The Old Red Lion, London – 31 Verified Student Reviews 🍻
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The Old Red Lion -
The Old Red Lion -
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Based on 31 user ratings
72 High Holborn King's Cross, Moorgate WC1V 6LS
🕐 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: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: Closed
💬 What Students Say
The Old Red Lion, situated in the heart of Holborn, is a student-friendly venue that offers a more laid-back alternative to some of the more hyped spots in London. Unlike its more touristy counterparts, this pub provides an inviting atmosphere where students can unwind, socialize, and enjoy a good night out without the overwhelming crowds. With a solid reputation among local students from the London School of Economics and Political Science, the Old Red Lion is known for its charm and character. The venue's ambiance is frequently described as warm and friendly, making it a great spot for those looking to enjoy a low-key night out with friends.
One of the standout features of the Old Red Lion is its lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Many students appreciate the vibe, which strikes a balance between being energetic and not too overwhelming. Reviewers often mention the buzz in the air, which makes it easy to get caught up in the fun of the night. The music selection plays a significant role in maintaining this energy, with many noting that the tunes are consistently good, keeping the crowd dancing and enjoying themselves throughout the evening. This combination of a great atmosphere and lively music makes it a popular choice for students looking to kick off their weekends.
When it comes to drinks, students consistently rave about the reasonable prices at the Old Red Lion. The venue is known for offering good value, which is a crucial factor for students on a budget. Reviewers have highlighted that the drink prices are competitive, making it a perfect spot for pre-drinks or a night out without breaking the bank. This affordability, coupled with the friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming environment, ensures that patrons have a good time without worrying too much about their wallets.
The queue and entry experience at the Old Red Lion also receive positive feedback. Many students report that the wait times are manageable, allowing for a smooth entry into the venue. The efficient operation means that you can get in and start enjoying your night without unnecessary delays. This aspect is particularly appreciated by those who want to maximize their time spent socializing and having fun.
Students often share that their nights at the Old Red Lion are filled with memorable experiences. The venue seems to foster a sense of community, where everyone is there to have a good time. Many reviews express feelings of belonging, with patrons noting that they often meet new people and make connections easily. This welcoming atmosphere is a significant draw for students, making it feel like a second home for many who frequent the pub. It's a place where laughter and good vibes are abundant, creating an enjoyable experience for all.
While the Old Red Lion is highly rated for its strengths, it's essential to consider some of the caveats mentioned by students. Some reviews indicate that it may not be the most glamorous venue, which could deter those seeking a more upscale experience. However, for many, this is part of its charm, as the focus is more on fun and relaxation than on flashy decor. Additionally, while the atmosphere is generally lively, some nights can be quieter than others, depending on the crowd and the day of the week. Students looking for a consistently high-energy experience might find that some evenings are more subdued.
Overall, the Old Red Lion is best suited for students looking for a friendly, affordable, and enjoyable night out. Whether you're in the mood for dancing or just hanging out with friends, this venue offers a reliable option that won't disappoint. The combination of great music, an inviting atmosphere, and reasonable drink prices makes it a go-to spot for many students in the area. It's a place where you can feel comfortable and have fun, making it a staple in the student nightlife scene.
In summary, the Old Red Lion stands out for its welcoming vibe, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere, making it a top choice for students at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Whether you're looking to kick off your weekend or just unwind after a long week, this venue is sure to deliver a memorable experience. With a strong community feel and a reputation for good times, the Old Red Lion is definitely worth checking out for any student looking for a great night out in Holborn.
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One of the standout features of the Old Red Lion is its lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Many students appreciate the vibe, which strikes a balance between being energetic and not too overwhelming. Reviewers often mention the buzz in the air, which makes it easy to get caught up in the fun of the night. The music selection plays a significant role in maintaining this energy, with many noting that the tunes are consistently good, keeping the crowd dancing and enjoying themselves throughout the evening. This combination of a great atmosphere and lively music makes it a popular choice for students looking to kick off their weekends.
When it comes to drinks, students consistently rave about the reasonable prices at the Old Red Lion. The venue is known for offering good value, which is a crucial factor for students on a budget. Reviewers have highlighted that the drink prices are competitive, making it a perfect spot for pre-drinks or a night out without breaking the bank. This affordability, coupled with the friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming environment, ensures that patrons have a good time without worrying too much about their wallets.
The queue and entry experience at the Old Red Lion also receive positive feedback. Many students report that the wait times are manageable, allowing for a smooth entry into the venue. The efficient operation means that you can get in and start enjoying your night without unnecessary delays. This aspect is particularly appreciated by those who want to maximize their time spent socializing and having fun.
Students often share that their nights at the Old Red Lion are filled with memorable experiences. The venue seems to foster a sense of community, where everyone is there to have a good time. Many reviews express feelings of belonging, with patrons noting that they often meet new people and make connections easily. This welcoming atmosphere is a significant draw for students, making it feel like a second home for many who frequent the pub. It's a place where laughter and good vibes are abundant, creating an enjoyable experience for all.
While the Old Red Lion is highly rated for its strengths, it's essential to consider some of the caveats mentioned by students. Some reviews indicate that it may not be the most glamorous venue, which could deter those seeking a more upscale experience. However, for many, this is part of its charm, as the focus is more on fun and relaxation than on flashy decor. Additionally, while the atmosphere is generally lively, some nights can be quieter than others, depending on the crowd and the day of the week. Students looking for a consistently high-energy experience might find that some evenings are more subdued.
Overall, the Old Red Lion is best suited for students looking for a friendly, affordable, and enjoyable night out. Whether you're in the mood for dancing or just hanging out with friends, this venue offers a reliable option that won't disappoint. The combination of great music, an inviting atmosphere, and reasonable drink prices makes it a go-to spot for many students in the area. It's a place where you can feel comfortable and have fun, making it a staple in the student nightlife scene.
In summary, the Old Red Lion stands out for its welcoming vibe, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere, making it a top choice for students at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Whether you're looking to kick off your weekend or just unwind after a long week, this venue is sure to deliver a memorable experience. With a strong community feel and a reputation for good times, the Old Red Lion is definitely worth checking out for any student looking for a great night out in Holborn.
✅ What Students Love
- Lively atmosphere that encourages socializing and fun.
- Reasonable drink prices, making it budget-friendly for students.
- Friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming environment.
- Good music selection that keeps the energy up throughout the night.
- Smooth entry experience with manageable queue times.
- Sense of community where students can easily meet new people.
⚠️ Things to Note
- Not the most glamorous venue, which may not suit everyone.
- Some nights can be quieter than others, depending on the crowd.
- May lack the upscale vibe some students are looking for.
- Occasional variability in energy levels on different nights.
🎯 Best For
Students looking for a chill, budget-friendly night out with a friendly vibe.
💡 Things to Know
- Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
- Arrive early to avoid potential queues, especially on weekends.
- Check for any special events or themed nights that may be happening.
- Music style varies but tends to keep the crowd dancing.
- It's a popular spot, so expect a lively atmosphere during peak hours.
❓ Common Questions
What is The Old Red Lion like?
The Old Red Lion offers a laid-back atmosphere with good music and friendly vibes, perfect for students.
How long is the queue?
Queues are generally manageable, allowing for a smooth entry experience.
Is it good value?
Yes, the drink prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly choice.
What music does The Old Red Lion play?
The music selection is lively and varies, keeping the energy up throughout the night.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code is casual, so you can come in comfortable attire.
Reviews
1 of 31
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Great vibe at the old red lion. the drinks are priced well and the music's usually decent. never had to wait long to get in.
By user536485 on Apr 6th 2026
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Queue was decent and the vibe was chill. music was on point, kept everyone moving. drinks were reasonably priced, which is always a bonus. toilets could’ve been cleaner, but it didn't ruin the night.
By user316587 on Apr 5th 2026
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Not the most happening spot but it gets the job done. drinks are cheap and the vibe's decent enough for a night out. queues aren't too bad either, which is a bonus.
By user796958 on Apr 1st 2026
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The old red lion had great music and the drink prices were reasonable. the atmosphere was chill and the staff were friendly.
By user943507 on Mar 30th 2026
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Not the most exciting spot but it’s reliable. good atmosphere, you know what to expect
By user395780 on Mar 25th 2026
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Met a really cool crowd here that made hanging out super easy. always felt like there was something going on
By user506793 on Mar 21st 2026
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It was way more low-key than i thought it’d be, just what we needed.
By user280761 on Mar 17th 2026
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The crowd's all about having a good time, which is what makes it cool.
By user236088 on Mar 12th 2026
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The energy was wild, really kicked off the weekend. ended up dancing way longer than expected
By user822387 on Mar 2nd 2026
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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user156249 on Feb 11th 2026
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Drinks were good and the atmosphere made it easy to hang out. that’s all that matters
By user100640 on Feb 4th 2026
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Music, atmosphere and people all made it a brilliant night.
By user210001 on Jan 29th 2026
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Not the most glamorous spot but it gets the job done. always a good atmosphere and you know what to expect.
By user903943 on Jan 25th 2026
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The atmosphere is always so lively, makes you want to stay for ages ⚡️
By user111116 on Jan 20th 2026
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The atmosphere was lively and the music kept the energy up. little details like that make you want to come back for more
By user481620 on Jan 16th 2026
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Been a few times and the energy's nice without being too loud, which is cool. some nights are just more chill than others, you know?
By user848475 on Jan 13th 2026
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It's a decent spot for students and the prices are pretty reasonable for a night out
By user761433 on Jan 10th 2026
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Had a blast every time, just felt right. by the end, it was like my second home.
By user103036 on Jan 5th 2026
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Better than the usual spots, no drama here. just a chill place to hang out with mates.
By user899942 on Jan 2nd 2026
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Such a good laugh, everyone was just there for a good time!
By user695523 on Dec 28th 2025
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Always left feeling happy after a night there. staff are cool and the atmosphere is nice.
By user225397 on Dec 24th 2025
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The kind of night that just puts you in a great mood.
By user549547 on Dec 19th 2025
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The atmosphere is always buzzing, it makes the nights out way more fun. you just get caught up in it all
By user491088 on Dec 15th 2025
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The atmosphere's what makes it. every night feels special and there's always something going on.
By user664290 on Dec 11th 2025
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Definitely a spot where memories get made. after a while, it felt like part of my routine.
By user246807 on Dec 4th 2025
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Everyone was really open and ready to have a good time. felt like part of the crew all night.
By user536191 on Nov 30th 2025
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Staff are chill and make the place feel more inviting.
By user659326 on Nov 26th 2025
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Music gets everyone on their feet, it's not just about the tunes. you're paying for a night that keeps the energy up.
By user346583 on Nov 21st 2025
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Coming back to the old red lion is something i really look forward to. it’s just one of those places that keeps pulling me in.
By user837142 on Nov 15th 2025
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One of those nights that just gets better every hour!
By user729916 on Nov 9th 2025
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Couldn’t stop laughing all night – pure fun from start to finish!
By user612390 on Nov 1st 2025
Review published! ✓