The Hercules Pillars , London – 49 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Hercules Pillars     — student bar photo
The Hercules Pillars     — student bar photo

The Hercules Pillars -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 49 user ratings

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

💬 What Students Say

The Hercules Pillars is a vibrant student pub located in Holborn, just a stone's throw from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Known for its affordable drinks and lively atmosphere, this venue has become a popular spot for students looking to unwind after a long day of lectures or to kick off a night out with friends. The pub strikes a balance between a relaxed hangout and a lively social scene, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a good mix of chill vibes and energetic company.

As you step into The Hercules Pillars, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. Many students appreciate the friendly staff who create a welcoming environment, ensuring that everyone feels at home. The interior is designed to foster conversation and camaraderie, making it a great place to catch up with friends over a pint. The crowd is often described as laid-back and friendly, which adds to the overall enjoyable experience of the pub. This welcoming vibe is a significant draw for students who want to enjoy a night out without feeling pressured or rushed.

One of the key highlights of The Hercules Pillars is its drink offerings. Students frequently mention that the drinks are reasonably priced, with many finding the pricing fair for the quality and selection available. The pub often has deals that make it easier on the wallet, allowing students to enjoy a few rounds without breaking the bank. This aspect is particularly appreciated during busy nights when the atmosphere is lively, and the energy is high. The combination of decent drinks and a vibrant crowd contributes to an enjoyable night out.

The music at The Hercules Pillars also plays a significant role in creating the right atmosphere. While the quality of music can vary from night to night, many students enjoy the tunes played by the DJ, which often keeps the vibe alive and encourages a lively atmosphere. This dynamic is particularly appealing for those looking to unwind and enjoy a fun night with friends. The pub's music selection has been noted to enhance the overall experience, making it a go-to destination for students who appreciate a good soundtrack to their socializing.

When it comes to the crowd, The Hercules Pillars tends to attract a good mix of people. Students mention that the crowd is typically chill, with a blend of familiar faces and new acquaintances, creating an environment that's both welcoming and social. The venue is often described as not too cramped, allowing for a comfortable experience even when it gets busy. This balance of energy and space is one of the standout features that students appreciate, as it fosters interaction and connection.

However, it's worth noting that The Hercules Pillars can get quite busy, particularly during peak hours. Some reviews indicate that queues can become a bit long at times, which might deter those looking for a quick entry. Despite this, many students feel that the wait is worth it once inside, thanks to the lively atmosphere and friendly service. For those who prefer a quieter experience, visiting during off-peak hours might be a better option.

In terms of who this venue suits best, The Hercules Pillars is ideal for students looking for a relaxed yet social night out. Whether you're after a low-key evening catching up with friends over drinks or a more vibrant night filled with laughter and good music, this pub caters to both moods. It's a place where you can enjoy the company of others without the pressure of a more chaotic nightlife scene.

In summary, The Hercules Pillars is a solid choice for students seeking a fun and affordable night out. With its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and a good selection of drinks, it has all the elements for a great evening with friends. While it can get busy and queues may form, the overall experience tends to outweigh these minor inconveniences. The pub's ability to blend a relaxed vibe with lively energy makes it a standout venue for students in the area. If you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a good time, The Hercules Pillars is definitely worth a visit.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Friendly and welcoming staff create a warm atmosphere.
  • Affordable drinks with regular deals that appeal to students.
  • Lively music that enhances the social experience.
  • A good mix of laid-back and energetic crowd.
  • Comfortable space that allows for conversation and connection.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Queues can get long during peak hours.
  • The music quality can vary from night to night.
  • Not the most vibrant venue compared to others in the area.
  • Can get packed at times, affecting comfort.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed yet social night out with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience.
  • Check for drink deals to save money on your night out.
  • Arrive early on busy nights to avoid long queues.
  • The atmosphere can vary significantly depending on the night.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Hercules Pillars like?

It's a lively student pub with a welcoming atmosphere, affordable drinks, and a good mix of music.

Is it good value?

Yes, many students find the drinks reasonably priced and appreciate the regular deals.

When do students go to The Hercules Pillars?

Students often visit in the evenings, especially on weekends, but it can also be a good spot for midweek outings.

What is the crowd like?

The crowd is generally laid-back and friendly, making it a great place to socialize.

Can it get busy?

Yes, it can get quite busy on weekends and during peak hours, so arriving early is advisable.

The Hercules Pillars     — student bar photo
The Hercules Pillars     — student bar photo
Reviews
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Staff here really know how to create a relaxed environment that feels welcoming without being intrusive. Unlike many places that can come off as pretentious, this spot has a genuine friendliness that makes you feel at ease as soon as you walk in. It’s refreshing to find a place where the service feels authentic and not just a checklist of duties.
By user825819 (LSE) on Jul 18th 2026
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Walking in, the atmosphere grabs you right away, filled with a mixture of laughter and music. It feels like everyone is here to unwind and enjoy themselves, which creates a welcoming environment that’s hard to resist. Staff are attentive without being overwhelming, making it feel like a place where you can kick back and lose track of time.
By user123696 (LSE) on Jul 13th 2026
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Great for those looking to kick back and enjoy a casual night without any pretense. if you're the type who loves to chat over a pint and doesn't mind a bit of noise, this place fits the bill. i found the mix of locals and students makes it feel lively, perfect for unwinding after classes.
By user450156 (LSE) on Jul 8th 2026
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Atmosphere is what keeps me coming back here. The mix of upbeat music and the crowd's energy really draws you in, making it hard to leave once you're inside. It’s that feeling of being part of something alive and fun that you just can’t replicate anywhere else.
By user159088 (LSE) on Jul 2nd 2026
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Brightly lit and packed with quirky decor, the Hercules Pillars has a lively atmosphere that fosters spontaneous conversations with strangers and new friends alike.
By user203765 (LSE) on Jun 27th 2026
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Found this place holds its charm well after multiple visits; the atmosphere stays lively even on quieter nights. it’s nice seeing familiar faces and knowing the staff remember you, which makes coming back feel a bit like home.
By user565617 (LSE) on Jun 22nd 2026
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Walking into this place, it felt more alive than I expected. the energy from the crowd combined with the music created an atmosphere that was hard to resist. while I was curious about the local nightlife, this exceeded what I thought I would find here .
By user379083 (LSE) on Jun 16th 2026
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Students who enjoy a laid-back night out will find this place suits them well. It attracts a crowd that appreciates a relaxed atmosphere where conversations flow easily without the music drowning everything out. The prices for drinks are manageable, allowing for a fun evening without worrying too much about spending too much.
By user566131 (LSE) on Jun 11th 2026
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Walking in, the music was just at the right volume to chat with friends without shouting. little things like that made the experience feel relaxed and enjoyable, allowing everyone to unwind and really connect.
By user579316 (LSE) on Jun 5th 2026
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Crowd was surprisingly diverse, which made for some interesting conversations. however, the drinks were more expensive than what I had anticipated for a place like this.
By user857416 (LSE) on May 29th 2026
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If you’re someone who loves a lively atmosphere and enjoys a good beat, this place suits you well. Early in the evening, it’s a nice spot to unwind before heading out for more crowded areas. If you need a place to chat or relax with friends, just be aware that it can get quite busy as the night goes on.
By user696664 (LSE) on May 24th 2026
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Arriving at the hercules pillars, I expected just another typical bar experience, but the energy completely caught me off guard. the mix of crowd and music created an atmosphere that felt alive in a way I didn't anticipate. it was refreshing to see a place where cleanliness didn't take a backseat, enhancing the whole vibe of the night.
By user569079 (LSE) on May 19th 2026
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Staff here are pretty laid-back, which makes it a relaxed environment. they seem to enjoy their work and it shows in how they treat customers.
By user822820 (LSE) on May 12th 2026
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Walking in and feeling the beat resonate through my body was unforgettable, something I hadn't experienced back home. The mix of people dancing and chatting created this lively energy that made me feel both excited and a bit out of place, but in a good way. When the lights flashed and everyone cheered, it was like I finally found a slice of city life that I’d been craving.
By user614650 (LSE) on May 6th 2026
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Music here can really make or break the experience; if the DJ nails it, you’ll be dancing all night. Nothing like being surrounded by a lively crowd, feeling the energy rise with each track as the drinks keep flowing .
By user917448 (LSE) on Apr 30th 2026
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Didn't expect it to be so much busier on a weekday than a weekend, which was surprising at first. guess a lot of students like to pop in after class more than you'd think, giving it a really fun energy even on a school night. not something you'd see back home, but it's kind of refreshing honestly.
By user608089 (LSE) on Apr 23rd 2026
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Stepping inside, you instantly feel the lively buzz and forget about the stacks of textbooks; it just vibes with cheerful energy.
By user556314 (LSE) on Apr 18th 2026
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Stumbled in expecting the usual cramped student bar, but was surprised by how spacious and open it felt.
By user961401 (LSE) on Apr 13th 2026
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Noticed that despite being crowded, they've got loads of spots to sit and chat without feeling squished. it's a chilled space to hang out with mates.
By user327065 (LSE) on Apr 11th 2026
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Grab a drink here after training; affordable and lively vibe keeps spirits high 🌟.
By user108334 (LSE) on Apr 10th 2026
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Remembering the night when the queues barely moved, but we ended up laughing at the bar with strangers while waiting for our pints made it memorable in a laid-back way.
By user328895 (LSE) on Apr 3rd 2026
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Stepping into the hercules pillars, i felt an immediate sense of energy and warmth.
By user424036 (LSE) on Apr 1st 2026
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Stumbled into the hercules pillars on a thursday after lectures, and it was buzzing with energy. people were gathered around tables, laughing, and enjoying themselves like they hadn't a care in the world, which was contagious. someone started a group singalong to a song I actually liked, and for a moment I forgot all the upcoming exams.
By user244186 (LSE) on Mar 26th 2026
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Would definitely go back because the energy here is just infectious.
By user267089 (LSE) on Mar 23rd 2026
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Was shocked at how spacious it felt despite being right in the heart of Holborn. the mix of students and locals really gives it a buzzing yet relaxed vibe, perfect for a midweek catch-up.
By user922617 (LSE) on Mar 18th 2026
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Always feel more comfortable here than in other places around Holborn, cause staff actually pay attention and the crowd's got that chilled-out student vibe without trying too hard
By user646638 (LSE) on Mar 14th 2026
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Noticed a mix of students and after-work professionals chatting over drinks. some evenings the crowd can be a bit loud and jovial, with lots of laughter and conversations blending into a lively buzz 😮. other nights, it feels a bit more laid-back, but always someone around for a quick chat if you're up for it.
By user649976 (LSE) on Mar 2nd 2026
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Chatted with a group of fellow students over pints and soon found myself participating in one of those spontaneous pub quizzes they throw. felt like a scene from one of those British films, everyone in high spirits and laughing loudly 😊 it's the kind of night that makes you appreciate the camaraderie of new friends in a new city.
By user994406 (LSE) on Feb 9th 2026
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Did not expect the music to be so on point for a student pub. it kept the energy up and had everyone going, which totally made my night feel more festive than i expected it would be in a regular pub setting.
By user832559 (LSE) on Feb 2nd 2026
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Walking in, i didn't expect to find such a mix of students and locals having a laugh together. it was surprising how easy it was to feel at home, despite being my first visit 😮. definitely a spot where strangers quickly become mates over a pint.
By user919682 (LSE) on Jan 27th 2026
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Didn't expect to find such a welcoming spot right in Holborn. i walked in thinking i'd just have a quick drink but ended up chatting with a bunch of strangers who felt like old friends.
By user568086 (LSE) on Jan 23rd 2026
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Weekends at the hercules pillars mean bumping into fellow students and having a laugh. even though it's always busy, you'll never find yourself squished , there's room to just relax. makes it a solid hangout spot in holborn for those nights when crowds shouldn't be a hassle.
By user498261 (LSE) on Jan 19th 2026
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Stepping into the hercules pillars felt like joining a big group hangout you didn't even know was happening. the chatter and clinking glasses immediately made it feel welcoming, almost as if everyone was just there to wind down from uni stress together.
By user882776 (LSE) on Jan 15th 2026
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Definitely plan on going back to the hercules pillars. it's got this unpretentious vibe that just clicks with me and my mates. plus, the drinks are priced decently, so my wallet doesn't take too much of a hit.
By user267571 (LSE) on Jan 11th 2026
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Noticed how the sunlight streams through the big windows, adding a warm touch to your pint.
By user944557 (LSE) on Jan 8th 2026
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Laughed way too hard at some joke the bartender made, definitely made my evening memorable 😅
By user257381 (LSE) on Jan 3rd 2026
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Tried a few pubs around Holborn and this one stands out for its prices. feels like they actually understand student budgets, unlike many places in london. also, people seem more relaxed here, making it a nice break from the usual hustle.
By user631790 (LSE) on Dec 31st 2025
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Service could be quicker during peak times as waiting at the bar for ages does get a bit annoying.
By user945878 (LSE) on Dec 26th 2025
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Shared a laugh with a fellow student over a game of darts at the hercules pillars and it was the perfect icebreaker. that spontaneous moment turned into a group hangout that i think i'll remember whenever i pass by.
By user470009 (LSE) on Dec 22nd 2025
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Always packed with students, the vibe here feels like a mini student union where everyone comes to relax and chat.
By user310252 (LSE) on Dec 18th 2025
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Walking in felt like entering a friend's lively flat party; bustling chatter, laughter, and the clinking of glasses immediately lifting my mood.
By user612749 (LSE) on Dec 13th 2025
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Met up with some course mates at the Hercules Pillars and it was ace. the place was packed with students but we still found a corner to chill. definitely a fun spot to catch up after finishing a shift.
By user894458 (LSE) on Dec 9th 2025
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Wandered in on a rainy afternoon and ended up staying way longer than planned. somehow, the mismatched chatter and clinking glasses just felt right that day. it's like everyone found common ground in just being there, and you can't help but feel part of it.
By user566961 (LSE) on Dec 3rd 2025
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Never thought i'd enjoy a pub with shared tables, but it actually made the night. met some interesting folks from all over, and it kinda felt like a mini melting pot of students. it was buzzing but still felt laidback enough to chat without shouting over music.
By user480846 (LSE) on Nov 28th 2025
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Always a buzzing energy here with loads of students around which makes it feel alive and welcoming.
By user285357 (LSE) on Nov 24th 2025
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Didn't expect to find such affordable drinks in the heart of Holborn. spent hours chatting with mates and watching everything unfold around us.
By user720535 (LSE) on Nov 18th 2025
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People watching here is a treat. it's like a microcosm of student life with everyone chatting, laughing, and decompressing. i even spotted some spontaneous debates breaking out over drinks which was both entertaining and kind of inspiring to witness 📚.
By user875656 (LSE) on Nov 11th 2025
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Bumping into a bunch of students who you vaguely recognize from campus at the hercules pillars is a bit of a rite of passage. everyone’s in good spirits, sharing a laugh over reasonably priced drinks. you just sort of melt into the evening, where even strangers sound like old mates.
By user996155 (LSE) on Nov 4th 2025
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Walking into The Hercules Pillars felt like stumbling into a bustling community hub, like something out of a student scene in a movie. the cheerful chatter and mix of old-school charm with young energy instantly put me at ease. it's somewhere you can show up solo and feel like you're just part of the crowd.
By user488588 (LSE) on Oct 30th 2025