The Five Swans - JD Wetherspoon, Newcastle – 43 Verified Student Reviews 🍻
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The Five Swans - JD Wetherspoon -
The Five Swans - JD Wetherspoon -
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Based on 43 user ratings
14 St Mary's Pl, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7PG, United Kingdom
💬 What Students Say
The Five Swans, a JD Wetherspoon pub located conveniently opposite the Newcastle Civic Centre, is a top choice for students looking for a laid-back night out. With a spacious interior and modern decor, it provides a comfortable setting for socialising with friends or meeting new people. The atmosphere is often described as friendly and relaxed, making it an ideal venue for those who want to enjoy a casual night without the pressure of a more upscale club environment. Many students appreciate that The Five Swans is a place where they can unwind, catch up with mates, and enjoy a good drink without breaking the bank. The pub has also received high ratings for cleanliness, music, and value, which adds to its appeal as a student-friendly venue.
When it comes to the vibe, The Five Swans is known for its buzzing atmosphere. Students frequently mention that the energy is lively yet not overwhelming, striking a perfect balance for those who want to enjoy a night out without it getting too crazy. The music is consistently highlighted as a positive aspect, with many patrons noting that it keeps the vibe going throughout the night. While it’s not a dedicated club, the dance floor is surprisingly decent for a Wetherspoon, allowing for spontaneous dancing if the mood strikes.
Drinks at The Five Swans are one of its standout features. Students rave about the affordability, especially on certain nights like Tuesdays when prices drop even lower. The extensive drink menu includes craft beers and classic pub fare, ensuring there's something for everyone. Many reviews indicate that the pricing is a significant draw, as it allows students to enjoy a night out without worrying about their budget. This affordability is coupled with good quality, making it a solid choice for those looking for value.
In terms of queue and entry experience, students generally report that getting into The Five Swans is a breeze. The venue has a good rating for queue management, with many noting that they have rarely had to wait long to enter, even during busier nights. This aspect is particularly appealing for students who want to avoid the hassle often associated with popular nightlife spots. The spacious layout of the pub also means that it doesn't feel overly crowded, allowing guests to enjoy their time without feeling packed in.
Feedback from students indicates that The Five Swans is a welcoming place where friendly interactions are commonplace. Many patrons mention the positive social atmosphere, which makes it easy to strike up conversations and meet new people. This sense of community is a significant factor in why many students return time and again. The pub's charm lies in its ability to foster a relaxed environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, creating a sense of belonging.
However, it's worth noting that while The Five Swans has many strengths, it also has some caveats. Some students have mentioned that it can get a bit loud at times, which might not suit everyone’s preference for a quieter night out. Additionally, while the drinks are generally affordable, a few reviews suggest that it may not always be the absolute cheapest option in town. This could be a consideration for those who are particularly budget-conscious. Furthermore, while the atmosphere is often praised, it can vary from night to night, meaning that some evenings may not hit the same as others.
Overall, The Five Swans is a solid choice for students looking for a reliable venue to enjoy a night out. With a mix of good music, friendly faces, and a welcoming atmosphere, it caters well to those who want a chill environment to hang out with friends. Whether you're there for a quick drink or planning to stay out longer, this pub has a lot to offer. The location is also a plus, as it places you right in the heart of the action, making it easy to explore other nightlife options nearby.
In summary, The Five Swans is best suited for students who appreciate a friendly, laid-back pub atmosphere with affordable drinks and a good vibe. Whether you're looking to catch up with friends or meet new people, this venue provides a welcoming space that many students have come to love. It’s a place where you can enjoy a fun night out without the pressures of more intense club scenes, making it a staple in the Newcastle student nightlife scene.
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When it comes to the vibe, The Five Swans is known for its buzzing atmosphere. Students frequently mention that the energy is lively yet not overwhelming, striking a perfect balance for those who want to enjoy a night out without it getting too crazy. The music is consistently highlighted as a positive aspect, with many patrons noting that it keeps the vibe going throughout the night. While it’s not a dedicated club, the dance floor is surprisingly decent for a Wetherspoon, allowing for spontaneous dancing if the mood strikes.
Drinks at The Five Swans are one of its standout features. Students rave about the affordability, especially on certain nights like Tuesdays when prices drop even lower. The extensive drink menu includes craft beers and classic pub fare, ensuring there's something for everyone. Many reviews indicate that the pricing is a significant draw, as it allows students to enjoy a night out without worrying about their budget. This affordability is coupled with good quality, making it a solid choice for those looking for value.
In terms of queue and entry experience, students generally report that getting into The Five Swans is a breeze. The venue has a good rating for queue management, with many noting that they have rarely had to wait long to enter, even during busier nights. This aspect is particularly appealing for students who want to avoid the hassle often associated with popular nightlife spots. The spacious layout of the pub also means that it doesn't feel overly crowded, allowing guests to enjoy their time without feeling packed in.
Feedback from students indicates that The Five Swans is a welcoming place where friendly interactions are commonplace. Many patrons mention the positive social atmosphere, which makes it easy to strike up conversations and meet new people. This sense of community is a significant factor in why many students return time and again. The pub's charm lies in its ability to foster a relaxed environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, creating a sense of belonging.
However, it's worth noting that while The Five Swans has many strengths, it also has some caveats. Some students have mentioned that it can get a bit loud at times, which might not suit everyone’s preference for a quieter night out. Additionally, while the drinks are generally affordable, a few reviews suggest that it may not always be the absolute cheapest option in town. This could be a consideration for those who are particularly budget-conscious. Furthermore, while the atmosphere is often praised, it can vary from night to night, meaning that some evenings may not hit the same as others.
Overall, The Five Swans is a solid choice for students looking for a reliable venue to enjoy a night out. With a mix of good music, friendly faces, and a welcoming atmosphere, it caters well to those who want a chill environment to hang out with friends. Whether you're there for a quick drink or planning to stay out longer, this pub has a lot to offer. The location is also a plus, as it places you right in the heart of the action, making it easy to explore other nightlife options nearby.
In summary, The Five Swans is best suited for students who appreciate a friendly, laid-back pub atmosphere with affordable drinks and a good vibe. Whether you're looking to catch up with friends or meet new people, this venue provides a welcoming space that many students have come to love. It’s a place where you can enjoy a fun night out without the pressures of more intense club scenes, making it a staple in the Newcastle student nightlife scene.
✅ What Students Love
- Affordable drinks, especially on certain nights like Tuesdays.
- Lively yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for socialising.
- Good music that enhances the vibe without being overwhelming.
- Friendly crowd, making it easy to meet new people.
- Spacious layout, ensuring it doesn't feel overcrowded.
- Quick entry with minimal waiting times.
⚠️ Things to Note
- Can get a bit loud at times, which may not suit everyone.
- Not always the absolute cheapest option in town.
- Atmosphere can vary from night to night.
- Some may find it lacks the intensity of a dedicated club.
- Occasional busy nights can lead to a more hectic experience.
🎯 Best For
Students looking for a chill night out with friends in a friendly and affordable environment.
💡 Things to Know
- Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
- Try to visit on a Tuesday for the best drink deals.
- Expect a lively crowd, especially on weekends.
- The music is generally upbeat but not overpowering.
- Arrive early to avoid any possible queues on busy nights.
❓ Common Questions
What is The Five Swans like?
It's a laid-back pub with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends over drinks.
How long is the queue?
Most students report minimal wait times, even on busier nights.
Is it good value?
Yes, it’s highly rated for value, especially with affordable drink prices.
What music does The Five Swans play?
The music is generally upbeat and complements the lively atmosphere.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, The Five Swans offers outdoor seating for those who prefer to enjoy their drinks outside.
Reviews
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Dartboard games at this place really caught my attention and added a unique twist to the night. Back home, we don't often find venues that encourage that kind of playful competition over drinks. It created an atmosphere where everyone seemed to relax and have fun, something I appreciate when going out.
By user664510 on Apr 25th 2026
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Got there early enough for a table and it was just an easygoing spot to hang out. loads of students mixed in with locals, which kept it lively.
By user596465 on Apr 19th 2026
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Often swing by the five swans after a late seminar, since it's right across from the civic centre and open late enough. it's chill enough to unwind and always bump into other students too.
By user547820 on Apr 13th 2026
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Definitely would go back to The Five Swans because it's a chill place to catch up with mates. drink prices mean you won't have to dig too deep into your pocket, which is a win for any student. plus, it's always so lively, so you end up meeting loads of interesting people.
By user632197 on Apr 10th 2026
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Wasn't expecting much but walked in and found myself enjoying the lively vibe and friendly crowd.
By user380314 on Mar 30th 2026
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Swing by The Five Swans for a chill mid-week break from assignments.
By user161806 on Mar 26th 2026
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Noticed a particularly thoughtful touch here with the numerous charging points dotting around the seating areas. if you're anything like me and always need your phone handy for just about everything, it's a real lifesaver. it's these small conveniences that quietly elevate a place without making a fuss about it.
By user349554 on Mar 23rd 2026
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Grabbed a corner booth with my mates to catch up after training, and the place was buzzing. there was a proper mix of students and locals, making it relaxed but lively. ended up chatting with some other folks for a while, which was unexpected but fun.
By user775968 on Mar 18th 2026
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Music's at just the right level here so you can actually chat with your mates without shouting. places like this make it easy to chill out after a hectic week of assignments, and everyone's relaxed and having a good laugh together.
By user115154 on Mar 17th 2026
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Music can sometimes be way too loud, making it hard to chat without shouting across the table. still, it's a decent spot to catch up with friends if you can find a quieter corner away from the speakers.
By user560051 on Mar 12th 2026
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Grab a table upstairs if you can , it's where the best atmosphere usually is.
By user433649 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Finding a table at the five swans is worth it for the chilled vibe and great mix of people. it's one of those places where you can just relax and end up chatting with a bunch of folks from all over, which is perfect when you're new around. staff are sound and it never feels too pricey, so you don't need to worry if you're on a student budget.
By user742753 on Feb 25th 2026
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Sat there having a pint and realised how easy it was to strike up a conversation with someone new. being in a relaxed spot where people aren't in a rush made all the difference for settling into uni life up here.
By user854785 on Feb 24th 2026
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Sometimes gets incredibly lively in the evenings, with large groups of students catching up over drinks and laughter filling the air. it's a great place to unwind and enjoy the buzz of a typical student night 🌟
By user912682 on Feb 22nd 2026
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Walking into The Five Swans felt like a comfy jacket on a chilly night , just super welcoming 😅. it’s got this relaxed aura that puts you at ease immediately, making it a breeze to just unwind and forget stuffy lectures for a bit.
By user930142 on Feb 20th 2026
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Felt like half the uni ended up at The Five Swans after lectures that Friday. such a buzz of different conversations filling the air as we tried to grab a table. one of those nights where we lost track of time and just soaked in the lively atmosphere, which made it the perfect start to the weekend.
By user841230 on Feb 19th 2026
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What always sticks out to me about the five swans is how quick the staff are with orders, even on a busy night. it's like they're always watching and ready to jump in with a pint before you've even decided. keeps the energy flowing and definitely makes those night outs a lot more enjoyable.
By user467114 on Feb 18th 2026
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Enjoyed the relaxed vibe and people actually talked to each other instead of staying glued to their phones. it's refreshing and makes for a more genuine night out compared to other places in town.
By user735719 on Feb 17th 2026
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Told my mate we’d just grab a quick one, but you know how it goes at the swans. comfy seats and good chats seemed to stretch time.
By user767712 on Feb 16th 2026
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Didn't expect to find such reasonable prices in a place smack in the middle of town. everyone's always talking about how much fun it is, so i figured drinks would be more expensive. lots of people chilling, which gives it a lively vibe without feeling overcrowded.
By user696536 on Feb 15th 2026
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Found myself at The Five Swans a fair bit after moving here. it became sort of a regular spot to unwind, and the vibe's easygoing enough to blend into 🤷. nice for meeting new people, considering it's always buzzing with students and locals alike.
By user593352 on Feb 14th 2026
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Noticed on my last visit the way people instinctively gathered around the big tables, chatting and laughing like they'd known each other for ages. maybe it's just the relaxed vibe or the location, but people seem to open up here.
By user670333 on Feb 13th 2026
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Expected it to be crowded and chaotic, but it turned out to be pleasantly chill even on a weekend. what surprised me most was how easy it was to chat without having to yell, and that kind of balanced energy made the evening unexpectedly nice.
By user602944 on Feb 9th 2026
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Heard so much about five swans being packed with people, but i ended up really surprised by how chill it felt even on a weekend. got a spot with my friends without the usual chaos you’d expect from a student favourite like this.
By user531672 on Feb 2nd 2026
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Wasn't expecting it to be this spacious. the massive open plan made it feel less hectic than other pubs I've been to. even with loads of people around, it felt chill and relaxed, which is nice when you're out with friends.
By user471610 on Jan 27th 2026
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You know how people go on about a place and it's all hype? well, this one actually lives up to it. you can just walk in without feeling claustrophobic, but there's still that lively energy that makes hanging out fun.
By user410907 on Jan 22nd 2026
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Felt a bit soulless honestly, like it was just a giant room without much character. maybe it was just a quiet night but the atmosphere seemed a bit flat. at least it wasn't packed, so you could easily find a seat without feeling claustrophobic 😅
By user273594 on Jan 18th 2026
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Turned out to be surprisingly spacious inside which was perfect when everyone in our group brought someone along. thought it would be the usual cramped student hangout but it felt more like a place you could actually relax and chat comfortably.
By user997142 on Jan 15th 2026
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Always worth another visit when you're in the mood for something chilled out. had a good time catching up with friends and chatting around the big tables. you don't notice how much space matters till you're there with a group.
By user299732 on Jan 10th 2026
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Didn't expect to feel at home so quickly, even the regulars started recognising me.
By user252963 on Jan 6th 2026
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Can get a bit noisy during busy times which makes it hard to chat. staff could be more attentive, but for a budget-friendly place, it's decent enough.
By user114637 on Jan 2nd 2026
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Remember sitting at the table near the back, chatting with a couple of classmates until closing time. with its welcoming crowd and laid-back feel, it always seemed like the perfect spot to unwind after cycling around campus all day.
By user389565 on Dec 29th 2025
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Noticed a wall painting here of what looks like a geese parade, which sounds odd but somehow fits the quirky character of this place. gives you something to chat about while you wait for your drinks, and it's a reminder that even a chain pub can have its unique little touches.
By user385947 on Dec 25th 2025
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Staff here are just the best , genuinely chilled and have a laugh, which makes grabbing a pint feel like chatting with old mates. even when it's busy, they're always super chill about sorting things quickly and with a smile.
By user642768 on Dec 20th 2025
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Compared to other pubs around, they do have a more relaxed feel which is refreshing. no pressure to look all fancy, just come as you are and enjoy yourself. had a better time chatting here than in places where i’m always shouting over the music.
By user220329 on Dec 16th 2025
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Staff always seem on the ball with clearing tables promptly, which makes the place feel organised and pleasant even when it's crowded.
By user296707 on Dec 12th 2025
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Ended up here after lectures and it was just the break i needed. chatted with some classmates and found it easy to unwind. solid atmosphere and loads of space to just chill, which is perfect when you're on a budget and just want a no-fuss evening.
By user192136 on Dec 5th 2025
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Staff here make every visit enjoyable , somehow they balance being attentive without hovering or pestering you. they always seem up for a chat if you're in the mood, which makes the place feel surprisingly personal for a big pub. it's like they remember faces rather than just orders, which is a nice touch 😅
By user818998 on Dec 1st 2025
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Felt a bit overwhelming at first, but over time the place grew on me. with its buzz and the mix of familiar faces regularly gathering there, it became kind of the heart of our nights out. it's a nice balance of lively without being too chaotic.
By user728294 on Nov 27th 2025
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Having a pub right across from the civic centre is perfect for starting a night out or just grabbing a chill pint before heading to a gig in town. feels social without trying too hard.
By user855950 on Nov 23rd 2025
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Noticed that even during peak times, finding a table wasn't too hard,adds to the relaxed feel. love how there's always someone to chat with, whether you're just grabbing a quick drink or settling in for a bit.
By user582332 on Nov 17th 2025
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Noticed a group of regulars who seemed to know all the bar staff by name.
By user437914 on Nov 10th 2025
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Everyone seemed pretty relaxed, mostly students enjoying a chat after their uni stuff. nice bit of people watching if you're into that, plus it's always kind of fun running into familiar faces from lectures.
By user275608 on Nov 3rd 2025
Review published! ✓