The Red Lion, London – 43 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

The Red Lion -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 43 user ratings

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13 St Mary's Rd, London W5 5RA, United Kingdom

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00β€―PM, Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00β€―PM, Thursday: 12:00 – 11:30β€―PM, Friday: 12:00β€―PM – 12:00β€―AM, Saturday: 12:00β€―PM – 12:00β€―AM, Sunday: 12:00β€―PM – 10:00β€―PM

πŸ’¬ What Students Say

The Red Lion, located at 13 St Mary's Rd, London, is a classic old-school pub that has become a favorite spot for students from the University of West London. This venue is well-known for its wooden booth seating, outdoor tables, and a selection of real ales on tap, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Whether you're looking for a chill night out or a place to dance, The Red Lion has something for everyone, making it a versatile choice for students seeking a good time.

The atmosphere at The Red Lion is consistently described as lively and friendly. Students often mention that the vibe is upbeat, making it a great place to unwind after lectures or to kick off a night out with friends. The energy in the pub is palpable, with many reviews highlighting how it feels like a hub of activity. Even on quieter nights, the ambiance remains enjoyable, allowing for relaxed conversations and laughter among friends. The pub's welcoming nature ensures that everyone feels comfortable, regardless of whether they are regulars or first-time visitors.

Music plays a significant role in the experience at The Red Lion. Many students appreciate the quality of the tunes, with a good mix that keeps the crowd engaged. The DJ is often praised for their ability to keep the energy high, ensuring that students can dance the night away. While some nights may be better than others in terms of music selection, the overall consensus is that the soundtracks contribute positively to the atmosphere. This makes The Red Lion an excellent choice for those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene.

When it comes to drinks, The Red Lion is generally considered affordable, especially for a student night out. While it may not be the cheapest option available, many patrons feel that the prices are reasonable given the overall experience. Students frequently mention that they appreciate the drink selection and the quality of the beverages served. Despite some comments about the value being lower than expected, the affordability and quality of the drinks make it a popular choice among students looking to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.

The queue and entry experience at The Red Lion also receive positive feedback. With a high rating for queue management, students often find that they can get in without too much hassle. Many reviews highlight the efficiency of the entry process, making it easy to start the night without long waits. This is particularly appreciated during busier nights, where the lively atmosphere is complemented by smooth entry, allowing guests to dive right into the fun.

Students often share their experiences at The Red Lion, and the reviews reveal a common theme of enjoyable nights filled with laughter and good company. Many patrons mention that every visit becomes a memorable story, thanks to the friendly crowd and upbeat atmosphere. The pub's ability to foster a sense of community among students is frequently noted, making it a reliable spot for those looking to socialize and meet new people. While some reviews suggest that it may not be the most exciting venue in town, the consistent quality and friendly vibe make it a dependable choice for a night out.

The Red Lion seems to suit a wide range of students, particularly those looking for a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. It's ideal for those who enjoy mingling with friends in a lively setting without the pressure of high expectations. Whether you're in the mood for a chill night or ready to dance, The Red Lion provides a comfortable space for both experiences. The mix of people, from students to locals, adds to the charm and diversity of the venue, ensuring that there's always something happening.

In terms of strengths, The Red Lion excels in creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, providing quality music, and maintaining a clean environment. The consistent positive reviews about the staff's friendliness and the overall vibe contribute to its reputation as a go-to spot for students. On the flip side, some areas could use improvement. For instance, while the drinks are reasonably priced, there are comments about the overall value being lower than expected. Additionally, during peak times, the pub can become quite packed, which may detract from the relaxed atmosphere that many students enjoy.

In conclusion, The Red Lion stands out as a solid choice for students at the University of West London. It combines a lively atmosphere with good music and affordable drinks, making it a great venue for socializing and enjoying a night out. While it may not be the most unique spot in the area, its reliability and welcoming nature make it a beloved destination for students looking to unwind and have fun with friends. Whether you're stopping by for a quick drink or planning a full night out, The Red Lion is sure to deliver a memorable experience.
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βœ… What Students Love

  • Lively and friendly atmosphere that makes you feel at home.
  • Good quality music that keeps the energy high.
  • Affordable drinks that appeal to students.
  • Efficient entry process with minimal queuing.
  • Clean environment, including well-maintained facilities.
  • A fun mix of people, fostering a sense of community.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Value for drinks may not be the best compared to other venues.
  • Can get crowded during peak times, affecting the relaxed vibe.
  • Some students feel it lacks excitement on certain nights.
  • Not the cheapest option available for a night out.
  • Occasional inconsistency in music quality across different nights.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed yet lively pub experience.

πŸ’‘ Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, making it easy to drop by after classes.
  • Consider arriving early on busy nights to avoid long queues.
  • Prices are reasonable, but may vary depending on the night.
  • Expect a mix of music styles, with a focus on dance-friendly tunes.
  • The pub has a friendly smoking area for those who smoke.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Red Lion like?

The Red Lion is a lively pub with a friendly atmosphere, good music, and affordable drinks, making it a popular spot for students.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally short, with efficient entry and minimal waiting times, especially on quieter nights.

Is it good value?

While drinks are reasonably priced, some students feel the overall value could be better compared to other venues.

What music does The Red Lion play?

The music is typically dance-friendly, with a good mix that keeps the crowd engaged and entertained.

Is it a good place for a chill night out?

Yes, The Red Lion offers a relaxed atmosphere, making it suitable for low-key nights with friends.

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Reviews
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The red lion is the kind of place you hit up when you're not sure where else to go. drinks are reasonably priced and the vibe is always lively. the music keeps you dancing, making it a regular spot for a good night out.
By user970718 on Mar 30th 2026
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Stumbling into The Red Lion with my mate last week was a solid decision. The atmosphere was buzzing, and the DJ was on fire; we ended up dancing for hours to some great tunes. Drinks were reasonably priced too, and I appreciated how clean everything was, even the toilets β€” a rare find on a student night out!
By user171273 on Mar 26th 2026
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Not perfect but i'd choose it again. there's always some chaos but it's fun in a good way
By user683983 on Mar 23rd 2026
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Not the most exciting spot but it works for a chill night out. decent atmosphere, easy going, you know what to expect.
By user228536 on Mar 18th 2026
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The atmosphere is always friendly and upbeat, makes you feel right at home.
By user856167 on Mar 13th 2026
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The atmosphere was lively and there was always something happening. didn't have to worry about things being boring.
By user595625 on Mar 9th 2026
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Such a good laugh, everyone was just there for a good time!
By user841377 on Mar 8th 2026
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The music's usually good and the crowd's pretty chill. some nights are just better than others, ya know?
By user952702 on Mar 7th 2026
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Place was really affordable and had a lively atmosphere. it felt safe and everyone seemed to be having a good time.
By user110079 on Mar 6th 2026
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Not the most exciting spot but it gets the job done. same energy every time, you know what to expect.
By user149750 on Mar 5th 2026
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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user602536 on Mar 4th 2026
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Always a laugh β€” every visit ends up a story.
By user958113 on Feb 26th 2026
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Staff were really friendly and the crowd was cool. felt relaxed hanging out there.
By user941937 on Feb 12th 2026
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Good mix of people and the music was top quality.
By user595031 on Feb 5th 2026
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Crowd's always lively and the tunes are solid. it's a place where you can feel the energy right from the start.
By user735275 on Jan 30th 2026
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There's a cool energy all around, makes the place feel lively. never felt out of place there
By user155451 on Jan 26th 2026
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Couldn't ask for more β€” always a good night.
By user966037 on Jan 21st 2026
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Staff were friendly and the music was always good. it had a nice energy without being overwhelming.
By user566568 on Jan 17th 2026
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The place had a fun mix of people. lots of laughs and good memories were made.
By user509028 on Jan 13th 2026
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Went there for a low-key night and it was pretty chill. not too packed so it was easy to enjoy myself.
By user590608 on Jan 10th 2026
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Not the cheapest option but it’s what you’d expect from a solid student night. wouldn’t want it any other way really.
By user424053 on Jan 6th 2026
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It had a good energy but still felt relaxed enough to hang out. not a big deal overall.
By user161951 on Jan 2nd 2026
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Music's always good and the crowd's chill, just a bunch of people enjoying themselves.
By user719831 on Dec 29th 2025
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Always a relaxed atmosphere which makes it chill. never felt out of place there
By user459697 on Dec 25th 2025
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Atmosphere is spot on for unwinding after lectures. it's just the place to kick back and relax.
By user816868 on Dec 20th 2025
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You can just relax and have fun, no stress at all.
By user611133 on Dec 16th 2025
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The red lion surprises me every time. it has a local feel that makes it more enjoyable than other places.
By user626390 on Dec 12th 2025
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Couldn’t ask for more β€” had an awesome night.
By user679406 on Dec 5th 2025
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The place just has that student buzz about it. ⚑️
By user693028 on Dec 1st 2025
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Not the most relaxed when it’s packed, but it still feels safe and comfy as you enjoy the night.
By user145381 on Nov 27th 2025
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Cheap drinks and a lively crowd make it a good spot to hang out. that's what you want in a night out.
By user134821 on Nov 22nd 2025
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Music's really good all night, you just wanna keep moving. no weird switches that ruin the flow
By user557791 on Nov 16th 2025
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Good value drinks and a lively crowd, perfect for students.
By user926619 on Nov 9th 2025
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Always such a fun place, definitely one of the best student spots.
By user815034 on Nov 2nd 2025
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Couldn’t stop laughing all night – pure fun from start to finish!
By user909693 on Oct 28th 2025
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One of those nights that just gets better every hour!
By user514048 on Oct 24th 2025
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A good mix of people makes it a spot worth hitting up. you're not just surrounded by the same crowd every time.
By user293291 on Oct 21st 2025
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End up meeting new people every time, which is nice. it's a good spot for making friends.
By user917969 on Oct 18th 2025
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One of the highlights of student life – great place to go.
By user922332 on Oct 14th 2025
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Always end up having a great laugh here with friends.
By user495562 on Oct 11th 2025
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Affordable drinks make it easy to enjoy a night out. the crowd is always varied, so it’s never boring.
By user206440 on Oct 6th 2025
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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By user129262 on Sep 30th 2025
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Great night out, music was spot on and the vibe was brilliant.
By user617763 on Sep 25th 2025
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Not perfect but i'd choose it again. great for hanging out with friends and making some memories.
By user443869 on Sep 19th 2025
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Location’s really good and the crowd's always lively. after a while, it feels like a second home.
By user412624 on Sep 13th 2025