Wates House, Guildford – 52 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Wates House -

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Based on 52 user ratings

Wates House, Stag Hill campus

💬 What Students Say

Wates House is a lively student bar and restaurant located on the Stag Hill campus of the University of Surrey. This venue offers a relaxed atmosphere where students can unwind and enjoy a night out with friends. Known for its friendly vibe, Wates House is a popular choice for students looking to socialise without the pressure often associated with nightlife. The combination of a solid drinks menu, a chill environment, and decent music makes it a go-to spot for many at the university.

The atmosphere at Wates House is often described as laid-back and welcoming. Students frequently mention the positive energy that permeates the venue, which creates a comfortable space for mingling and socialising. Many patrons appreciate that the crowd tends to be friendly, contributing to an enjoyable experience. This welcoming vibe is a significant draw for students, especially those who might be new to the university or looking to make new friends.

Drinks are a highlight at Wates House, with a full bar that includes a fabulous range of cocktails, draught beer, cider, and bottled beers. Students often note that the drink prices are reasonable, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. While some reviews suggest that it may not be the absolute cheapest option for a night out, many agree that the quality of the drinks and the overall experience justify the cost. Additionally, the venue offers a coffee and milkshake counter, catering to those looking for non-alcoholic options or a caffeine boost during their study breaks.

Wates House is particularly popular during the evenings, especially on weekends when students are looking to unwind after a long week of classes. The venue tends to get busy, but students appreciate that the queues are generally manageable, allowing for a smooth entry. Many reviews highlight that the music played at Wates House is enjoyable, with a good mix that adds to the overall atmosphere without overwhelming conversation. This balance makes it an ideal spot for students who want to enjoy music while still being able to catch up with friends.

What sets Wates House apart from other venues is its ability to create a memorable experience for students. Many reviews mention that each visit can feel different, with some nights being particularly memorable. The venue's commitment to providing a fun and relaxed environment seems to resonate well with the student crowd. Additionally, the mix of people who frequent Wates House contributes to its entertaining atmosphere, ensuring that there’s always something happening.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge some downsides based on student feedback. While many enjoy the experience, some reviews indicate that it might not be the cheapest option available, which could deter budget-conscious students. Additionally, while the venue is praised for its friendly crowd, there are mentions of occasional queues that can be a bit annoying for some. It’s also worth noting that the quality of the experience can vary from night to night, with some students feeling that certain evenings are significantly better than others.

Overall, Wates House is a solid choice for students looking for a fun and relaxed night out. It suits those who appreciate a good atmosphere, decent drinks, and the chance to socialise with a friendly crowd. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a busy week or celebrate with friends, Wates House offers a welcoming space that caters to a variety of student needs. The combination of good music, reasonable drink prices, and a chill vibe makes it a standout venue for many at the University of Surrey.

In conclusion, Wates House is an excellent option for students who enjoy a vibrant yet laid-back bar and restaurant experience. It’s a place where you can kick back, enjoy some drinks, and connect with fellow students in a relaxed setting. The positive reviews and high ratings reflect its popularity among the student body, making it a must-visit spot for anyone at the university looking for a great night out.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Friendly and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for socialising.
  • Reasonably priced drinks, including a wide range of cocktails.
  • Good music that complements the relaxed vibe.
  • Quick entry with manageable queues, especially on busy nights.
  • A mix of people creates an entertaining and lively environment.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Not the cheapest option for a night out.
  • Occasional queues can be frustrating during peak times.
  • Experience can vary significantly from night to night.
  • Some students feel it can get crowded, affecting the vibe.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed and friendly bar experience to unwind with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Arrive early on weekends to avoid potential queues.
  • Check out the cocktail menu for some great options.
  • Perfect for a casual night out after a long week of classes.
  • Great spot to meet new people and enjoy a friendly atmosphere.
  • Consider visiting during quieter nights if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.

❓ Common Questions

What is Wates House like?

Wates House is a vibrant student bar and restaurant known for its friendly atmosphere, good music, and reasonable drink prices.

Is it good value?

While not the cheapest option, many students find the drink prices reasonable for the quality and atmosphere offered.

When do students go to Wates House?

Students typically visit Wates House in the evenings, especially on weekends, after a week of classes.

What kind of crowd can I expect?

The crowd is generally friendly and diverse, making it easy to mingle and enjoy the atmosphere.

Are there any special drinks or offers?

Wates House has a full bar with a range of cocktails and offers a coffee and milkshake counter for non-alcoholic options.

Reviews
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Noise levels here can be a bit intense, especially when it gets packed. Trying to have a conversation felt like a challenge at times, which made me a little weary. Still, if you just want to dance and lose yourself in the music, it’s definitely got its moments.
By user710764 on Apr 25th 2026
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Stepping into Wates House, it was easy to see why friends raved about it. the staff were genuinely chatty, which made grabbing a drink feel more like a conversation than a transaction 😊. conversations got a bit drowned out by the music though.
By user454252 on Apr 19th 2026
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Friends and I huddled around a table at Wates House, sharing laughs and stories, while the chilled tunes set a perfect backdrop.
By user727605 on Apr 13th 2026
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Stopped by Wates House after lectures and the vibe was really laid-back. heard someone say drinks won’t put a dent in your wallet which is always a plus.
By user350034 on Apr 9th 2026
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Been to a lot of student bars but wates house stands out for being super chill and genuinely good for the wallet. compared to other campus hangouts, it's way less cramped which makes it perfect for a group hang without feeling squished. tunes are decent too,actually found myself enjoying them, unlike some places where it's just noise.
By user288850 on Apr 5th 2026
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Stopped by Wates House one evening and was pleasantly surprised to find it bustling but not too crowded, so grabbing a table was easy. the music playing set a chilled mood and matched the laid-back atmosphere. drinks were reasonably priced, which was a nice touch for a student's budget, and made the evening even more enjoyable.
By user637117 on Apr 3rd 2026
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Queues can be a bit of a pain, but what can you do? drinks are priced pretty well, though, and it's always got this laid-back feel, so we keep going back.
By user823887 on Mar 27th 2026
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Found myself here more often than i expected, probably because the staff genuinely make you feel welcome once you become a regular. at first, i thought it was just another student bar, but it turns out it's actually quite easy to get comfortable and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
By user924456 on Mar 24th 2026
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Didn't expect the place to be so buzzing, especially in the early evenings when everyone's winding down. atmosphere really draws you in, and it's just the sort of laid-back spot you'd want to end up at.
By user854689 on Mar 19th 2026
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Honestly didn't expect the food to be so decent for a student bar, especially given the relaxed vibe. it made meeting up here more enjoyable than I thought it would be.
By user117144 on Mar 14th 2026
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Caught a game of pool with some mates at Wates House once, and somehow ended up sitting there until closing.
By user892729 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Staff here are always up for a chat and seem genuinely interested in making sure everyone’s having a good time. it really sets a welcoming tone when you’re looking to unwind or just escape the studio for a bit.
By user611698 on Feb 25th 2026
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Noticed a constant stream of students popping in, making it feel alive and buzzing without being overwhelming. friendly faces everywhere, definitely a go-to spot for most folks around campus 😅
By user313564 on Feb 24th 2026
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Noticed the quirky signs around Wates House that change weekly, always giving me a chuckle and setting the mood. they're like little hidden treasures you spot while waiting at the bar, adding to the friendly vibe without even trying.
By user299842 on Feb 22nd 2026
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Grab a pint at wates house if you're on campus , the relaxed atmosphere makes it a top spot for hanging out after training. chatting with friends here feels like a mini break from uni stress 😊
By user777661 on Feb 20th 2026
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Having a place to kick back on campus like Wates House is a godsend. managed to catch up with mates over a couple of pints and some decent banter. the crowd was buzzing and the tunes really set the mood 😊
By user511026 on Feb 19th 2026
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Heard wates house is where everyone goes after class for a reason. it's buzzing but somehow relaxed too, like that perfect hangout spot you accidentally stumble upon. a mate told me it's become their go-to, and after dropping by, i get why.
By user191609 on Feb 18th 2026
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Good music set the tone right from the start at wates house. ended up having a proper laugh with mates and even met some new people along the way. no pretentious vibes, just a comfy spot to chill and chat without hassle.
By user377504 on Feb 17th 2026
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Definitely would go back. Wates House has a great atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of dealing with circuits and equations. chatting with fellow engineering students over a pint is always fun and a nice break from all the coursework stress.
By user248503 on Feb 16th 2026
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Finding a favourite spot to chill on campus was a bit daunting at first, but wates house quickly became that place for me. adjusting to uni life was so much easier with a spot that feels like a mini escape right there. over time, it's where you'll see familiar faces and really feel a part of the uni community.
By user237929 on Feb 15th 2026
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Found this place to be way more welcoming than other spots on campus, definitely helped me unwind after labs all day.
By user497158 on Feb 14th 2026
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Stepping into wates house is like entering a friendly hub where stress seems to slip away instantly. the lively chatter and relaxed vibe make you feel right at home, almost like you’re among old mates. found myself smiling just watching everyone having such a good time.
By user187819 on Feb 13th 2026
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Noticed how the staff genuinely try to remember your name, adds a nice personal touch to the whole experience. makes you feel more like a local rather than just another student passing through. there’s something about being recognised that keeps me coming back each week.
By user986774 on Feb 9th 2026
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Definitely planning to go back because it feels like the perfect place to chill with mates after a busy day. the affordable prices mean i don't have to worry about my student budget while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
By user536623 on Feb 2nd 2026
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Catch it on a friday night and you’ll understand the buzz everyone talks about. warm lighting mixed with laughter everywhere quickly pushes any introvert tendencies aside.
By user128104 on Jan 27th 2026
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Walking into wates house always hits with a wave of relaxed energy you can just sink into. feels like the walls are holding a constant hum of laughter and chatter. it's one of those places where you immediately feel like you've found your corner of the uni.
By user486983 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Bartenders here seem way more laid-back compared to other bars around, which is why I always end up coming back. it's just nice when the staff don't treat you like you're a hassle and actually have a laugh while serving you.
By user927985 on Jan 19th 2026
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Caught a glimpse of one of my mates trying to beat the supposedly infamous pool table champ there, which was a bit of a laugh. it’s nice just having somewhere nearby where you can just have a chilled one without any fuss.
By user179180 on Jan 15th 2026
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Staff here are always positive and create such an inviting environment. it feels like they genuinely care about making sure you're having a good time, which just adds to the laid-back atmosphere.
By user308951 on Jan 11th 2026
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Having a bar right on campus makes Wates House different from the usual student haunts. it's where everyone naturally gravitates when they're done with classes, and the energy here just feels more connected and relaxed than off-campus spots.
By user527250 on Jan 9th 2026
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As someone trying to adjust to campus life, wates house has become a bit of a second home for me. it feels like a perfect spot to unwind after those hectic first-year days, and i've made new friends over shared laughs here 😊
By user424824 on Jan 4th 2026
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Grabbed a drink at wates house and had a really chill evening with some mates.
By user824242 on Jan 1st 2026
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Finding a place to sit during peak times can be a bit of a challenge, which can be annoying when you're just trying to relax after a busy week. the crowd tends to gather quickly, and while that's a sign of its popularity, a bit more space would help. service is solid otherwise, just wish it was easier to snag a table.
By user519146 on Dec 27th 2025
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Chilled there one night after a long group study session, and the place just had the right amount of buzz to lighten our moods. everyone seemed laid back, chatting in small groups, while easy music played in the background. didn’t feel rushed or pressured, just a really nice evening to decompress.
By user243308 on Dec 22nd 2025
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Wates house fits into midweek meetups perfectly. it's got a laid-back vibe, so when we're done with assignments, we just chill here without fuss.
By user655039 on Dec 19th 2025
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Stumbled into a quiz night at wates and it was a total riot, didn’t expect such a packed house. surprisingly fun seeing everyone get passionate about the most random trivia while sharing a few pints.
By user545168 on Dec 13th 2025
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Always something happening at wates house, which makes it a bit chaotic but in a good way. it's got this laid-back energy, even when the place is packed, so you can just chill after lectures. great spot if you're looking to meet loads of people and not spend a ton.
By user724252 on Dec 9th 2025
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Always bustling with life, wates house is where you end up when you want to catch up with friends. it’s casual, laid-back, and just right for those low-key nights. whether you're inside or out on the patio, you’ll fit right in with all the other students who call this place a second home.
By user215241 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Usually end up here a few times a week, mostly after classes to chill out with mates and have a proper catch up. nothing beats sitting around one of the big tables and chatting about everything or nothing. somehow, time just flies by and before you know it, you're walking back to halls wondering how it got so late.
By user477446 on Nov 29th 2025
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Hard to miss that one staff member who always remembers your face, even when the place is packed. it adds a bit of a personal touch that makes the whole experience more than just your average student bar. definitely makes you feel like you're a regular even if you're not.
By user861261 on Nov 25th 2025
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Didn't expect to find such a spacious seating area in a student bar, with plenty of spots to chat and eat. 😊 it's buzzing with energy on weekends, but you can still snag a cozy corner to chill with friends.
By user978943 on Nov 19th 2025
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Sometimes wates house feels like the epicentre of campus life, especially when everyone's crammed in for the DJ nights that seem to blur the line between pub and club. there's just something about the energy there that makes even my mid-week academic stress fade away for a while.
By user970984 on Nov 13th 2025
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Staff here are genuinely welcoming and always ready to chat, which really puts you at ease 😅 kind of feels like having a home away from home where everyone knows your name
By user368574 on Nov 7th 2025
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Definitely going back because it's the best place to chill between classes with mates.
By user503904 on Oct 31st 2025
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Definitely a place i'd return to for its laid-back vibe and affordability. it's one of those spots where you can chill with friends and not feel overwhelmed , perfect for a budget-friendly night out without skimping on the fun.
By user722196 on Oct 25th 2025
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Bartenders really know how to keep the energy going, even when the place is packed. felt like they genuinely liked being there, which makes hanging out way more enjoyable.
By user376956 on Oct 22nd 2025
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Always feel welcomed by the staff at wates, they're genuinely lovely people.
By user424475 on Oct 19th 2025
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Mate, i went to wates house the other night and it was buzzing. the atmosphere was just what i needed, loads of students hanging out and good vibes all around. i'd definitely say it's worth checking out, especially if you're a uni student looking for a chilled place to relax.
By user109651 on Oct 15th 2025
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Settling into wates house took a bit of time, but it grew on me way more than expected. at first, i was a bit overwhelmed by the lively crowd and noise, but soon it became the place where i recognized so many faces and felt like part of the community. by the end of term, grabbing a drink there felt as comfortable as unwinding in my own living room 📚.
By user528742 on Oct 12th 2025
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Staff here have a knack for remembering faces and always seem up for a chat, which makes the place feel like a second home. i’ve never felt out of place, even when visiting solo, which says a lot for those casual evenings.
By user359134 on Oct 7th 2025
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Sat near a group of international students debating over which english phrase would best describe the evening and it just made the night feel joyful.
By user109626 on Oct 2nd 2025
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Definitely a place i'd head back to next time i'm in the mood for some downtime. there's just something about the laid-back vibe that makes you feel right at home. plus, you always bump into someone you know, which keeps things interesting.
By user412953 on Sep 26th 2025
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Easy-going spot right on campus where everyone seems to end up at some point. great for just chilling or meeting folks after lectures. it’s got that kind of buzz that makes even a random weekday feel special.
By user444960 on Sep 20th 2025