The Black Lion, London – 21 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Black Lion -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 21 user ratings

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

💬 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 21
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Smoking
Music's often cranked up so loud that it's hard to have a proper chat without shouting. not ideal when you're just trying to catch up with a friend over a pint and have some laid-back conversation.
By user651976 on Apr 20th 2026
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Staff are always chatty and the service feels welcoming even when busy.
By user602640 on Apr 14th 2026
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Mates and i found plenty of space to chill out and chat, which is rare in a packed pub. drinks didn't cost a fortune either, so it was easy to actually enjoy the night without stress about overspending.
By user283570 on Apr 11th 2026
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Staff at the black lion are just as memorable as the place itself. they've got this knack for making everyone feel welcome without being overbearing, which really sets a laid-back vibe. it's like they know exactly when you need a top-up or a chat and when you'd rather just relax with your thoughts 📚.
By user320419 on Apr 10th 2026
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Usually swing by the black lion after afternoon lectures. it's great for unwinding with classmates since there's plenty of space to spread out and talk. prices are student-friendly, so you don't feel guilty about grabbing a pint or two while catching up.
By user925071 on Apr 6th 2026
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People watching while sipping a pint here is a solid evening. crowd's a nice mix and staff don't let things get messy, which is always a win.
By user154936 on Mar 31st 2026
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Walking into The Black Lion, there's this familiar warmth that immediately puts you at ease, like you've just entered a friendly neighbourhood hub. it's got that perfect blend of buzz and chill where you can chat without shouting, making it an ideal spot when you're just in the mood to unwind a bit.
By user220287 on Mar 30th 2026
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Usually hit up other pubs around West London, but the Black Lion is my new favourite for its chill atmosphere. way better drinks selection than most places nearby, plus the staff actually remember your face after a few visits. think I might have found my go-to spot now.
By user459711 on Mar 30th 2026
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Walking into The Black Lion, you immediately notice how it's got that perfect blend of chill and lively, which isn't easy to find. Loads of students flock here for the social scene because it's not just about grabbing a drink, but actually connecting with people from all over. Definitely stands out from other local spots because you can just be yourself without feeling out of place.
By user546452 on Mar 25th 2026
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Definitely took me a few visits to appreciate the Black Lion, but now it's a go-to spot for a relaxed evening. the spaciousness really helps when you just want to have a chat without being squished 😅. it's a bit of a trek from some places, but worth it once you settle in with friends.
By user337214 on Mar 20th 2026
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Ambient lighting really sets a chill tone and the prices are fair.
By user250021 on Mar 16th 2026
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Music's decent here but sometimes it clashes with the vibe you’re expecting. last weekend felt like i was at a club instead of a chill pub. i reckon they'd benefit from mixing up the playlists according to the crowd.
By user378922 on Mar 11th 2026
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Was surprised by just how roomy it felt inside the black lion. i expected a cramped pub but found plenty of space to move around, even on busier nights. makes it easier to hang out with mates without feeling like sardines in a tin.
By user224195 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Usually swing by The Black Lion after lectures, and it's sort of become a weekly ritual that me and my mates look forward to. it’s got this relaxed buzz which makes unwinding feel effortless, plus there’s always enough space for our usual crew without having to squish between strangers.
By user645216 on Feb 10th 2026
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Gravitated toward the black lion more and more as the term went on. at first, it was just a spot to meet up, but its laid-back vibe kind of pulled me in. suddenly, it became the default place to unwind after lectures and the friendly buzz felt like home.
By user949077 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Staff here are quite laid-back, but always seem to know when to check in without being pushy. it makes hanging out feel so easy and relaxed. getting your food or drink never seems to take long at all, even when it's bustling.
By user145478 on Jan 29th 2026
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What sets The Black Lion apart is how it effortlessly combines a classic pub feel with trendy touches, making it a hit among both locals and students. the mix of people creates a lively atmosphere without feeling overwhelming, which is pretty rare around here.
By user685881 on Jan 24th 2026
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You walk in, and there's this perfect hum of chatter mixed with laughter, just when the weekend energy peaks.
By user569256 on Jan 20th 2026
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Felt like i could just unwind without a fuss. the crowd was a good mix of relaxed folks and students looking for laughs 😅
By user811369 on Jan 15th 2026
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Noticed this little nook by the window that's perfect for people watching while you sip your drink. it's a bit more tucked away from the bustle, giving it a nice relaxed vibe. you wouldn't expect such quiet corners in a pub that's usually so lively with students.
By user161434 on Jan 13th 2026
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By user995675 on Jan 13th 2026