Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum Parlour in City of London, Westminster

We recently visited this place, and while we were aware of their minimum spend policy, the way it was enforced left a lot to be desired. Rules like that are understandable, but the attitude and approach of the staff completely ruined the experience. From the moment we sat down, the waiters made it very clear—almost aggressively—that we had to meet the minimum spend. Instead of explaining it in a welcoming or professional manner, they put so much pressure on us that it felt like we were being rushed through the whole experience. We had hoped for a relaxed evening, but instead, we felt hurried and watched the entire time, as though we weren’t welcome unless we ordered quickly and spent enough. It was uncomfortable and definitely not the kind of environment where you could unwind and enjoy your drink. What made matters worse was that they brought the bill to our table before we even finished our final drink. That came across as incredibly rude and dismissive, as though they were eager to get us out as soon as possible. It’s not the kind of service you’d expect from a place that markets itself as upscale. Speaking of marketing, the website portrays this place as a luxurious, refined venue, but it’s all smoke and mirrors. Don’t be fooled by the pretentious imagery and descriptions—they want you to think it’s something special, but in reality, it’s just a money-grab. They seem far more interested in turning tables and maximizing revenue than in providing a good experience for their customers. To top it all off, the drinks were mediocre at best. For the prices they charge and the vibe they try to sell, I expected far better. Unfortunately, it was all style and no substance. If you’re looking for a genuinely enjoyable, relaxed, or high-quality experience, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

Cool hidden bar in the centre of Chinatown. Drinks are over priced though and watch out that staff don’t double charge you for a tip like we had!

Went back to the opium bar and had a great time. Asked to sit and the bar and served by David who was excellent. Gave us great service, spoke to us freely while still serving up all the tickets and others also on bar stools along with his colleague. David made some great recommendations front menu The opium no 10 is good! But after persistent asking agreed to make some alternative suggestions the polish vodka martini and the baijiu cocktail were amazing... Would visit again just for his service. Also his colleague Luke who's head is on some of the bottles was up for a giggle as well made us welcome.

Great security called Niko. He was very welcoming and had our group of 7 people laughing the whole time whilst waiting in the cold. He is an example on how to be an excellent security officer.

Had a small party in the Peony Bar for around 25-30 pax. It was intimate, vibey and spacious. The server Hector was extremely helpful with everything - thank you! The bartendar Daniel made great drinks. Dim-sums are a must try!

Very good secret bar! Prices a little expensive but the place is really nice!!

We are a group of 5 and booked a table from 6.30pm on a Saturday. The place was nice enough and had a retro ambience. But it lacked a bit of atmosphere for us- maybe it was too early I dont know. It wasn't very busy and felt a bit dingy and not very warm/welcoming. We were in the Peony bar. The real issue for us though was the overall service. It was all way too clinical and cold. As soon as we arrived, it felt like they were waiting for us to leave the whole time and clear the table. We kept being given a countdown of how much time we had left to when they needed the table! We were not planning to overstay our time slot and were just having cocktails (no food) so not sure why they felt the need to tell us they needed the table in 40mins/30mins/20mins etc. It was ridiculous! I understand the need to turn tables around for other bookings but this was just excessive and ruined our enjoyment. The cocktails themselves were nice though. Overall adequate enough but I would have been pretty annoyed if this was a special occasion. There are also a load of amazing cocktail bars in London and this one just fell down on ambience and service. I wouldn't go back or recommend to others as a result.

Dawid is the best special cocktail and shot provider. Highly recommend his specials, he knows what you wants

Great fun worth a trip. Don't forget to book.

I have not actually made it inside the Opium Bar as security at the door was quite ridiculous. I wanted to meet in the bar with a friend for drinks and was a bit early. The security guy did not want to let me in and said I should wait outside for my friend. That was before 6pm and the place still looked fairly empty from the outside. He then checked further and said it might be ok if I go inside, but he needs to check my bag. I had a water bottle with me. He questioned whether it was really water inside (it was), and said I should empty it if I want to go in. At that point I had already decided to take my money elsewhere - there are plenty of friendlier places around... In case the business owner wants to investigate - this was around 5:35pm on Thursday 14th November - maybe have a word with your doorman who is putting off customers. I've seen other comments similar to mine below.

I didn’t realize this spot was here in Chinatown and walked passed it a couple of times! It has a really fun vibe and wasn’t too busy for a Saturday night, though there was a bit of a queue. The dumplings were good—I especially loved the mushroom truffle and the cod and fennel, which are a must-try! My friend mentioned there’s an even better dumpling place nearby, but I was happy with these. The drinks, however, were a bit of a letdown, tasting mostly like sugar, which was disappointing given the price. Still, we had a great time, and it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area. The staff were efficient but not the friendliest, though they were likely just busy!

What an amazing cocktail bar. This is one of the best in London and you must try. The Cocktail menu is curated exquisitely and served with ultimate attention to perfection by highly skilled mixologists. The ambiance is just perfect for couples and small groups with great decor and lighting. Super helpful and informative staff.

The doorman was unprofessional and creepy! Although we had a reservation, we decided to not get in and go to Experimental Cocktail Club nearby. The staff is better trained and more friendly.

We missed our reservation by two minutes (as was pointed out by the doorman in a rather cheery way - “you are two minutes late!”). They did not let us enter, even though people without reservations were let in. They charged us 15 quid for the experience.

This bar was a great time! we actually mixed up our booking by a day and they still managed to sit us at the bar! The drinks were phenomenal and not too expensive!

I would really have like to rate the bar much higher but the experience I had on Saturday 19th October evening was almost completely ruined by the rude/ignorant and "aggressive"(not physically)/"confrontational" attitude and behaviour of the doorman. Once past the hurdle of entrance( he was expecting, I assume, for me to have "walked away" in disgust) we had the utmost courtesy and attention from the inside and bar staff but the sadly the evening was flat and ruined. I wonder why the doorman had this attitude towards me and would really hate to think it was because I was British Indian and he was Afro-Carribbean and there was a racial element and hope it wasn't and just a one-off bad day at the office for him. I have been previously and had a great evening

Excellent music and service was amazing. Hector was extremely kind and he has really good recommendations of cocktails for us according to our own tastes 🤩. I’m definitely coming back!!

We went there a few times already and it was always a good experience but yesterday we were really disappointed : poor presentation of the cocktails in comparison to the price. We had a dim sum platter and they were just horrible. It felt more like a tourist trap. Never again.

Cool concept, but the execution leaves a little to be desired. The cocktails are only ok. Probably fine for most people but if you're more discerning, there are probably better options. Especially since the service is fine but not particularly hospitable.

Found this hidden gem and I was glad we did. Great service and ambience. The cocktails we had were very well made with the right amount of alcohol and mixers. The food we had was also brilliant with lots of flavour. The texture on the dumplings was spot on. Highly recommend coming here for good food, great cocktails and good service.

Got turned away, apparently had to be with someone and couldn’t go in alone. What.

The waiter asked me if I drink water. I said yes still please. They opened a bottle of one of the most expensive waters in the world - Voss. Whereas I thought I would get a tap water. No warning. Not nice for a customer

Been here before and had a great time, this week I had visitors from outside the city visiting and decided to book a table there. For my surprise we we were received by a doorman who was probably having a bad day and didn't let one of us in because of the "dress code". He was abusing of his power and being very rude with us for no reason. Well, If you have a dress code you should let people know in the booking confirmation. We then walked to Soma, a cocktail bar 5 minutes away where they know how to treat clients with a great service. Opium, never again.

Hector Benitez deserve a raise. Incredible waiter who would be the reason I return to this bar. Incredibly friendly, welcoming, and hospitable. Gracias muchisimo Hector. Hopefully te veo pronto !!

Was served by a very rude person, who made us want to back our drinks and leave. We went on a Sunday, wasn't busy, yet the staff member mentioned was harassing us to order drinks, when we asked to give us a moment, he told us if we don't order drinks we can leave. Horrible service, as I used to come to opium all the time I suggested it to my friends on that Sunday, sadly was not the service I remember.

A great hidden gem tucked away in Soho. The staff took excellent care of us, showing genuine friendliness and flexibility in accommodating our specific preferences for both food and cocktails. The only area for improvement is the place itself, as the building could benefit from a bit of attention and a slight refurbishment.

The aesthetic was more college dive bar than upscale speakeasy. The drinks were tasty but I wouldn’t pay that premium given the disappointing environment.

One of the most disappointing bars I ever been to, I had such high expectations. The waiter that served me was very rude, no hospitality, he was there just to do his job. Drinks tasted like someone who had no experience in making cocktails. Please stay away from this place.

Innovative cocktails and good dumplings with good service

First came here as part of a Gin Journey and I was super impressed. Returned this year but found the cocktails were very over priced and the bar itself looked shabby and run down. Our bar man was v friendly though!

Loved it! Me and my boyfriend really enjoyed the atmosphere, the food and drinks, and specially the service. Fabio gave us excellent service, he even recommended us great drinks which we loved along with apéritifs on top of everything we ordered. We want to thank you Fabio!!! 100% recommend this place for a casual drink and a good time.

We went for a drink after dinner in the area and we loved the place. Both the decoration and the atmosphere and the staff, all very special and good atmosphere. Fabio attended us and was very friendly! Thank you very much, it is not a cheap place but the experience and the place are worth it to spend a special night. We will return on our next visit to the city for sure!

This place is such a vibe! 10/10 cocktails, the dim sum is perfection!

Great night out such a chilled atmosphere reminded me of once upon a time in America, definitely worth a visit 👍

Such a fun bar with a great atmosphere and very friendly staff. Yummy inventive cocktails and good beer too! Thank you, Hector!!

Hadn't been for a while but used to be great. It's now a bit dingy. Rude host/manager who obviously felt that smiling and being polite were against his remit. Waiter was friendly enough and the one cocktail we had was decent. But, it's a bit of a grim place nowadays and when you get greeted and hosted like we did, it ain't worth climbing the stairs to get there.

Very nice hidden cocktail bar!! Thanks to Fabio for all the great service and good recomedations.

went with some friends for a quick drink after work and were looked after by Fabio. he was super attentive, welcoming and made great drinks recommendations - i almost forgot i had been at work for most of the day ! thank you for a lovely unwind , will definitely be returning !

One of the best place to visit in central London area. Fabio’s service is excellent and amazing. All the cocktails we ordered are absolutely spot on. Will definitely visit again.

Amazing place great vibes great cocktails great service. Need to try the food next time as only had cocktails!

the food and drinks were literally 10/10. please order the lobster, duck and mushroom & truffle dim sum. service by hector was excellent and we will definitely be back!!

Had a great time at Opium. The food was tasteful, and the drinks were delicious. Favio was wonderful and made our experience there, pleasant. I definitely recommend!

A bar with a unique particular style, good atmosphere and perfect service. Highlight the manager Favio who was always aware of everything and very friendly

I highly recommend this place, a super pleasant atmosphere and excellent service, Favio, a super friendly guy, served us, who with his treatment reminded me of the kindness of Latin people.

Good atmosphere, delicious food and Favio's cocktail recommendations and service were excellent.

Amazing place to have nice cocktails, great service , thank you so much Hector for look after us, we definitely be back!

Hector is the best ! Amazing service

The cocktails were not bad but expensive (£15). However, there are two bars in the building, and you are sent there on (a priori) very subjective criteria (the second floor being the least nice). Damage.

Came here for dinner and cocktails with a friend. Expected to stay all night and we left after 45 mins. Seated on the worst table, felt like two old dining chairs and a coffee table which was too low to eat off. Cocktails average and expensive, dim sum served which was fine but really difficult to eat as I was facing the table sideways. Go somewhere else for food and cocktails in China town for sure.

Chill and cosy low key bar with great drinks and music

Really good service, great cocktails of their own design. Excellent music in the background. Very pleased we found this place and will return!

Fabio has been the worst bar manager I have ever had the displeasure of meeting. Terrible experience.

This place is a scam. As well as charging £15 for a small cocktail, they also add a "mandatory service charge" which is hidden in tiny font on the menu (in a dark cocktail bar). Anything that alters a contract must be stated clearly and obviously on the menu, or the waiter must make people aware of this beforehand. The reason cocktails are so expensive is because the price already factors in the skill of the bartender, so to add another x% on top of that is ridiculous

Great staff, food, drinks, and service. Only thing I would say is every cocktail apart from a handful are £15 each, which even for the area feels a little high.

Extremely disappointed with our experience here. The staff are rude, entitled and badly behaved. I got soaked in the London rain and my phone ran out of battery. Asked if they could help charge my phone and they said they could and now I have found strange pictures of their staff and random dumplings on my phone - happy to share proof on email along with location of pictures. The cocktails are average and the interiors and vibe is very dated. Absolutely disgusted at this violation of my privacy and that they ruined a special night out with friends. The doorman deserves a special mention for his abrasive attitude and impolite behaviour. Disgusted and disappointed.

We visited for drinks before going to a birthday dinner. Located in Chinatown in a 4 Storey building . You will have to climb several flights of stairs to get to one of two bars that they have on the upper floors. They offer a range of their signature cocktails alongside classic cocktails. A suitable venue for drinks with friends if you are in Chinatown.

Excellent Bar Excellent drinks Excellent service

a pretty hopeless place. have visited the bar many times in the last decade and am surprised how far it's fallen. bad service, rude doorman and honestly not worth the experience. the cocktails were terrible too. we quickly went elsewhere nearby and actually managed to salvage our evening.

Incredibly rude staff. Customer service basics: don’t be rude to patrons.

Tried the opium bar for the first time, service was exquisite as was the food and drink. Even doorman was polite Can't wait to go again.

Specific place. Would I come back? Maybe?! But I definitely enjoyed it. The drinks were so good (and obviously too strong for me, but I’m lightweight). Definitely worth visiting!

Great bar lovely atmosphere. Always better later pn

Very good atmosphere, quality cuisine and service. Ideal place to spend a great evening!

Great place for cocktails and drinks! Avoid shorts and open toed footwear.. Bartenders give good recommendations

Cocktails are great but overpriced. Atmosphere and service is on point though.

Careful their bar guard ! They will steal your wallet when you drunk or they have no reason and take you out of the bar and at that moment stole it! But The Bar is Nice

The bar has an exotic and intimate atmosphere especially from the incense. They have some interesting infusion cocktails especially the ones with Bai Jiu. Worth trying.

This spot is v exclusive. The staff were really rude. I would not recommend this place. It’s overpriced and the staff want to move you on. They were rude.

Nice place, my wife and I had fun. If you have some time and you like cocktails, you should go. The dim sum is great btw.

The staff were rude. They insisted everyone ordered a drinks despite over 10 of us ordering an alcoholic drink and only one or two wanting a tap water. They wouldn't let us pay got a few of the drinks as members of the party left. Overall a disappointment and the cocktails were mediocre

A great cocktail bar in London’s China Town. It opens at 5pm so it’s a good option for pre-dinner cocktails. We had 2 cocktails each. They also serve food, so we also ordered dumplings along with our cocktails. Everything tasted great and the service was fantastic. We paid £40pp.

Favio attended us very friendly and good service

We were passing through the neighborhood and the place caught our attention, we decided to go in and my partner and I did not regret it. Favio attended us in Spanish, super friendly and the cocktails were very good. When we return to London we will repeat without a doubt.

Hidden gem bar in China town! Stays open until late after midnight! We visited as soon as it opened, without a reservation and sat at the peony bar! The atmosphere is nice, fancy Chinese decor. The staff is very attentive and friendly. Nice cocktail list, with interesting drinks. We also had the crab dumplings that was really good! The price per cocktail is 15£, very reasonable what the bar offers! Definitely a great place and I will return!

We had some very good cocktails, we will return to London and go to the bar again. The guy who served us thank goodness he spoke Spanish, Favio, very attentive.

Amazing as always! Nicely served by Dawin super nice staff, absolute legend!!

Great cocktail bar to spend na evening Fabio was very attentive and made us really nice cocktails thanks

Such an amazing place, Favio made my night he made the best cocktail I’ve ever had. Highly recommended

Amazing experience, Favio was outstanding. Best cocktails in London. We will be back

Hiden gem of Chinatown. Really amazing cocktails and vibes. The staff is also great, we were served by Dawid and he was excellent

Dawid provided a great service with excellent recommendations

Great service and vibe from Dawid

Amazing cocktails, good atmosphere. Dawid was very knowledgeable and was even able to get us some custom made cocktails.

Great bar, terrible terrible music

DAWID did a great job explaining all the alcohol choices!!!

Amazing place to have a great time with friends, Thank you very much Favio, you are an excellent bartender, thank you for your recommendations, thanks to the entire team for their service.

Best experience, and best service from Favio he’s the best

The place is absolutely amazing! The atmosphere is cozy and stylish, perfect for both a meeting with friends and a romantic date. Dawid's service was fantastic - his professionalism, bartending skills and friendly approach made the evening unforgettable. Each drink he prepared was not only tasty, but also beautifully presented. I definitely recommend this place and will definitely come back!

This place is a real gem! The decor is elegant and the atmosphere is conducive to relaxation and fun. The service is at the highest level, and special mention goes to the bartender Dawid. His professionalism, commitment and creativity in preparing drinks are admirable. Every moment spent at the bar was special. I highly recommend visiting this place - you definitely won't be disappointed!

Very good drinks and a perfect spot for a date night. We've has great time while hosted by Dawid. We'll come back soon

Myself and my wife went to opium last night. We were absolutely thrilled with the atmosphere and the attention to detail from the staff. They looked after us from the start til the end. It was our 7 year wedding anniversary and made us feel really special. I must say Favio looked after us and was a pure natural and professional. The drinks were absolutely delicious.Can’t wait to return

I recently visited Opium and had an incredible experience. The ambiance was vibrant, and the service was exceptional. Our bartender, Favio, was a true gem. He recommended the dumplings, which were absolutely delicious. We paired them with a cocktail that Favio suggested—though I can't recall the name, it was perfectly crafted and complemented the dumplings wonderfully. Favio's attentiveness and friendly demeanor made our visit even more enjoyable. Highly recommend Opium for a fantastic dining and drinking experience!

We've visited Opium and we've loved it! Drinks been spectacular. Fortunella Sour and Duang! are the must try. Thanks to Dawid for recommendations!

Amazing experience I had with my friends in this place. Cocktails were delicious and service was excellent by Fabio who took care us the whole time and gave us really good recommendations. I will definitely come back.

A gem in the heart of Chinatown! The exquisite drinks, atmosphere, service and staff guarantee you an experience that you can’t get enough of, Favio had incredible knowledge about the cocktails and was able to make us exactly what we needed! Would definitely recommend it to anyone! Dim sums are a must…

Best bar experience, Favio help us and make us fell so welcome, amazing drink recommendation, one stop that everyone need to make it in London

Great bar! We've had fortunella sour recommended by Dawid who done great job hosting us and it became our favourite drink!

The atmosphere was really nice, the food was tasty. Thanks to Favio for the good cocktails recommendations. Will be back.

Best bar experience , Favio help us and make us fell so welcome , amazing drink recommendation, one stop that everyone need to make it in London

I was in this cocktail bar and I must say it was a unique experience! The place is extremely creative and the flavors of the cocktails are really sophisticated. I was served by Mr. Dawid, who was incredibly helpful and offered me many interesting options. However, what I liked the most was the Fortunella cocktail - a unique taste that I will remember for a long time. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for unique and delicious drinks!