – pure fun from start to finish!
By user646638 on Mar 14th 2026
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The crowd's chill and everyone just seems to be there to enjoy themselves, never feels forced.
By user649976 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Never fails to deliver – always such a good time.
By user994406 on Feb 9th 2026
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Been a few times and it really depends on the night, some nights everyone just seems to get into it 😅
By user832559 on Feb 2nd 2026
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A lot of people just there to have a good time, which is nice to see. felt really relaxed the whole night.
By user919682 on Jan 27th 2026
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Music's usually solid and the people are chill, but it can get really packed sometimes
By user568086 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Good mix of people and a chill atmosphere made the night way better. ended up chatting with loads of new mates 😊
By user498261 on Jan 19th 2026
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Friendly staff and a nice atmosphere make this place a good choice. it just feels like a better spot to hang out.
By user882776 on Jan 15th 2026
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Place had a good mix of people. it was lively without being too chaotic.
By user267571 on Jan 11th 2026
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Staff were really friendly, which made everything better.
By user944557 on Jan 8th 2026
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Went a few times and it was always a good time. planning to go back soon
By user257381 on Jan 3rd 2026
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Had a nice range of drinks and prices were pretty fair.
By user631790 on Dec 31st 2025
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Door staff were really friendly, felt good from the moment we walked in. made for a nice start to the night
By user945878 on Dec 26th 2025
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Got there and it felt like a good mix of laid-back and party energy. not too crazy, just the right balance.
By user470009 on Dec 22nd 2025
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The atmosphere at the hercules pillars is really warm and welcoming, which makes it a cool place to hang out. that’s what keeps me coming back.
By user310252 on Dec 18th 2025
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Not the cheapest night out, but the DJ knows how to keep the energy up. you're getting more than just a few drinks.
By user612749 on Dec 13th 2025
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Had a proper laugh with mates here. little moments that make the night fun
By user894458 on Dec 9th 2025
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There's a good energy all around, which makes it a cool place to hang out. never had a bad experience there.
By user566961 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Queue wasn’t bad at all, totally worth it once inside.
By user480846 on Nov 28th 2025
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The atmosphere is lively every time, it's a good spot to kick off the night.
By user285357 on Nov 24th 2025
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End up hanging out way longer than I meant to. it just has a way of keeping you there
By user720535 on Nov 18th 2025
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There's always stuff going on but it doesn't feel overcrowded. it's a good mix that keeps things lively.
By user875656 on Nov 11th 2025
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Queue was quick and the staff were cool. just made the night smoother.
By user996155 on Nov 4th 2025
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Perfect spot for pre’s that turn into an actual night out
By user488588 on Oct 30th 2025