HDO in Redbridge

On January 8th, shortly after 1 PM, I visited HDO Café with my 18-month-old son and my mother-in-law. We chose your space precisely because it advertises itself as welcoming to families, with toys, a play area, and an environment intended for parents and young children to feel at ease. My son was playing calmly and joyfully. He’s a loving, curious toddler — and, as children do, he approached a baby who was there with their mother, trying to interact. I immediately got up, spoke to my son gently, and guided him to respect the baby’s and mother’s space. I reminded him that he had already said hello and now needed to say goodbye. Throughout, I apologized repeatedly to the mother — who, I must say, was incredibly kind and understanding. She has four children and clearly recognised that my son was simply being a baby — not disruptive, not harmful, just learning. Despite this, a member of your staff — the café manager — approached me and whispered in my ear: “Maybe try giving him a snack so he walks away.” That comment was inappropriate, unnecessary, and left me deeply uncomfortable. Not just because of what was said — but because of how it was said. I was already handling the situation with care, and the other mother was calm and engaged in conversation with me. There was no distress. Only my child, being a child, and a mother guiding him with empathy. But there’s more. I am a Black mother, and my son is a Black child. The way we are perceived, approached, and corrected is different. Subtly, but painfully. That whisper carried a weight that I have felt before — one of quiet exclusion, of being “too much” even while doing everything right. I remained respectful. I picked up my son, hugged him, and whispered “sorry, I know”, to him — because I want him to grow up knowing that he is not wrong for existing with joy and curiosity. Then we left. Let me be clear: being polite does not mean I will remain silent. I will always stand up for my child and his right to be in spaces that claim to welcome families. Because walking out quietly does not mean that what happened was acceptable. If HDO Café truly intends to be a space for mothers and children, I urge you to reflect more deeply on what that means — especially for families who are not always seen or treated equally. We deserve better. Our children do, too.

Great place to have lunch. Very baby friendly lots of toys for them to play with. Would definitely recommend coming here.

My son had his 18th birthday at HDO Lounge tonight . Dani was brilliant for booking the party and full of good ideas and reassured us that he would have a good party ( he certainly did ) Alayna was so amazing , so kind and accommodating. She made sure my son was okay and nothing was too much trouble ❤️. Two Security guys were incredible and would check who were guests and it made us as parents feel safe , knowing they were all there . Well done Dani and HDO Lounge for an amazing memorable 18th birthday party. 🥳 ❤️🎉

Was the DJ for a Party at HDO Nice Party Venue in Woodford. In-Events Essex

HDO lounge was the perfect venue for my son’s first birthday party with a ‘wild one’ theme. Dani organised everything perfectly including connecting us to the soft play and decorations company and it surpassed my expectations! She even suggested and took gorgeous pictures of the birthday boy before the event began which are better than some we’ve had done professionally and she’s right, we would have forgotten once the party was as in full swing. Thank you ☺️ The venue has such a nice feel, they provide lots of suggestions and can meet any needs too. The staff were friendly and very helpful. It all led to an event that ran seamlessly and we were so happy with the celebration! We would definitely recommend to others and be back for future celebrations. Thank you HDO!

This is the 2nd party I've held in HDO, beautiful venue. Danielle and her staff are extremely helpful and professional. Will definitely book venue again

Amazing space with great outdoor space too. Very spacious too

Beautiful venue with stunning views. We had such a great time yesterday. Clean, well stocked bar and good vibes

Great place with friendly staff. Had been to a private party with food and music until 02:00am

Disgusting way to run a business, had this venue booked for 3 months and had been communicating with the host, the emails back and forth were unprofessional but blames this on being a new mum. The venue cancelled my booking 9 days before the event was due to take place, leaving me with no venue (this is supposed to be done regularly to guarantee a booking in case of a cancellation as said by other venues when frantically trying to book another venue) I was refunded my venue hire but no appreciation for how the event was ruined apart from an offer of a different date and a 'free bar and decorations' but knowing full well an event cannot be changed at such short notice.

Enquired on venue hire to be spoken to by a VERY rude Danielle. She sent me the prices of hire, to then be told it's not available on that date and to change my plans. Then blocked my number! How unprofessional.

Just want to say a big thank you to Hdo lounge for making Siya 1st birthday such a lovely day. The staff have been very professional and clearly know how to put together an event. The bar staff on the day I must say were very good and extremely efficient. The lounge area inside and outside is perfect for so many events and lots of our guest were impressed with the place. I definitely recommend this place 🙂

Lovely venue but drinks way over priced!

I had my daughters 1st birthday at HDO and the team and Danny could not have been any more accommodating. They were so helpful, and answered any question big or small and even helped me find softplay and decor so I could have the picture perfect birthday for my daughter! I would definitely have another event here again in the future!

Went there for a special friend's birthday had a lovely time, the place is lovely, would go there again, even hire it

Thank you for hosting our reception - a wake is never an easy event to get through, but you and your team made it a really special and memorable day. You consistently go above and beyond to deliver a first rate service. Excellent as always. Selena xx

Didn't get the chance to thank you. Just held the wake of a much loved cousin at the venue. Beautiful place, well set up and managed very, very well. Amazing service from the lovely hosts who were super helpful, very kind and incredibly caring. Big thanks from us. Everything went so, so smoothly at a time when we were not in the position to do so, for that, we are very grateful. A perfect venue for all kinds of celebrations, joyous and otherwise. Many, many thanks x

I went here for my nieces baby shower yesterday its a lovely venue the staff are friendly and helpful. If your looking for a venue to hold a private event go check it out you will not be disappointed

Great experience at HDO. Staff are really friendly and helpful. They answered all questions asked with a smile and the service was excellent. Big selction of beverages. The interior design was inviting and bright. Really spacious outdoor area with good seating arrangements and good scenery. I will be recommending to family and friends.

Excellent, nice venue and really nice staff

Uni party where the family provided food but not drinks. The bar worked out very expensive but the ladies were lovely I don't know who provided the DJ

A great private party venue. Staff are brilliant

Such a cute little venue, we celebrated a lovely birthday shower here. Staff were great too, would definitely use again!

A very nice venue, lovely outside area. The bar people were were friendly.

I would like to thank the staff of HDO Lounge for their exceptional service last night where I held my daughters 21st birthday party. I would like to recommend this venue to anyone looking for a medium size venue with helpful and pleasant staff namely Nicola and Zara

Nice venue. Great for birthdays/small functions. Good outdoor space

Nice venue with a lovely view from the patio/ decking area. Staff were friendly too

Nice venue. Attended for private Birthday celebrations. Outdoor space for shisha and food.

Set up catering here over the weekend. The staff were very helpful. Curtis Caribbean

Went out today here for coffe with kids, arrived and didnt think it was open. We went in and there was only soft play no tots as such for kids. This was not what i remembered it being like. Things were being tidyed when we werent finished. Not the usual nice feel. Went into the toikets ans they weren't clean either.

Excellent birthday party. Danni and her staff really, really good. Recommend unreservedly

Fantastic venue, fabulous staff. Absolutely brilliant place to have a party etc. It's just the right size, with great ambience. Spoke to the manager, I'd definitely recommend and will be booking. Congratulations Danielle 👏🏽

Fantastic place with amazing staff!! Couldn't fault it

Great hosting, quality selection of drinks. A great night had by all

Great night,music was good,singer fantastic

Great location and lovely atmosphere. Weekdays parent and child cafe is great. Staff is super friendly and easy going. Food is ok and child friendly.

Great space. I enjoy djing here. Every thing is close. Keeps the vibe going.

Lovely staff and great environment to bring babies :) also very nice coffee!

Great place to bring your children. Plenty of things for babies and my toddler could run around without any hazards being in her way. Food and drink are reasonable and there's loads of things for kids. Great place to go!

Loved the location for mummy and baby meet ups

What an amazing place. It's clean, has tons of space for babies and toddlers to do their thing, it's friendly to nursing mamas, the staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, and the food is fantastic and reasonably priced. We went for a coffee meetup with friends and it was phenomenal. I can't wait to go back!!

Just seems a bar for parties etc

Attended for a baby shower, good venue would like to come back in the summer.

A Wonderful venue. Staff and Manger are extremely friendly, helpful and at the same time professional. Thank You One and All at HDO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We planned a surprise birthday in August private hire. The owner Danielle was friendly and professional. Also the bar staff were some of the best I’ve worked with regular communication friendly but professional. We also provided food at the venue. I would highly Recommend HDO Woodford. I have no complaints it was a great experience. I will be working with HDO again soon. Thanks guys

Lovely venue to hold a private function

I was interested in booking this venue for my 21st and attempted to contact them multiple times for their availability. I have just had a response (13th June 18) to an email query that I sent off in December 2017. I have had no calls or replies to my texts at all. I strongly suggest that the venue employ an events team that actually know what they’re doing.

Lovely intimate venue for private functions.

if your going to a private event hold it at HDO

The venue is great for intimate private parties. I attended on a lovely summer evening so it was warm enough to sit and drink in the outside space when inside got too hot. There was space for our own catering and for the cake cutting ceremony. There is also adequate space for dancing too. Parking is not great but you should find spaces on the high road.

Rip off drinks expect central prices

Good space for Children's parties . They have outside space too. L Shaped room .

Good Venue, lots of space outside when inside gets busy. Was a private party so no comment on a public night..

Lovely layout, very well situated friendly staff.

Well what an experience! Hired the venue for my mum and dads surprise party. Initially after booking, took a long time to get in contact with the owner again to organise. Prepaid £600 on the bar with a strict list of things to be included. At the end realised they were putting through bottles of water rather than requested tap water, coffees for £4, bottles of prosecco and doubles of drinks rather than the requested singles. The owner disappeared after about an hour even though she said she would be there all night. Was just abit of a distaster! Also the staff tried to charge £170 service charge. Disappointed really. I was specific with what I wanted and yet felt abit fleeced. Ended up being about £900, which I wouldn't have minded paying as long it was stuff on the list of stuff I asked for!!

Nice venue with friendly staff. Cocktails are good (although a bit overpriced). Parking is tricky, as it's on a high road.

Despite the reviews I went there and couldn't believe its closed. Do not waste your time its always closed . Ignore the opening times .

Great vibe and also do great shisha!

Nettes Ambiente, gute Shishas und tolle Getränke Auswahl. Besonders im Sommer Dank der Großen Terrasse empfehlenswert.

Funny place most of the time closed