The Old Library Bar, Coventry – 28 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Old Library Bar -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 28 user ratings

The Old Library, 116-118 New Cross Rd, London SE14 5BA, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

The Old Library Bar, located in New Cross Gate, is a vibrant venue that has quickly become a favorite among students from the University of Warwick and beyond. As a newly refurbished space, it combines historic charm with a modern twist, making it an inviting spot for a night out. Open every weekend from Friday to Sunday, this bar is perfect for those looking to unwind after a long week of studies. With a focus on live music, The Old Library Bar provides a dynamic atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back for more. The venue is well-rated for its cleanliness, music selection, and overall value, making it a solid choice for students seeking an enjoyable night out.

The atmosphere at The Old Library Bar is often described as lively and welcoming. Students frequently mention that the vibe can oscillate between relaxed and energetic, especially when the music is on point. This duality makes it a great place for both chill evenings with friends and more spirited nights out. Many patrons appreciate the friendly staff, who contribute to the overall enjoyable experience. The bar tends to attract a diverse crowd, which fosters a social environment where it's easy to strike up conversations and meet new people.

Music plays a significant role in the experience at The Old Library Bar. While specific genres are not detailed in the reviews, it is clear that students enjoy the music selection and find it suitable for a night out. The venue strikes a balance between having enough ambiance to enjoy conversations while still allowing for a good dance when the mood strikes. This combination of elements helps create memorable nights filled with laughter and fun.

When it comes to drinks, The Old Library Bar is known for offering affordable options, which is a significant draw for students. Many reviews highlight the cheap drinks as a key reason for choosing this bar over others. While some students note that it's not the absolute cheapest spot in town, they feel the overall experience justifies the prices. The ability to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank is a crucial factor for many students, and The Old Library Bar delivers on that front.

As with any popular venue, queues can be an issue during peak times, particularly on weekends. However, many students feel that the lively atmosphere inside makes the wait worth it. It’s advisable to arrive early if you want to avoid long lines, especially on busy nights. The reviews suggest that while the queue can be a hassle, the fun and energy of the bar once you’re inside more than compensate for the wait.

Students have shared a variety of experiences at The Old Library Bar, but a common theme is that it’s a place where good memories are made. Many patrons describe their nights there as filled with laughter and a sense of community. The bar has a reputation for being a rite of passage for students, with many saying it’s a must-visit during their university years. Even those who acknowledge that the bar isn’t perfect still express a desire to return, highlighting its charm and the enjoyable experiences they’ve had.

In terms of who this venue suits best, it appears to cater to a wide range of students. Those looking for a laid-back night with friends, as well as those seeking a more energetic atmosphere, will find something to enjoy at The Old Library Bar. It’s particularly appealing to students who appreciate a friendly environment where they can relax, socialize, and enjoy good music without the pressure of a high-end club scene.

However, it’s essential to consider some of the weaknesses mentioned in the reviews. While the atmosphere is generally praised, it can become chaotic at times, which may not suit everyone. Some students noted that the crowd can get a bit overwhelming, especially during peak hours. Additionally, while the drinks are affordable, a few reviews suggest that it’s not the absolute cheapest option available, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious students. Overall, though, The Old Library Bar is celebrated for its unique blend of fun, friendliness, and affordability, making it a worthwhile stop on any student’s nightlife itinerary.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively atmosphere with a mix of chill and energetic vibes.
  • Friendly staff that enhance the overall experience.
  • Affordable drinks that cater to student budgets.
  • Great music selection that keeps the energy up.
  • A diverse crowd that makes it easy to meet new people.
  • Memorable nights filled with laughter and fun.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Queues can be long during peak times, especially on weekends.
  • The crowd can sometimes feel overwhelming.
  • Not the cheapest spot, though drinks are still affordable.
  • The atmosphere can swing from relaxed to chaotic.
  • Not the most glamorous venue, but it has its charm.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun, social environment to unwind and enjoy live music.

💡 Things to Know

  • Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.
  • Expect a mix of chill and energetic vibes depending on the time and crowd.
  • Drinks are affordable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious students.
  • The venue can get busy, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere.
  • Friendly staff are a highlight, contributing to the welcoming environment.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Old Library Bar like?

It's a lively venue with a mix of chill and energetic vibes, perfect for socializing and enjoying live music.

How long is the queue?

Queues can be long during peak times, but many find the atmosphere inside makes it worth the wait.

Is it good value?

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

What music does The Old Library Bar play?

While specific genres aren't mentioned, students enjoy the music selection and find it suitable for a night out.

What type of crowd can I expect?

The bar attracts a diverse crowd, making it easy to meet new people and socialize.

Reviews
1 of 28
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Drinks were cheap and the vibe was chill. music was decent and it was a fun night out.
By user396689 on Mar 30th 2026
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The vibe can swing between chill and chaotic but when the music's on point it's a real good time. drinks are cheap enough to keep the night going without worrying too much. queues can be a pain at peak times but it’s usually worth it for the atmosphere inside.
By user112437 on Mar 30th 2026
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Looking back it was a good spot. the atmosphere was easy to get into and it felt like everyone was having a good time.
By user219492 on Mar 25th 2026
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A solid mix of people so you can always find someone to chat with, plus it feels pretty chill in here
By user422202 on Mar 20th 2026
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Staff are really friendly, which makes the place more enjoyable
By user671810 on Mar 14th 2026
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Not the cheapest spot, but the memories you make with friends are what you'll really remember. it’s more than just another night out.
By user636720 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Nights at the old library bar are always filled with laughs, it never disappoints.
By user497022 on Feb 9th 2026
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Not perfect but i'd go back. it's a fun spot with a lively atmosphere.
By user469182 on Feb 2nd 2026
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You gotta check this place out at least once during your time here, it's a rite of passage for students
By user721099 on Jan 28th 2026
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The old library bar has this laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to relax with friends. that's what keeps me coming back.
By user729289 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Not perfect but i'd suggest it. decent atmosphere and it's in a good spot.
By user745523 on Jan 19th 2026
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Not the most glamorous spot but it gets the job done. you know you're in for a good night here
By user229874 on Jan 15th 2026
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Spontaneous nights out hit different here. just a better spot to unwind with mates.
By user472163 on Jan 12th 2026
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Not loud but you can still enjoy the music. perfect for hanging out without the chaos
By user373626 on Jan 8th 2026
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Nights out at the old library bar hit different, just what you need for a good time.
By user736429 on Jan 3rd 2026
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The atmosphere's really lively. there's always a buzz and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.
By user126831 on Dec 31st 2025
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Not the calmest spot but it's got its charm. there's a bit of chaos that makes it fun.
By user142597 on Dec 26th 2025
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Staff are really friendly and the music's always good, makes for a nice time out. it's a cool mix that keeps you coming back.
By user980761 on Dec 21st 2025
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Always such a fun place, definitely one of the best student spots.
By user845859 on Dec 18th 2025
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Met loads of fun people there and it was so easy to have a laugh. can’t wait to head back again
By user861100 on Dec 13th 2025
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People are generally in a good mood here, which makes the atmosphere nice without being too over the top.
By user582621 on Dec 6th 2025
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The atmosphere always lifts your spirits but the crowd can get a bit much at times. a small thing in the grand scheme
By user641689 on Dec 3rd 2025
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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user714625 on Nov 28th 2025
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Not the cheapest option, but the atmosphere makes it worth it. you’re getting more than just another night out.
By user799867 on Nov 25th 2025
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The old library bar made for a really chill night, just what I needed to unwind.
By user539345 on Nov 19th 2025
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Had a good student night with cheap drinks and met loads of mates, made the evening more fun.
By user174676 on Nov 13th 2025
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Crowd was cool and drinks were alright, no fuss or drama. that's all you need for a good night.
By user546517 on Nov 4th 2025
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Great night out, music was spot on and the vibe was brilliant.
By user877510 on Oct 30th 2025