The Black Lion, London – 17 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Black Lion -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 17 user ratings

2 South Black Lion Lane, London, W6 9TJ, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

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

💬 What Students Say

Located in the heart of West London, The Black Lion is a highly-rated pub and bar that has become a favourite among students from the University of West London. Known for its spacious interior and contemporary British bar menu, the venue strikes a balance between being a casual hangout and a lively night out spot. With a solid reputation for quality drinks, including craft beers, wines, and cocktails, The Black Lion caters to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it an ideal choice for students looking to unwind after a long week of classes.

The atmosphere at The Black Lion is often described as chill yet vibrant, making it a great place for social gatherings. Students appreciate that the energy here is just right—not too loud, but lively enough to create a fun environment. Many reviews highlight the enjoyable vibe, with patrons noting that it's a solid spot to have a laugh with friends while enjoying some good tunes. The music selection is frequently praised, creating a backdrop that enhances the overall experience without overwhelming conversation. This balance makes it suitable for both relaxed evenings and more energetic nights out.

When it comes to drinks, students consistently mention that the pricing is reasonable, which is a significant factor for many on a budget. The Black Lion offers a quality drinks list that includes a selection of craft beers and cocktails, ensuring there's something for everyone. The value for money is reflected in the high ratings for pricing, making it a popular choice for students who want to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The venue also provides a contemporary British bar menu, which adds to the overall experience, allowing guests to pair their drinks with some tasty bites.

In terms of queue and entry experience, students have noted that the queue is generally manageable, with many reviews indicating that it doesn't usually take long to get in. This is a significant plus for those who want to maximize their time enjoying the night rather than waiting outside. The entry process is straightforward, with tickets available through a 'Fever Rep' or via the FIXR ticket app, allowing for a seamless experience when planning your visit.

The Black Lion has garnered a reputation as one of the best student spots in West London. Many students express that each visit feels like a little escape from their academic responsibilities, offering something to look forward to during the week. The venue has a knack for creating memorable nights, with students often sharing stories of funny moments and new friendships formed within its walls. This sense of community adds to its appeal, making it more than just a bar but a place where students can connect and create lasting memories.

However, like any venue, The Black Lion has its strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, students frequently mention the quality of the drinks, the chill yet lively atmosphere, and the reasonable prices. The ability to meet new people and the overall fun experience are also significant draws. On the flip side, some students may find that it can get busy, especially during peak times, which might detract from the laid-back vibe some are looking for. Additionally, while the music is generally well-received, individual tastes may vary, and not everyone might enjoy the music selection on a given night.

In summary, The Black Lion is a vibrant and welcoming venue that suits students looking for a fun night out with friends. Its combination of good drinks, a lively atmosphere, and a solid music selection makes it a top choice for many. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a lively social scene without the overwhelming noise that some bars can have. If you’re a student at the University of West London or nearby, The Black Lion is definitely worth checking out for your next night out.

For practical tips, it’s good to know that the venue has a relaxed dress code, so you can come as you are. To avoid longer waits, consider arriving earlier in the evening, especially on weekends. If you’re keen on enjoying the full experience, keep an eye on their social media for any special events or music nights that might be happening. Lastly, don’t forget to try out their craft beers and cocktails—they come highly recommended by fellow students! Overall, The Black Lion is a fantastic choice for students looking to enjoy a memorable night out in West London.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Chill yet lively atmosphere, perfect for social gatherings.
  • Good selection of reasonably priced drinks, including craft beers and cocktails.
  • Manageable queue, allowing for a smooth entry experience.
  • Consistently good music that enhances the night out.
  • Strong sense of community, making it easy to meet new people.
  • Highly rated for value, making it budget-friendly for students.
  • Great spot for creating memorable experiences with friends.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get busy during peak times, which may affect the relaxed vibe.
  • Music selection may not cater to everyone's tastes on all nights.
  • Some students may prefer a quieter atmosphere than what is typically found.
  • Limited food options may not satisfy everyone’s cravings.
  • Entry process may require tickets, which could be a hassle for some.
  • Occasional noise levels can be higher than expected during busy nights.

🎯 Best For

The type of student who enjoys a lively atmosphere and socializing with friends will most enjoy this venue.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is relaxed, so feel free to come as you are.
  • Arrive earlier on weekends to avoid longer queues.
  • Check their social media for special events or themed nights.
  • Don't miss out on trying their craft beers and cocktails for a great experience.
  • Tickets can be obtained through a 'Fever Rep' or the FIXR app for quick entry.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Black Lion like?

The Black Lion has a chill yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for social gatherings and a fun night out.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally manageable, allowing for a smooth entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, it is highly rated for value, with reasonable drink prices.

What music does The Black Lion play?

The music selection is generally good, creating an enjoyable backdrop for the night.

What is the crowd like?

The crowd is lively and friendly, making it easy to meet new people.

Reviews
1 of 17
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Go quite a lot, it's chilled and cheap. the music's decent and there's usually no long wait to get in . nice vibe with mates after a long week.
By user925071 on Apr 6th 2026
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Not the flashiest spot, but it works for a night out. drinks are cheap enough and the music isn’t too bad. the queues can be a bit long but the vibe is alright once you’re in. toilets are decent and the crowd seems friendly enough.
By user154936 on Mar 31st 2026
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Been a couple of times and it’s been decent. the music’s pretty good and drink prices are alright too. nice vibe, just what you need for a night out
By user220287 on Mar 30th 2026
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The black lion has a chill vibe and always good tunes playing. drinks are reasonably priced and the queue isn't usually too long. it's a solid spot for a fun night out with mates.
By user459711 on Mar 30th 2026
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Went here with mates and had a proper laugh, made some funny memories.
By user546452 on Mar 25th 2026
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Energy's just right, not too loud but still lively. people are just there to enjoy themselves.
By user337214 on Mar 20th 2026
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Would suggest it to anyone at uni. it’s got a good atmosphere and is always busy.
By user250021 on Mar 16th 2026
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Always such a fun place, definitely one of the best student spots.
By user378922 on Mar 11th 2026
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Each time feels like a little escape from the week. always something to look forward to.
By user224195 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Been a few times and it just hits differently every time, always feels like a proper student night out 😅
By user645216 on Feb 10th 2026
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Selection was solid and prices were alright. makes a nice change when you’re out.
By user949077 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Ended up there on a random night and it turned out to be one of the better experiences of the week. would go again
By user145478 on Jan 29th 2026
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Always end up having a great laugh here with friends.
By user685881 on Jan 24th 2026
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Met loads of new people every time i’ve been. not a bad spot to hang out.
By user569256 on Jan 20th 2026
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Place has a lively atmosphere which is cool. it’s a nice spot to hang out with friends.
By user811369 on Jan 15th 2026
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It's a solid place for student hangouts. you’ll see loads of people there just enjoying the night.
By user161434 on Jan 13th 2026
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By user995675 on Jan 13th 2026