The Red Lion, London – 47 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

The Red Lion -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 47 user ratings

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

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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Remember sitting outside under fairy lights, sipping a pint and chatting with my friends. everyone seemed to be on the same wavelength, enjoying the night without a care in the world 🌟
By user349115 on Apr 23rd 2026
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Popped by for a quick pint with some classmates and ended up staying much longer than planned. the staff are genuinely nice, and there's something about the wooden booths that just makes catching up more enjoyable. feels like a proper pub experience
By user940651 on Apr 18th 2026
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People watching here is top-notch, especially with all the uni students mingling about and sharing stories over pints. found myself chatting with folks I’d never met before, which made the night unexpectedly social and a bit more memorable πŸ˜…
By user329540 on Apr 13th 2026
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Grab a seat at the wooden booths if you can, they’re cozy and perfect for a chat. sometimes it gets crowded, so heading there earlier helps. decent ales on tap.
By user874853 on Apr 9th 2026
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Drinks are what you'd expect in london but they're definitely affordable at the red lion, and the crowd is always lively. it's the kind of pub where you can easily spend a whole evening chatting away. music's always a decent mix, and you never feel awkward joining in for a bit of a bop.
By user970718 on Mar 30th 2026
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Thought it'd be an old-school pub with a quiet, laid-back vibe, but it was surprisingly lively when I visited. music was pumping and the crowd was having a blast, which was a pleasant surprise. drinks were decently priced, and it was great to find a place where everything felt well-maintained, especially the bathrooms.
By user171273 on Mar 26th 2026
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Sat with some mates at the wooden booths and we got into this hilarious debate about the best sci-fi movies. the place was filled with this lively buzz that made the night more memorable. bartenders were chill too, adding to the laid-back vibe.
By user683983 on Mar 23rd 2026
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Always end up here on wednesdays catching up on reading, there's usually a corner free.
By user228536 on Mar 18th 2026
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Staff are generally nice but sometimes they get overwhelmed, especially on weekends, which leads to long waits for a pint. would be great if they could get some extra hands to manage the busy times better.
By user856167 on Mar 13th 2026
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Lots of students from the university of west london gather here, which makes for quite a lively atmosphere. everyone's pretty relaxed, and it's easy to strike up a conversation if you're in the mood. feels like a close-knit community despite being a bustling spot.
By user595625 on Mar 9th 2026
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Ended up here more times than i expected, just felt naturally welcoming each visit. regulars and students blend in nicely, creating a laid-back vibe.
By user841377 on Mar 8th 2026
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Atmosphere is just right and you can always count on the people here to have a good laugh. feels like everyone’s on the same wavelength without any pretentiousness.
By user952702 on Mar 7th 2026
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Stepping into the red lion feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, familiar blanket. you instantly sense the comforting buzz of conversation all around and any stress seems to vanish. it's one of those rare spots where you feel at ease right away, like you've stumbled upon a second home.
By user110079 on Mar 6th 2026
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Didn’t expect the outdoor tables to be so bustling even on a weekday afternoon. folks of all ages just chatting away over some pints, really chilled vibe
By user149750 on Mar 5th 2026
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Stepping into The Red Lion for the first time, it was surprising how spacious it felt despite being an older building. something about the mix of students and locals gives it an unexpectedly lively vibe.
By user602536 on Mar 4th 2026
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Seems like everyone just fits in perfectly around those wooden booths. loads of students chatting away but mixed with some older regulars, which keeps things interesting.
By user958113 on Feb 26th 2026
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Trying out The Red Lion over the weeks, it grows on you with its cozy seating and relaxed vibe. the ales on tap do wonders after intense study sessions, making it a regular weekend destination.
By user941937 on Feb 12th 2026
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Really wish they'd update their food menu a bit more often. it's a bit limited for a regular, especially if you're here with friends who enjoy coming every few weeks πŸ˜…. i'll still drop by for the ales, but it'd be nice to have more variety to choose from once in a while.
By user595031 on Feb 5th 2026
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Walked in expecting just another pub but ended up spending hours chatting over the outdoor tables. i didn't realise how much i'd appreciate the variety of ales and the easygoing vibe, especially after a hectic week of lectures. definitely feels like a spot to unwind and connect with people from uni.
By user735275 on Jan 30th 2026
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Walking in during quiz night was a treat, everyone's buzzing and there's this genuine warmth you don't find everywhere. felt like a proper community hub where folks actually talk to each other, not just stare at their phones.
By user155451 on Jan 26th 2026
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Bumped into a few mates from uni at The Red Lion and that made all the difference. with its wooden booths and relaxed vibe, it's a spot where you can just chat and chill without feeling rushed πŸ˜…
By user966037 on Jan 21st 2026
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Staff at the red lion always make you feel like you're at your local, even if you're just popping in for the first time. they remember your usual order quicker than you’d expect and throw in a bit of friendly banter. makes it feel a bit less like london and more like a village pub in the best way.
By user566568 on Jan 17th 2026
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Would absolutely come back to the red lion because it just feels like one of those spots where everyone's relaxed and having a good time. it's got this charm and friendliness that makes you want to hang out longer. definitely one of those places that sticks in your memory for all the right reasons.
By user509028 on Jan 13th 2026
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Stepping into the red lion felt like a comfy hug after a busy day at uni. the mix of warm lighting and chatter set a laid-back tone. i could instantly tell this is a place where people just come to relax and unwind.
By user590608 on Jan 10th 2026
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Catch it on a lively evening and it's like the whole place is buzzing with energy 🎡. it's noisy in the best way, you sort of get swept up in it all and for a moment, forget exams even exist.
By user424053 on Jan 6th 2026
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Stepping into The Red Lion felt like hitting pause on the hustle. warm, inviting vibes hit as soon as you cross the threshold, and you kinda just want to sink into a booth and forget about everything. the friendly mix of students and locals chatting around makes it feel more like a chilled hangout than just a regular pub.
By user161951 on Jan 2nd 2026
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Felt right at home as soon as i walked in. the friendly chatter and familiar smell of aged wood made it comforting, like slipping back into an old favourite jumper πŸ˜…
By user719831 on Dec 29th 2025
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Walking into the red lion, you get hit with that comforting pub smell that just feels like home πŸ˜…. the cozy nook with wooden booths made it the perfect spot to catch up with mates and just unwind from uni stress.
By user459697 on Dec 25th 2025
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Was pleasantly surprised to find a massive outdoor area perfect for soaking up the sun with classmates
By user816868 on Dec 20th 2025
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Always loved the laid-back vibes and those wooden booths where you can chat without rushing.
By user611133 on Dec 16th 2025
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Stepping into the red lion feels a bit like walking back in time. the pub's atmosphere is laid-back but lively, with a genuine charm that somehow just loosens you up as you find a seat. i think it's partly the warm lighting and partly the friendly conversations all around that make you feel at home 🏠, more than you expected to.
By user626390 on Dec 12th 2025
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Would definitely go back to the red lion just for the atmosphere. it’s laid-back and the booths are perfect for a casual catch-up with uni mates.
By user679406 on Dec 5th 2025
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Noticed how the bartenders remember regulars' names, which gives it a nice personal touch. adds to why it feels like more than just another pub, especially when you've been coming for a while
By user693028 on Dec 1st 2025
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Sitting in one of the wooden booths at The Red Lion, you truly feel a sense of warmth, like you're tucked away from the chaotic bustle outside. it somehow manages to wrap you in comfort whether you're catching up with friends or just enjoying some time on your own.
By user145381 on Nov 27th 2025
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Staff here are awesome, always up for a laugh and know their stuff about ales. makes grabbing a pint feel like hanging out with old mates 😊
By user134821 on Nov 22nd 2025
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Honestly, the wooden booths are the perfect spot to chat with mates when you want to hide away from the usual pub crowd. you'll probably end up sitting there much longer than planned, just losing track of time.
By user557791 on Nov 16th 2025
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Staff at The Red Lion are honestly such legends. they make you feel like a regular from the moment you walk in, even though you might be just another uni student needing a break from studies. their sense of humor and down-to-earth vibe really adds to the place, making it that much more inviting.
By user926619 on Nov 9th 2025
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Thought it'd be just another pub, but the charm of the red lion really surprised me. the old-school vibe with real ales made it feel authentic, and i didn’t expect such a chill atmosphere. great place for catching up after lectures.
By user815034 on Nov 2nd 2025
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Came for the real ales, stayed for the unexpected live music session in the corner. the atmosphere was electric and it turned a normal evening into something way more memorable than i planned.
By user909693 on Oct 28th 2025
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Caught a glimpse of the pub at its liveliest on a Friday evening. everyone seemed caught up in their own conversations, yet somehow it felt like a shared community moment.
By user514048 on Oct 24th 2025
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Evenings at the red lion are something special with the chatter of students and locals mingling over pints. you feel this warm sense of community as conversations flow across the wooden booths and out to the tables outside.
By user293291 on Oct 21st 2025
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Weekends here have this unbeatable vibe where even if you come alone, you somehow end up chatting with folks from your seminar group or making unexpected mates
By user917969 on Oct 18th 2025
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On a sunny afternoon, those outdoor tables at the red lion are prime for soaking up rays with friends and an ale in hand.
By user922332 on Oct 14th 2025
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Absolutely love the outdoor tables at the red lion. when the weather's decent, it's my go-to spot to chill with mates after morning training sessions. nothing like enjoying a pint in the open air before heading back to hit the books.
By user495562 on Oct 11th 2025
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Grab a wooden booth at the red lion for a laidback evening with affordable pints and conversational buzz throughout.
By user206440 on Oct 6th 2025
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Red lion’s got this laidback vibe that the other pubs just don't match. whether you're chilling inside or grabbing a spot outside, it's got great energy without feeling overcrowded and that balance gives it an edge over the others.
By user129262 on Sep 30th 2025
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Spent more than a few evenings here and over time, it's really grown on me. there's something comforting and familiar about grabbing a booth with mates and enjoying one of their ales.
By user617763 on Sep 25th 2025
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Totally didn’t expect the quiz night to be so entertaining at all. it draws a nice crowd without feeling packed and the mix of questions keeps things lively. really cool way to hang out and feel part of the local scene.
By user443869 on Sep 19th 2025
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Sat outside on one of the rare sunny london afternoons and watched as people came and went, making for some interesting people-watching while i sipped on their ales.
By user412624 on Sep 13th 2025