The Approach Tavern, London – 42 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Approach Tavern -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 42 user ratings

47 Approach Rd, London E2 9AB

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM, Tuesday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM, Wednesday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM, Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM, Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM, Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM

💬 What Students Say

The Approach Tavern, located at 47 Approach Rd, London, is more than just your average pub; it’s a lively venue that caters to students looking for a fun night out. This long-standing tavern doubles as a gallery showcasing both emerging UK and international contemporary artists, giving it a unique character that sets it apart from typical nightlife spots. With its welcoming environment and a rotating selection of craft beers, The Approach Tavern is an ideal place to grab a drink before or after exploring the latest art exhibitions. The overall vibe here is highly rated, making it a go-to destination for students from Queen Mary University London and beyond.

When you step into The Approach Tavern, you’re greeted by a friendly atmosphere that students frequently mention as one of its strongest points. Reviewers often highlight the good energy and the relaxed feel of the place, which makes it perfect for catching up with friends or winding down after a long day of classes. The venue manages to maintain a lively ambiance without becoming overwhelming, allowing for easy conversation while still providing a fun backdrop. Many students appreciate that the music is enjoyable but not excessively loud, striking a balance that fosters social interaction.

Music plays a significant role in the experience at The Approach Tavern, with students praising the DJ's ability to keep the energy high throughout the night. The music selection is described as a good mix that keeps patrons moving and engaged. Whether it’s a midweek outing or a weekend celebration, the tunes are often a highlight of the night. The tavern has also been noted for hosting special events and themed nights, adding to its appeal as a vibrant nightlife spot.

In terms of drinks, The Approach Tavern is known for its reasonable prices, which is a significant plus for students. Many reviews mention the value for money, with some even highlighting specific deals such as two-for-one cocktails on certain nights. This affordability, combined with the quality of the drinks, makes it an attractive choice for those looking to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The selection of craft beers and a solid pub menu further enhances the overall experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

The queue and entry experience at The Approach Tavern also receives positive mentions. Students appreciate that the queue moves quickly, allowing them to get inside and start enjoying their night without long waits. The high rating for queue management reflects the venue's efficiency, which is especially important during peak times. This smooth entry process contributes to the overall positive experience, ensuring that the fun starts as soon as you arrive.

Students who frequent The Approach Tavern often describe their nights as a blend of chill vibes and lively energy. Many reviews reflect on how the atmosphere remains consistently upbeat, with no awkward lulls or dips in energy. This consistency makes it a reliable choice for a night out, as students know they can expect a good time. However, some have noted that the experience can vary depending on the crowd, with a few mentioning that some nights might be more exciting than others.

The Approach Tavern is best suited for students looking for a laid-back yet lively environment. It’s perfect for those who enjoy mingling with a diverse crowd and appreciate a venue with character. The friendly atmosphere encourages socializing, making it a popular choice for groups of friends wanting to unwind together. However, it might not be the ideal spot for those seeking a quieter evening or a more upscale experience.

In summary, The Approach Tavern stands out as a highly rated venue for students, offering a unique blend of art, music, and a welcoming atmosphere. With its affordable drinks, quick entry, and vibrant vibe, it’s no wonder that it has become a favorite among students at Queen Mary University London. Whether you’re looking to kick back with friends or dance the night away, The Approach Tavern is a fantastic choice for a memorable night out in London.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Highly rated for its lively atmosphere and friendly vibe.
  • Affordable drink prices, including great deals like two-for-one cocktails.
  • Quick-moving queues, allowing for a smooth entry experience.
  • Good mix of music that keeps the energy high throughout the night.
  • Clean facilities, particularly the toilets, which are often highlighted positively.
  • Unique character as a pub and gallery showcasing contemporary art.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • The experience can vary depending on the crowd, with some nights being more exciting than others.
  • Not the best choice for those looking for a quieter or more upscale venue.
  • Can get crowded on weekends, potentially affecting the comfort level.
  • Some students mention that the atmosphere might feel a bit too familiar, as you often see classmates there.
  • Limited space for larger groups, which may require early arrival to secure seating.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a lively yet laid-back venue to enjoy drinks and socialize with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
  • Try to arrive early on weekends to avoid longer queues.
  • Keep an eye on their social media for special events and drink deals.
  • The music style varies but generally includes a good mix to keep the energy up.
  • The pub can get busy, especially during peak student nights, so plan accordingly.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Approach Tavern like?

It's a lively pub with a friendly atmosphere, known for its good music and affordable drinks.

How long is the queue?

The queue moves quickly, allowing for a smooth entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, students often mention affordable drink prices and great deals.

What music does The Approach Tavern play?

The music is a good mix that keeps the energy high throughout the night.

What type of crowd can I expect?

You can expect a diverse mix of students, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

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Reviews
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Just ten minutes from campus, it's a lifesaver on those early mornings. the vibe is always upbeat, and the music keeps the energy high. plus, having a few shops and bars nearby means you're set for a fun night out without straying too far from home.
By user381356 on Apr 13th 2026
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Drinks were way cheaper than I thought they'd be, which was a relief. didn't have to stress about my budget while enjoying the decent music and upbeat vibe. getting through the door was easy too, so the whole night felt chill without any hassle.
By user173336 on Apr 10th 2026
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Just a short walk from campus, the approach tavern is perfect for unwinding after lectures. the music was banging and the crowd was fun, making it a great spot for a night out with friends. drinks were reasonably priced, so it didn’t break the bank either.
By user745658 on Apr 4th 2026
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Music was pumping all night, and the DJ really knew how to keep everyone moving. the drinks didn’t break the bank either, which is always nice when you’re out with mates. plus, it felt clean and the crowd was laid-back, making it a perfect spot to just chill and enjoy the vibe.
By user306236 on Apr 2nd 2026
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Queue moved quickly and drinks were priced fairly, making it easy to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. the music created a nice vibe, not too loud for catching up with mates, and the cleanliness was a pleasant surprise, especially in the toilets. overall, it’s a solid choice for a night out with good energy and decent atmosphere.
By user667285 on Mar 30th 2026
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Didn’t expect The Approach Tavern to be this lively on a Wednesday night, but it really had its own vibe going on. the crowd was a solid mix of students and locals, which made it feel like a proper hangout rather than just another generic pub. plus, the cleanliness of the place was a nice surprise; you could tell they put some effort into keeping it decent, even the toilets weren't a nightmare 🚻.
By user161961 on Mar 26th 2026
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The approach tavern is always buzzing with energy, especially on quiz nights when everyone gets really into it. prices are solid for a place so close to campus, and it’s the perfect spot to chill after lectures with mates. honestly, you can't beat that vibe when the music kicks in and everyone’s in high spirits 🎶
By user770251 on Mar 23rd 2026
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Always a cool mix of people which really adds to the vibe. one night, ended up at the bar chatting with some locals while the music was playing, and it felt really chill. never had a bad time there; it’s just a great spot to unwind.
By user233349 on Mar 18th 2026
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A great spot for meeting up after lectures, the vibe here is always buzzing with a mix of students and locals. it’s nice to kick back with friends and catch some live music, which is a regular thing that keeps the atmosphere lively.
By user142394 on Mar 14th 2026
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Not the cheapest spot around, but the vibe at the approach tavern is worth it, especially for a night out after lectures. the music’s always on point and it’s a great place to unwind with friends without feeling packed in like sardines. definitely a step up from those dull backstreet bars.
By user930990 on Mar 10th 2026
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Definitely not the cheapest option, but the atmosphere makes it worth it. the music's always on point and creates a good vibe, perfect for unwinding after class. it's way better than just grabbing a pint in some dingy corner.
By user133951 on Feb 28th 2026
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Approach tavern feels like that perfect local spot where there's always something good happening. the mix of students and locals creates a fun vibe, especially when the live music kicks in. it’s got character that makes it feel like home rather than just another pub near campus. 🎶
By user632620 on Feb 10th 2026
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The approach tavern always strikes that perfect balance on a student night. it fills up enough to create a lively vibe without feeling cramped, and the music really sets the mood for a great time.
By user662942 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Drinks are solid and the vibe really picks up later in the evening, especially with the music they play. staff left us alone, which was perfect for chilling with friends, but when we needed something, they were quick to help. just a fun place to unwind after a long week 📅
By user817421 on Jan 28th 2026
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The approach tavern is perfect for winding down after lectures with friends. the vibe is lively without being overwhelming, so it's easy to chat while enjoying a drink or two. plus, the music is always a good mix, which makes it feel like a proper night out 🎶
By user234911 on Jan 24th 2026
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The vibe at the approach tavern is spot on for a night out with mates, especially with the live music adding to the atmosphere. staff are chill too; they give you space but are quick to help when needed, which is nice for a busy pub like this. 🎶
By user312925 on Jan 20th 2026
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Drinks were surprisingly affordable for a place so close to campus, and that let me really enjoy the night without worrying about the bill. the vibe was lively, especially when the music kicked in; it felt like everyone was there just to have a good time.
By user426822 on Jan 15th 2026
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The approach tavern has a real charm that makes it stand out from the typical chain pubs. the vibe is relaxed, with a good mix of students and locals, making it feel more authentic. it's the kind of place that just wraps up the week nicely, especially with the music and friendly staff.
By user556173 on Jan 12th 2026
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Spent a memorable night at the approach tavern with friends, and it really added to the vibe of living near queen mary. the music was on point, making it easy to relax and just enjoy hanging out. definitely looking forward to going back and making more memories there.
By user449444 on Jan 9th 2026
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The approach tavern is a solid spot for unwinding after a long day of lectures. it's always buzzing, and the music creates a really chill vibe that's perfect for chatting with friends, making it easy to relax and enjoy a pint. the staff are friendly too, which adds to the whole laid-back experience.
By user683768 on Jan 5th 2026
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Always end up staying later than planned, especially when the music's on point. the vibe shifts around the crowd, but some nights just hit different, like when everyone actually gets into the groove. it's definitely one of those spots that makes you lose track of time.
By user850848 on Jan 1st 2026
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Drinks were surprisingly affordable, which was a relief since a night out can get pricey. the vibe was lively but not overwhelming, making it easy to have a proper chat without shouting over the music. it's definitely a spot where you can unwind without worrying about your wallet the next day.
By user121560 on Dec 27th 2025
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The approach tavern has a real charm that sets it apart from generic pubs. it's buzzing with life, especially on weekends, and the music creates just the right vibe for a relaxed evening. being so close to queen mary, it feels like a local spot where everyone knows each other, which makes it more welcoming.
By user550333 on Dec 23rd 2025
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The vibe at the approach tavern is something else, especially on a Friday night when the music gets everyone moving. it's been a great spot to connect with mates from uni, and we've had some proper laughs over a few drinks there. definitely makes adjusting to life in the UK feel a bit less overwhelming.
By user321881 on Dec 19th 2025
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Can’t beat the balance of fun and chill vibes at the Approach Tavern. it’s always packed with students from Queen Mary, and the music creates a great background for chatting. not fancy, but it’s a solid choice for a night out with mates.
By user852439 on Dec 14th 2025
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The approach tavern really feels like a student family vibe, especially when everyone’s hanging out on the patio after lectures. it’s perfect for those lazy afternoons when you want to grab a drink and chat with mates since you can just stroll over from campus. 🍻
By user857275 on Dec 10th 2025
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Stumbled into the approach tavern on a random night with some mates and ended up having one of those nights where the laughs just kept coming. the vibe was electric, with a solid mix of familiar faces from uni and new ones, making it feel like a spot we could easily return to. we were already discussing our next visit as we walked out the door.
By user754350 on Dec 3rd 2025
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The approach tavern has this great vibe where it gets busy, but you can still find a spot to chat with friends without feeling squished. it’s always lively, especially with the music playing, and it just feels like the perfect place to unwind after a long day at uni.
By user264458 on Nov 30th 2025
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Music is always on point here, setting the vibe for nights spent with mates. it’s right near queen mary, so we’d often swing by after lectures, and the crowd is just as lively as the tunes. made some of my best memories here, just chatting and enjoying the atmosphere.
By user956589 on Nov 25th 2025
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The approach tavern is always a good time, especially when the music's pumping and everyone’s in high spirits. met loads of fellow students there, and it made adapting to uni life a whole lot easier. it's definitely one of those places where good vibes just pull you in.
By user359353 on Nov 20th 2025
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The vibe at the approach tavern is always upbeat, and there's usually great music playing until late. every time I've gone, the crowd’s been really friendly, making it easy to relax and chat. you can just feel they care about keeping the place lively and fun.
By user580266 on Nov 14th 2025
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Started off with a relaxed vibe on the terrace, but by the end, the dance floor was packed and everyone was just letting loose. the music was on point, making it exactly how student nights should be, just pure fun without pretension.
By user801390 on Nov 7th 2025
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Just a short walk from campus, the approach tavern is always a solid choice for a night out. the music is always on point, and it’s a great spot to unwind after a long week of lectures. the vibe is fun, plus it's lively enough that you can easily meet new people or catch up with friends.
By user507068 on Oct 31st 2025
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The vibe at the approach tavern is just great, especially with the music they play on the weekends. it's become a regular spot for me and my mates after lectures, and we always end up having a laugh with the crowd there. 🎶
By user471456 on Oct 26th 2025
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Been a few times and the vibe really changes with the crowd. the music on a Thursday is always spot on and everyone seems more into it compared to the chaotic Saturdays. the staff are super friendly, which definitely adds to the fun atmosphere.
By user536790 on Oct 23rd 2025
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The approach tavern is perfect for a last-minute night out with friends, especially with great music setting the vibe. it’s not the cheapest, but it definitely feels worth it for the atmosphere and location since you're right by campus. definitely a spot to hit up after lectures or for a weekend hang. 🍻
By user293955 on Oct 19th 2025
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Always end up chatting with strangers at the approach tavern, especially during a game day. the music is always good, and it makes it way easier to bond over a shared love for footy. met some solid mates there who have stuck around since first year.
By user430473 on Oct 16th 2025
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The queue wasn't too rough, especially for a night packed with good vibes and live music. once inside, it felt lively without being overwhelming, and the crowd definitely adds to the fun atmosphere.
By user480465 on Oct 12th 2025
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Good vibes at the approach tavern, especially on weekends when the music's pumping and everyone seems to be in a great mood. it feels like a spot where students and locals just click, making it a perfect place to unwind after classes. 🍻
By user144869 on Oct 8th 2025
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The approach tavern is one of the best spots near queen mary for a night out with friends. it’s got this great vibe with good music, and you can always find a mix of students and locals hanging out. no one’s judging if you want to study in the corner or just catch up over a pint, so it feels welcoming no matter what you're in the mood for 🍻.
By user117243 on Oct 3rd 2025
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Definitely one of the top spots for a night out, especially with how close it is to campus. the vibe is always lively, and the mix of students and locals makes for a good crowd. drinks are reasonably priced, so it's a solid choice for a fun evening.
By user779798 on Sep 28th 2025
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Definitely a solid spot for student nights, especially with the live music that just pulls everyone in. it's not the cheapest pub around, but you can tell they care about the vibe and atmosphere, which makes a big difference. plus, being so close to queen mary, it's easy to swing by for a hangout after lectures.
By user543540 on Sep 24th 2025
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By user286035 on Aug 2nd 2025