The Scholars Arms, Southampton – 30 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Scholars Arms -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 30 user ratings

166 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7DU, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

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

💬 What Students Say

The Scholars Arms, located in the heart of Southampton, is a vibrant pub that has become a popular go-to spot for students from the University of Southampton. Known for its affordable drinks and lively atmosphere, it’s a place where students can unwind, enjoy good music, and socialize with friends. The venue’s charm lies in its ability to create a relaxed yet energetic environment, making it an ideal choice for both pre-drinks and a full night out. With a mix of hearty food options and a diverse drink selection, The Scholars Arms caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. It’s not just a pub; it’s a community hub where students feel at home and can create lasting memories with friends.

The atmosphere at The Scholars Arms is frequently described as lively and welcoming. Students often mention the positive energy that fills the space, making it easy to strike up conversations and meet new people. The venue is spacious enough to accommodate a good crowd without feeling overcrowded, allowing for a comfortable experience where everyone can enjoy themselves. The reviews highlight that the vibe is chill yet fun, striking a balance that’s perfect for a night out. Many students appreciate that it’s not the craziest place, which allows them to relax and have fun without feeling overwhelmed.

Music plays a significant role in the overall experience at The Scholars Arms. Students rave about the quality of the music, noting that it keeps the energy high and encourages dancing throughout the night. The reviews suggest that the music selection is diverse enough to cater to various tastes, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Many students have remarked on how the music enhances their nights, making it a key aspect of their enjoyment at the venue. The lively atmosphere, combined with great music, creates an environment where students can let loose and have a memorable time.

When it comes to drinks and pricing, The Scholars Arms is highly rated for its affordability. Many students appreciate the reasonable prices, which allow them to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The venue offers a range of drinks, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, making it accessible for everyone. Students often mention that they can have a great time with friends while enjoying reasonably priced drinks, which adds to the overall appeal of the pub. This affordability is a significant draw for students who are looking to enjoy a night out without overspending.

The entry experience at The Scholars Arms is generally smooth, with students noting that the queues are manageable and not overly long. The venue has a good queue rating, which suggests that students don’t have to wait excessively to get in. This is particularly important for those who are eager to start their night and enjoy the atmosphere inside. Many reviews indicate that the entry process is straightforward, allowing students to quickly transition from the outside hustle to the vibrant energy within the pub.

Students have shared countless positive experiences from their nights at The Scholars Arms, often leaving with smiles and good stories to tell. The venue’s ability to foster a friendly and relaxed atmosphere is frequently mentioned, with many students feeling at ease and part of the crowd. The Scholars Arms seems to be a place where students can truly enjoy themselves, with many expressing a desire to return for more nights of fun. The camaraderie and sense of community that the pub promotes make it a cherished spot among local students.

However, like any venue, The Scholars Arms does have its caveats. While many students enjoy the lively atmosphere, some have noted that it can vary depending on the night. This inconsistency means that while some visits are filled with high energy and excitement, others may feel a bit quieter. Additionally, while the music is generally well-received, there may be nights when the selection doesn’t resonate with everyone. It’s also worth noting that, despite the spacious environment, peak times can still feel a bit crowded, especially during weekends. Students looking for a more low-key evening might find it a bit overwhelming during busy nights.

In conclusion, The Scholars Arms is an excellent choice for students seeking a fun, affordable night out in Southampton. Its combination of great music, friendly atmosphere, and reasonable pricing makes it a top pick among the student community. Whether you’re looking to start your night with pre-drinks or want to dance the night away, The Scholars Arms offers a welcoming space where you can relax, enjoy, and create memorable experiences with friends. It’s a venue that truly embodies the spirit of student life, making it a must-visit spot for anyone studying at the University of Southampton.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively atmosphere perfect for dancing and socializing.
  • Affordable drinks, making it budget-friendly for students.
  • Great music selection that keeps the energy high.
  • Friendly crowd, creating a welcoming environment.
  • Spacious enough to avoid feeling cramped.
  • Smooth entry experience with manageable queues.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Atmosphere can vary depending on the night.
  • Music selection may not appeal to everyone on all nights.
  • Can get crowded during peak times, especially on weekends.
  • Not the most upscale venue, which may not suit all preferences.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun and affordable night out with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress casually; the atmosphere is relaxed.
  • Arrive early during weekends to avoid long queues.
  • Check for any special events or themed nights for added fun.
  • Expect a mix of music styles that cater to a diverse crowd.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Scholars Arms like?

It's a lively pub known for its friendly atmosphere, affordable drinks, and great music, making it a popular spot for students.

How long is the queue?

Queues are generally manageable, allowing for a smooth entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, it's highly rated for value, with affordable drinks that cater to students.

What music does The Scholars Arms play?

The music varies but is generally well-received, keeping the energy high and encouraging dancing.

Is there a dress code?

Dress is casual; the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

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Reviews
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Been a few times and it’s always been decent. good drink deals and the vibe is chill for a night out .
By user707975 on Apr 6th 2026
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It's a decent spot for a night out with friends. music's good and there are some nice drink deals to keep the night flowing. queues aren't too bad, and the vibe is relaxed enough. clean enough for a student hangout and a chill atmosphere on the dancefloor.
By user391472 on Mar 31st 2026
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Good place for a night out. music's decent, drinks are cheap enough and the vibe is chill. no major issues to worry about.
By user637029 on Mar 27th 2026
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Hit it up with mates and had a blast. feels like the perfect spot for students to hang out.
By user862339 on Mar 24th 2026
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Met some really friendly people right away, felt super easy to chat with everyone.
By user325680 on Mar 19th 2026
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The music was way better than i thought it’d be. kept me dancing all night for sure
By user255482 on Mar 17th 2026
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The energy in the room was unreal — loved it.
By user245371 on Mar 13th 2026
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The scholars arms had everyone dancing and smiling, made for a solid night out.
By user836524 on Feb 28th 2026
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Place's really good for dancing and hanging out with mates. it hits that sweet spot where you can have fun without feeling squished.
By user196008 on Feb 9th 2026
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You can just relax and have fun, no stress at all.
By user731569 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Nights here are always a blast and you end up with loads of stories to tell.
By user822992 on Jan 28th 2026
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Music's really good and the staff are chill. it's a relaxed spot to hang out.
By user203669 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Nights at the scholars arms were way better with the drinks and the atmosphere they had going on.
By user801445 on Jan 19th 2026
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Honestly one of my favourite spots for a night out.
By user645266 on Jan 15th 2026
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Not the craziest place but it's got a chill atmosphere. you can relax without feeling overwhelmed.
By user255219 on Jan 12th 2026
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Always a lively atmosphere which makes it fun. never felt out of place there
By user850852 on Jan 8th 2026
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Been a few times and the energy's usually pretty good with everyone smiling, just depends on the night ✌️
By user375867 on Jan 3rd 2026
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The atmosphere is always really lively when you go. not a big deal but it makes a difference.
By user725826 on Dec 31st 2025
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The music was really good, everyone seemed to be enjoying it.
By user688603 on Dec 26th 2025
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Crowd was lively and kept the energy up all night. loved the atmosphere and felt right in it.
By user696975 on Dec 22nd 2025
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Everyone's just there to enjoy themselves, which is cool.
By user408021 on Dec 18th 2025
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Had an amazing time here, will definitely be back again!
By user148407 on Dec 13th 2025
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The crowd was really into it, felt like everyone was part of the night. you could just jump in without feeling out of place.
By user805830 on Dec 9th 2025
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The crowd's pretty relaxed, no one seems to have an ego, just here for a laugh.
By user206026 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Place has this charm that just doesn’t fade. always feels like a good spot to hang out.
By user468819 on Nov 28th 2025
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Perfect spot for pre’s that turn into an actual night out
By user267149 on Nov 25th 2025
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It's always packed with people having a good time. the atmosphere is lively and you can hear the laughter everywhere.
By user411216 on Nov 18th 2025
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Always had a good time here with mates. never left without a smile.
By user635849 on Nov 11th 2025
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Exactly what you want for a night out – fun, easy and affordable.
By user285272 on Nov 4th 2025
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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user394520 on Oct 30th 2025