Lounge Bohemia in Hackney

Turned up late on a Sunday on the off chance there would be space. When we got in the bar there were about five tables free. We asked if we could have a drink and were told, “I’ll see what I can do”. Then told, I want to inform you, “we are cash only today”…what? What on earth was she on about? Clearly wasn’t true and when we said we had no cash, she just shrugged. This isn’t a serious business. Can’t be bothered with jokers running an establishment in a city that has so much competition for your custom.

Amazing experience. Servers were amazing and every drink we had was delicious. You need a booking. We will definately return.

A true Michelin star cocktail experience. Extremely cozy and relaxed atmosphere where you can deep dive into carefully crafted cocktails and unique tasting menus that take you on a journey through flavour and texture. Impressive storytelling behind every beverage paired with a creative presentation. Great snacks to go with your drinks as well. Definitely looking forward to visiting again! 10/10

I had the pleasure of experiencing an exquisite speakeasy with funky and quirky twists on their cocktails. I opted for the tasting menu, specifically the ‘naughty childhood’. Marra did an excellent job explaining each concoction to us and was patient enough to accommodate all of our allergies, and trust me, there were quite a few! Anyway, I highly recommend this speakeasy.

Lovely bar, interesting cocktails and nice interior.

My new favourite place We came here over the weekend for my friends birthday and honestly the experience was everything. Really lovely owner too. Highly recommend coming here !

Great cocktails, each with its own story, making them unique. Courteous staff and an intimate atmosphere.

Best Cocktails in city. Great service small and cozy. Will definitely visit next time.

Quirky, understated, unique and brilliant. The staff here are exceptionally knowledgeable and passionated about the cocktails on offer. It’s obvious they all have pride in their menu and rightly so. Every cocktail is unique and interesting, and I genuinely can’t wait to come back here. Be prepared to try something new. It’s not the kind of play to order a porn star martini.

Wonderful place to entertain guests or have a date in. Definitely a wonderful experience which never disappoints, amazing concept with really unique drinks. Service is as always a 10/10.

I was here at the end of February. I found this place on Instagram and I was fascinated by it but reading the various reviews I was a little doubtful. However, although my English is not perfect I immediately found myself at ease. It is mandatory to book a table, I booked it the previous evening and I had no problem finding a place for the following evening. You can get there easily by public transport, in my case I arrived by bus which took me just a few steps away from the venue. To access it you need to pay a little attention as it is accessed from a small door adjacent to a kebab. On the other hand, those who know the concept of speakeasy can only be fascinated by the attention to detail. Let's move on to the salient part: the cocktails. You can choose between various courses made up of 5 drinks with molecular preparations so you shouldn't expect liquid drinks but rather drinks that you "eat" in different consistencies thus creating an all-round sensorial experience. In addition to this, there is also the possibility of choosing just one drink in which only the flavors inside are specified and not the ingredients so you have to completely rely on it (I tried a very particular one). The service was excellent, the girl who served us was really kind and accurate in telling us the history of the drinks in a simple and clear way. Finally, the environment is fantastic, with attention to the smallest details with furnishing objects that immediately take you back to the prohibition era without taking away the taste of modern design. The price is correct for how much you drink and for the preparations that are made on the cocktails. I will definitely be back!

Frequented this place multiple times throughout 3-4 years and it never disappoints. Always an extraordinary experience.

The owner was gloriously rude and unfunny (part of the experience apparently) and it was with the most wonderful pleasure that I told him he was unwell. The toilet is nice and was the only penny I spent.

Great vibe and wonderful service. The cocktails are wonderful and everything feels like an experience. The atmosphere of the place was really cool and smooth.

So grateful for this recommendation. It was our highlight of a fab trip to London - the drinks were mind blowing and the experience was one we won't forget.

Called to place a booking. The man who answered the phone was incredibly rude, i knew there was a high likelihood of not getting a booking so last minute, however he was very sarcastic and plain rude. I also must’ve called after opening hours, and he complained about how i ‘woke him up’ and expected an apology?? Completely has put me off from ever going to this bar in the future.

LOVED MY EXPERIENCE AND DRINKS HERE-100% recommend it

Drinks mediocre, customer service terrible. Dare they charge 15% service charge

In an alternate universe, Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory would be based on the genius of the drink designs here. A trip to London will never seem complete without a visit to Lounge Bohemia!

Regrettably, we won't be returning to this cocktail bar. The discourteous treatment at the door made us reconsider our visit. Think twice before choosing this place for your evening out, you will find better places. We know it’s appointment only, the thing is that the manager at the door is just very unpolite and rude. Worst experience.

Muy mala experiencia, queríamos probar los cocktails y la persona que nos ha recibido ha sido muy desagradable, mejor ir a cualquier otro sitio de por la zona.

This is hands down the best bar in London. Amazing ambience, service and menu. I tried no less than two tasting menus; the gourmet and nature. Gourmet was umami based and nature whisky based. I’m very fuzzy when it comes to drinks. This place blew me away. (And I’m not one to compliment if I don’t mean it.)

If you love cocktails and you enjoy attention to detail with a unique experience, don't delay book today! Definitely order the jelly babies.

Interesting cocktail menu, however a quarrel about gin, vodka, whiskey etc. being allegedly suitable for coeliacs spoiled my whole impression, the owner ended the disagreement up with me having ‘coeliacs intolerance towards certain alcohols in my head only’ and offered me 3 cocktails based on tequila. I’d expect more decent and respectful behaviour towards customers.

Thanks for turning us away from spending money here because we haven't booked, even though the place was half empty. It used to be one of my favourite cocktail bars in London, but I guess things have changed, and not for the best.

Earnestly waiting till I visit when I'm back in London! Lounge Bohemia truly crafts an eclectic experience. The cocktails pack a punch — artistic, balanced and delectable — and there's a creative aspect and story to these cocktails which can be whimsically explained by Paul.

The main bar tender (owner?) needs to work on his communication skills. I get the impression he thinks he’s humorous, but he’s rude. We did enjoy the interior design and modernist furniture. That’s about it. Sharry!

incredible experience, thank you!

This place is amazing for a cocktail experience. My biggest suggestion going into this, is if you do the tasting menu don't expect drinks, expect an experience. We both did a tasting menu which was 5 cocktails but all made through molecular gastronomy such that the cocktails weren't always necessarily liquids. Sometimes it was an ice ball or jelly or semi-solid. Basically the whole time you are being introduced to alcohol and flavours in a range of textures. Paul, the owner, is fantastic. He spent so much time with us, explaining the intricacies and how they came to make these concoctions. You can tell be has a real love and passion for his work. The menu is constantly rotating so it makes for a new experience each and every time. I can't recommend this place enough, and while it is a spot frequented by locals, it should be getting more attention than it does in the cocktail industry.

Big fan of Lounge Bohemia for many and many years, always amazing experience, do make an appointment 😌

Beautiful bar situated in mid century modern decor. Dedication to good cocktail making is 2nd to none. Low ratings are due to people not reading the instructions.

Cool bar with experimental cocktails in a 70s vibe.

Loved it! Took my hubby here as a birthday surprise while visiting London. We each ordered a tasting menu (West Meets East and Cocktail History). I've never had any cocktail prepared with such imagination and gastro-molecular skill! We enjoyed speaking with the owner, Paul, as much as we enjoyed savoring our cocktail creations. So fun!

We ordered the tasting menus, it was a whole experience. The story telling for each drink was captivating, and it went very well with the ambiance of the place. You just don’t know what to expect. I highly recommend!

It is quite a marvelous experience! Paul and his team have created something unique and special. The concept is refreshing and showcases the eclectic nature of the lounge with lots of creativity at work. I enjoyed a variety of drinks offered on the menu. The staff are very knowledgeable about recommendations too. Highly recommend if you're considering making a trip there, but be sure to make a reservation in advance as seating is limited.

Rude staff, a pretentious affair.

I really enjoyed my first visit there, the drinks are an incredible experience and Paul was a great host. One of the best bars I have aver seen

(Updated review) Okay now it is a solid 1 star. The staff are so incredibly rude, honestly don’t understand how can anyone run a business like this. The cocktails were not too disgusting, and the owner thinks he should get a medal for serving cocktails made with poor quality spirits. Making it ‘by appointment’ doesn’t automatically make the bar any better :) (Original review) It’s quirky and maybe worth one visit, however, the drinks only seemed interesting in the first 10 seconds when they’re served. We ordered 6 drinks and honestly they didn’t taste that good. V v mediocre. There was one super rude waiter. Frankly if I have encountered him outside I would have punched him in the face…. Also he treated different tables v differently. Kinda ruined the whole thing for me.

This is my favorite bar in the world. Every time I’m back in London I make sure to visit. All of my friends who I take always recommend it to their friends. Unique atmosphere and intriguing story telling while serving master class cocktails. You won’t find a better atmosphere in Shoreditch.

Paul explained everything so well - had a fantastic time. The concept of the bar really puts your perspective on cocktail on its head. Really cool drinking experience. Thanks to all the staff had a wonderful time.

Different experience to the other cocktails bars, it was super enjoyable and good cocktails

Khadija la serveuse ces là meilleur fait attention à elle très bon élément

Staff was friendly and they accommodated. Buddy and I each did a tasting menu and was impressed with the thought and care that went into each of their cocktails. We certainly liked some of them more than others but overall it was a great experience and we very much enjoyed our time there.

FANTASTIC ENRICHING EXPERIENCE. 1960s Czechia, the most amazing drinks of my life, perfect presentation and extraordinary details. Menus were stapled inside 1960s vintage Czech books. 15 £ per cocktail. Even the shot was so nice (presented in adorable mini cups with an aftertaste of Cinnamon)

A chill, edgy place you don't have to yell to hear each other AND inventive cocktails? This is the place. I've been to Lounge Bohemia twice, and can't wait for the third time! To book, you'll need to call between 10am and 4pm. I called Paul the week before I wanted to come, and it didn't seem to be a problem to find a table for 3 people on a Saturday night. Now onto the fun things - the experience! You'll need to look closely or you'll miss the entrance. It's just a opening on the side of a building where you'll have to walk down a narrow hallway, down very narrow steps (try not to fall!), and finally to the bar. The vibe almost felt like an older, mature Brady Bunch house in the best way possible. The seating is so comfy, I could have fallen asleep. I didn't don't worry! Now to the drinks. There were 3 of us, so we each tried a different tasting menu. How to describe them? Imagine a normal cocktail bar, then imagine it was in Alice in Wonderland and Dr Seuss. I won't go into how delicious the cocktails were - they all were amazing tastewise and visually. Just have a look at my pictures! After the tasting menus, we just started ordering a la carte and were even more impressed. One thing - do mention if you don't like certain flavors. My husband doesn't like tomato, he forgot to mention it, and got a bloody Mary inspired drink by accident. It absolutely was not the bar's fault, but when you go make sure to mention any allergies or dislikes! One thing I loved - they kept bringing out popcorn 🍿 I'll definitely be back!

Incredible and unique cocktail experience! Get one of the tasting menus.. you wont regret it. The owner is very kind and a great host as well. I look forward to returning!!

The tasting menus were creative with every drink being an unexpected delight. 10/10 you must try this if you enjoy cocktail experiences. Service was super knowledgeable, kind and a bit theatrical. Vibes: quiet jazzy and mid century modern. You’ll find yourself chatting in hushed voices and focusing your attention on the drinks.

Relieved to see I'm not the only one who's found a male waiter there to be arrogant and rude. The cocktails were great, the first guy who delivered them was nice. But I'm giving it a 2 star as I'd rather have a mediocre cocktail and leave on a good note, than have my evening soured by a rude waiter and spoil what was a nice evening with friends.

Fantastic spot for some non-traditional cocktails! The menu is thoughtful and interprets classics in fun and interesting ways. I enjoyed a five course tasting which was served in seashells. I particularly loved the salt foam on top of the second course — it’s also really cool to hear how they’ve adapted the menu for summer. I read others complain about their policies but it is pretty straightforward: make a reservation because the drinks are quite labor intensive. The staff loves to provide detailed explanation of drinks. A great date spot or for groups of friends — chill and easy to make conversation. Don’t turn up expecting anything “usual”! Everyone I have ever taken here has loved this as an after dinner spot. Kudos to the lovely staff for making our night(s)!

If I can give 0 star I will 100% do so. The people who worked there are so rude. There are a lot of pubs and bars around that area, please do not come here unless you want someone to be treated very impolite and unpleasant. We made a reservation but there was a friend who wanted to join last minute, we just simply asked whether we could add one extra person. The waiter just pulled his 5 fingers and counted in front of us and we felt insulted. Just simply tell us that its not possible to add a person would be much appreciated. I went to so many places with reservations needed and understand someone can arrange but sometimes not. The way we got treated was very unnecessary and very unpleasant.

Horrible service. Staff are very rude and will short change you. Be careful.

Overpriced gimmick. One of the courses in the menu broke before trying it and the member of staff blamed us. Disappointing experience overall but the poor attitude of the staff was shocking.

Amazing cocktail experience with excellently crafted and unique drinks. Amongst the most interesting cocktail places I have been to in a while

Staff very rude and unwelcoming. Tried to take clients here, many tables free but said they were booked 30 mins to close. Asked about American Express and said they “didn’t take this on Thursdays” and laughed.

Absolutely amazing experience and awesome staff! Worth visit!

Went in last night and experienced really rude staff. I think the staff need to take a hint with all of the reviews of poor customer service and realise that they are the problem and have an issue which is compromising their business.

The drinks were very creative but not the best quality, the service was really bad. The man at the bar was very rude, the man with the beard. Not sure if it is a sign of Asperger’s or just general rudeness, I have never met anyone so rude before. I don’t think I will come here again. 15% service charge for rudeness.

Very bad service. The staff was very rude and arrogant. Taste menu waa extremely awful.

Incredibly creepy and rude staff. Solo women beware.

My favourite cocktail place in London. Not sure I should even be writing this because of how much they love their secrecy. From the way you make bookings via text messages to how I keep walking past the entrance because of a lack of sign, to their cool and slightly quirky "love us or leave us" attitude to newbies who walk in confused off the streets. This place is made for adventurers of all things alcohol, a series of mad experiments done by staff who really live for their craft. So many items on their taster menus have blown my mind and are forever etched in my memory. The child in me has never felt more at home.

Great personal friendly service. Amazing inventive cocktails. Chill vibe.

Jolie trouvaille à Londres. Le concept est très original. En revanche l’addition est à la hauteur et on sent passer la soirée.

They forgot or even purposely did not serve us one of the dishes on the tasting menu without us realising later on. Not worth the experience.

Our first time to visit here it’s quite weird when we got inside. The atmosphere is kind like a cave, but I like the interior design its a tight small space some chairs you’ve got to share with other people but that’s not an issue. I’m impressed about the drinks! I like the presentation very creative however the serving wasn’t that much I think it’s a bit pricey. The drinks was good, but very less alcohol it was a good experience though and to our server he was nice as well.

Really enjoyed the atmosphere and the cocktails. Feels like a retreat from the crowded city.

One of my favourite quirky spots. The experience and vibes - immaculate

This is now old faithful. The cocktails are innovative yet lethal, the vibe is always on point even though the waiter takes everything a little too seriously.

Absolutely fabulous bar! Amazing and sophisticated drinks, very kind bartenders. My first experience with molecular mixology ! Definitely worth visiting (and coming again soon).

Absolutely amazing place / Extreme hospitality in Bohemian style / Unbelievable "drinks" / NOT USUAL BAR - MUST VISIT PLACE

Was excited to try this spot given its high ratings but this was genuinely the most off-putting experience I have ever had at a bar. First off, you walk into a basement that is both unsettlingly bright and quiet (on a Saturday night) to be greeted by a waiter who gave a disapproving groan when we mentioned we did not book in advance. After making us feel we needed to apologize, the waiter informed us that there was a table (so unsure what the need was for the guilt trip). The cocktail menu was impossibly pretentious-- while I can appreciate a conceptual menu, having no indication of at least the type of alcohol in the cocktails (or whether it would even be a liquid, apparently?) left us feeling more confused than excited to order. As we sipped our first round (in whispers so as not to disturb the atmosphere), another couple came in and was given a lengthy lecture by the mad-hatter-looking waiter about being late for their booking, followed by a seemingly racist "compliment" which we were as shocked to overhear (clear as day, again, given the silence) as the couple themselves clearly were. After all that, the waiter informed them that he did in fact have a table for them. A whole day later I am still mortified and unsettled by this experience. I don't care if your cocktails were made by the king himself, berating guests to paint the picture of exclusivity is pretentious, rude and unnecessary. Let alone microaggressions from a waiter drunk with power. Avoid at all costs.

Nice place, super friendly staff. Drinks are nice and the experience is totally worth it

A sobering experience. Expensive. Flat atmosphere. Snooty service.

You can only make booking on the day during a certain period of time and the tasting menu is pricey, but you can see the thoughts put into the menu and the whole concept is quite creative. Having said that I must agree that the service does NOT match the cocktail standards. The lady serving us was arrogant and made us too uncomfortable to ask for anything let alone questioning. Thankfully I did some homework so didn’t have to bother her much… would give a 4 if the service can be improved.

Finally came back for a second visit after about 10 years and the place has barely changed - expect top quality playful, creative cocktails with vegan mango caviar, alcoholic foam, candyfloss "tobacco" and unique stemware in a groovy underground vault. You have to book on the day, you can only stay an hour and a half, but the service is lovely, the atmosphere is stimulating, and the cocktails are extraordinary. They have all the classics too, but we were there for an adventure into the unknown. A great place to catch up with a friend as the jazz soundtrack was at conversational levels. The bar staff seemed to be having fun and were attentive and made the rounds of drinks into an entertaining series of reveals. One of those out-of-the-way little London gems you'll want to take visitors and dates.

This place is incredible. From start to finish you will be amazed. Cocktails are incredibly complex and unique (understatement) but not pretentious. Staff is funny and welcoming. My most memorable experience I've ever had a cocktail bar. Highly recommend! Book your reservation NOW! You won't regret it!

Abysmal customer service. We booked this bar to celebrate an engagement. Last minute, an additional friend was able to make the journey into London taking the booking from 8 to 9. A couple of friends arrived early to inform the staff. We fit comfortably into the alcove space we had been allocated, but staff refused to serve us with an additional person present. Despite pleading with them not to ruin our evening and offering: (a) for the additional person to have a "simple" drink (ie. a glass of wine rather than a cocktail) so as to alleviate any excess pressure on the bar; and (b) that we'd be more than happy to wait longer if they wanted to serve other tables in priority, we were told that we should leave. The staff were so rude, arrogant and condescending. I wouldn't recommend this bar - especially if you are celebrating an occasion. There are plenty of other excellent "speak easy" style bars in London with wonderful, attentive staff. Don't waste you time or money on this place. If I could give zero stars, I would.

We booked here for a special cocktail evening for our friends engagement. On the day an extra friend was able to make it (taking the booking from 8 to 9). Half the party turned up before the rest and let them know and they were adamant that an extra person was unacceptable. The rest of us then turned up and we fit very comfortably in the space. The server stuck by his stance though and said “we seem to have misunderstood each other” and walked away and refused to serve us. We went and spoke to them and they emphasised that this was about “the bar being more comfortable with the experience we’d get”. It’s a small bar and was mostly empty with 5 other people in it. They said they’d rather we left so we did. They literally waved goodbye to hundreds of pound of business. It really made no sense to us.

Drinks were all right. as I have friends who work in the same area I don’t find the drinks special but I appreciate the efforts they put in to achieve all the different ideas etc. the biggest problem is that they think too much of themselves and talk to you in such a condescending way. It was quite rude and offensive. I was very unhappy and nearly had a argument with them. wouldn’t go again and will not recommend.

Paul created a mysterious, playful, surprising and rich in taste experience. I truly can’t wait to come back! Please make reservations to ensure they can accommodate- it’s a beautifully intimate space.

We keep coming back after many years!

Every cocktail is brought out with a fun feature. Will definitely go back!

Creative and innovative bar. Get one of the tasting menus!

Of the obvious requirements of any service establishment is to treat their customers with decency and respect. Lounge Bohemia fails in that most basic of tasks. Quite possibly the worst service you can imagine. Staff were rude from the outset, and quite frankly offensive. As new friends sought to join us, we were told “there were too many of us”, despite the bar being empty. The server aggressively demanded that some of us left. Zero explanation was given for this demand, despite attempts to question why. It is highly unlikely that there were any other bookings (the bar was half empty and it was 12am) nor was the bar closing. After making reasonable attempts to understand why the bar staff were so hostile we gave up and chose to leave. Why set up a bar if all you want to do is treat your customers with such utter contempt and disrespect?

I rarely post reviews, but when you go to a bar that is so blatant in its lack of respect, I feel obligated. Do not visit this bar unless you enjoy being made to feel inferior. A bar that was empty, no explanation given but we were treated rudely and told that we wouldn’t be served. Avoid this place like it’s on fire. No drinks are worth a place that treats certain customers like Lounge Bohemia does.

Racist staff. The bar was empty and we were told there were too many of us (a group of 5). He refused to serve us until a few of us left.

Cocktails are fairly good but as other reported, the owner is rude without reason. I’m giving a generous 3 stars because I had a better experience when coming once in the past. They also kick you out from your table BEFORE the end of your reservation, which is particularly painful when you haven’t finished your cocktails and were planning to leave on time, as opposed to 10min before. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend as good service is as important as the cocktails in that type of places

Avoid if you are looking for a real drink. If willing to pay £200 for a few blurry ins pics in the dark light then just go.

Amazing concepts, wonderful space, friendly and attentive staff - the best cocktail bar I’ve ever visited. Tasting menus are a must!

Great cocktails and superb atmosphere 🙌🏻

I want to give this a five-star drink experience because the drinks were STELLAR & SO CREATIVE and the ambiance was cozy & chic. However, the bar owner, Paul, was incredibly rude & patronizing. At every interaction with him, even when asking earnest questions about his experimental cocktails, he made a point to belittle people in our party. It was the worst customer service I've ever had. Until Lounge Bohemia recognizes that its owner is solely fit for making cocktails & finds someone else with a modicum of charm to be customer-facing, their reputation will continue to be soured by pompous management.

Shocking service! I was so surprised at the treatment we recieved for a casual midweek evening drink. The staff were completely up themselves. Very strange.....

the best kept secret in london! Been a handful of times & each visit has been amazing

I've been a good few times now and never had a bad experience! It's really worth going for one or two drinks. Great place to relax and have a conversation, especially now they have slightly reduced their capacity. It's slightly theatrical, which would not normally be my thing, but it's done well and not overdone. I remember once having a wood or oak based drink and the waitress sprayed something in the air, told a story and by the time she got to the relevant point the scent had reached me and it really felt like you were drawn into the story. There are about 6 cocktail bars around the area that I think are the best for what they do. For a slight bit of theater, a relaxing place and a good drink... This is the place.

Very TERRIBLE service！The waiter was extremely IMPOLITE！Talking to him is a waste of life.

Absolutely amazing cocktailbar experience that I won’t forget! Super cool and cozy interior, the staff is so helpful and funny, and the cocktails really blew me away with innovative flavour combinations and presentations. Loved that we were served popcorn on the side. I will definitely come back the next time I’m in London!

This bar is disgusting!👎The bartender (not sure if he is the owner), the one with long hair is racist and made unconscious uncomfortable remarks on customers! The lady who served the drink had big fake smile and turned away with dark face immediately!

The owner practiced micro-aggression and lacked the basic communication skills in a hospitality industry. Worst experience ever had in a cocktail bar, drink was pretentious and average quality.

A place unique where what you drink isn't what you see, drinks can appear in a way but you drink something else. In West meets East you get served a drink that appears like a tea but it is definitely not a tea, or some sushi where the rice toppings are done from.... and rice, obviously is not rice... if you want to find out what they are, go and enjoy the experiance.

Incredible experience, with amazingly creative coctails

Perfectly cute place with unique cocktail experience, will be back!