Cafe Kick

https://onthegrid.city/london/clerkenwell/cafe-kick

On the Grid : Cafe Kick

"The best spot in London to feel like you're on your holidays in Spain. £2 bottles of beer every day from 4pm to 7pm, table football and spreadable chorizo on bread. Pretty good combination." - Kin

"Café Kick Inspired by the fussball bars of northern Spain, Café Kick is a local’s favorite and a place to blow off some steam at the end of your day by violently propelling a small white ball between rows of wooden men. Situated in the lively drag of Exmouth Market, the bar airsplenty of European soccer on its five screens and serves Spanish and Portuguesebeer. There’s good value soup and sandwiches at lunch, although if you work up an appetite later in the day you’re situated pleasingly close to the excellent Iberian/North African restaurant Moro (and its little sister, Morito). There’s a very decent happy hour too, from 4pm to 7pm."

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"Cafe Kick, Clerkenwell. The best spot in London to feel like you're on your holidays in Spain. £2 bottles of beer every day from 4pm to 7pm, table football and spreadable chorizo on bread. Pretty good combination."

London

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Kristopher Hilbert

Google

Greatest restaurant in the world. Owned and staffed by the kindest family in the world. Great drinks. Fresh, daily menu. Lovely, hard working service. Lovely patio with friendly and funny clientele. Everything a local cafe/pub should be and more. God bless Cafe Kick.

Nick Christian

Google

Used to go all the time but last night was the first time I've been in many years. Great all-round experience, but particular credit must go to the waiting staff for the way they handled what must have been a challenging evening's football crowd. They were always busy but never flustered, always pleasant and good humoured, and kept things coming. There was never a long wait for drinks or food, and we never felt forgotten - even when it would have been entirely justified. How they keep track of all the tables I have no idea but well done!

Téo Berkeley

Google

I am a bit nervous on dates but they have lots of flags on the ceiling so I played guess the flag when we ran out of things to say. It's definitely a bar, feels like a restaurant though. Lovely neighbourhood, might consider moving here from SW should the need arise.

Google

I've been meaning to share my thoughts about this amazing bar that I absolutely love and visit often. The atmosphere is always welcoming, and it truly feels like a hidden gem that locals cherish. Hence why it's always buzzing! The drink selection is top-notch, whether you want great wine, cocktails, or a beer, they’ve got it all, including gluten-free options. I've visited countless times, and every single experience has been fantastic! It's a shame that many regulars, including me, who adore this spot, don’t leave reviews. Especially thanks to Beachy and India, who consistently provide the best service, attentive, friendly, and always make it a great experience. If you're looking for a great place to unwind, this bar is definitely worth checking out!

Cat l

Google

Sadly been gentrified from what made it special in the first place - no more table football at weekends at all, every table full but barely anyone actually there for the football (champions league final) - so lack of atmosphere for the game, table service - although staff were lovely. It's still a nice place, but not the unique, special place it once was.

Fern Speakman

Google

What a fab atmosphere, lovely outdoor and indoor seating. The wine menu is extensive and really recommend the Salamandre orange wine. Great food and a romantic date spot.

Falling Moon

Google

Went here on a date, was initially a bit skeptical when she suggested it, "isn't there a football game on tonight, wont it be a bit chaotic and crammed?" I was expecting us to not be able to get a table and to struggle to get served but I couldn't have been more wrong - we got given a lovely table and were served delicious food and drinks very quickly, and the football... Oh my word what a game, I don't think I've ever seen anything like that before, Inter Milan came back from the dead to beat Barcellona 4-3 in extra time. If football is always this good I'll have to come more often!

Danel Nugmanova

Google

Hands down fave spot on Exmouth! Food is always amazing. Super lovely staff. Great cocktails! Italian job - must try cocktail

Aleksandar K.

Yelp

Solid tapas and place to watch some footy, on a great street with bars and coffee shops. Only complaint is that they don't put on game audio during the match- would've been nice to get a bit more properly into it. Food 3.5/5: Bagel w/ jamon Iberico and manchengo cheese: 3.5/5 tasty jamon iberico and cheese but the bagel was a bit on the smaller side Sagres 4/5: one of my favorite beers and a Portuguese staple

Amanda M.

Yelp

I am VERY impressed with how many TVs they can fit in this little pub. It's a great place, and they even have a few lovely dishes you can eat here. Decor is really cool, it's cozy, and a great place to watch a game, grab a drink, or just pop in if you're wandering around Exmouth market.

Qype User (MissGo…)

Yelp

Cafe Kick serves an excellent selection of Mediterranean foods and drinks,. They have a big TV and football table to keep the punters amused and happy; they can cater for private parties of upto 100 people without any difficulty. Its a lovely place,vibrant and lively staff, the Mojitoes are moreish and the all the food I had was tasty. Put in request for Tapas early on in the evening and you will be well looked after for the rest of the night because the waiters will just keep bringing them to you. The drinks are unusual and made in a different way from the normal Cuban recipe of using dark sugar. Instead there is a wonderful intoxicating mixture of fresh Lime,Mint,Rum and white sugar and has a wonderful KICK to it! Add up all the factors,friendly staff,great mix of clientele,trendy-not because they trying so hard but they have certain aplomb for it and carry it off to perfection. In fact why am I writing all this I should be down there enjoying myself.

Laura N.

Yelp

Ahhhh, a dive bar. A small grungy cheap dingy relaxed sports-y Table football pushing Not going to worry about impressing anyone Divey dive dive. A magical place where you can get embarrassingly drunk, make far too much noise, Riverdance to save your life, drop inappropriate gestures and references... on a Tuesday evening at 10pm. Oh, how I've missed you. Stop by and smell the disreputability!

Evelyn M.

Yelp

You know you're having a good time night out when, following a suggestion for a nightcap, a last drink of the evening to part upon, you are presented with a mojito and challenged to an international duel over the foosball table! Fun x fun = fun squared! Cafe Kick is laid back to the extreme. Like Laura N. explains, it's dingy and grubby but absolutely perfect for it. It's the kind of place that would look odd if anyone bothered to give it a new lick of paint and heeding this fact, it looks as though no one has for at least 10 years! I can't pretend I was on my best behaviour in Cafe Kick- in fact, I'm pretty sure I ticked every Scottish stereotype going. But the nice part was that the staff didn't seem to care. In fact, they joined in. Not only did the bartender applaud our second round of night caps (ahem) but in fact suggested that the reason I was playing so badly at table football could be to do with a lack of rum in my bloodstream... In retrospect- I think not!

Helen C.

Yelp

If you like table football a lot... go here. If you like mojitos, or any other mixed drink for that matter... DO NOT GO HERE. They have an extensive range of spirits behind the bar, yet the barman had trouble identifying dark rum. The clue is in the title but... never mind. The mojito was the worst I've ever tasted. It made me mad. Don't sell cocktails if you really don't know how to make them. Or what's in them. Other than that - it's a bar. The table football is fun but it's nothing special. Try the Wilmington for a better atmosphere, the Medcalf for better drinks, and Cafe Kick for table football in a location better suited to heading out afterwards.

Lizzie S.

Yelp

I remember coming here but not leaving and definitely not how I ended up on a trike in my living room with a box over my head. Oh well, must have been a good night... Long live the cocktails, dancing and tiny plastic men that play football!

Mark S.

Yelp

Foosball table - check. Flat screens with Sky Sports - check. Great decor - check. Beer on draft - che... wait what? However, that's about the only downside to this small Spanish (Mexican? Caribbean? I don't know) themed joint in Exmouth. My local football spot when I lived off Farringdon, everyone there is having a good time. Despite not having pints, they have a wide selection of bottles or cocktails to quench that pre-match anxiety and post-match celebrations. When Arsenal is playing it will be packed to the brim with supporters, which is always better than an empty pub with Sky Sports. Another round of Estella, por favor.

Craig M.

Yelp

How cool is Café Kick huh? Mixing all sorts of vibes - sporty, European, South American, a touch of Barcelona about the place - it's a real melting spot and I suspect might just be a little bit different every time you come. Obviously the attraction is the foosball tables, which I suspect makes the place busy and fun come the evenings. I stopped by for a late afternoon drink and was happily reunited with a bottle of Super Bock. XL no less. They do some great bottled beers here. Nestled right in Exmouth Market, it's ideal for some post work drinks or starting a night out before heading to Islington. LIKE.

Matthew B.

Yelp

Cool little bar, with funky style and funky drinks. Ideal for a twenty-minute game of table-football to put your girlfriend back in her place... The decor is fun, with odd chairs and sports memorabilia. There's a good cocktail list and some novel beers. Not cheap, but fun, and an ideal start to an evening out in the area.

Patricia S.

Yelp

Bar Kick is fun and laid back. Highly recommended for pre-dinner drinks or after-dinner chitchat. The atmosphere reminds of a cross between a London pub and a Brooklyn bar. Gotta love the Foosball tables that are in high demand. If you know you're going to end up here, I'd advise you call ahead and reserve. They have a good selection of beers and friendly bartenders behind the bar. I wouldn't say Bar Kick is cheap, but it's fun and worth the average prices. The crowd runs from uber nerdy to hipster, but not the pretentious-entitled kind. The decor looks like they raided a vintage store or a school classroom. There are those familiar plastic chairs and vinyl-top tables.

James D.

Yelp

Completely bloody amazing, if a little sweaty, miniature bar on Exmouth Market. I don't wear skinny jeans but I feel like I fit in here becasue I like beer, happy hour cocktails, football, and most of all, table football... NB: They've now installed big tellys so we can watch the World Cup! Woop!

Bryan B.

Yelp

Absolutely loved watching the footie here on a Saturday morning. Lots of televisions and the espressos were really good. Can't wait to watch another game there but be warned, if it's a big game you'll want to get there early to get a seat. I liked that they had a TV you could watch from the outdoor seats so on a nice day that'd be a perfect option.

James D.

Yelp

I was impressed, great location, good crowd and very good drinks at reasonable prices considering what part of town its in. the mojitos were quality and the staff very friendly. also pumped out some serious tunes until closing - anywhere that plays depeche mode is alrite in my book. only slight down side would be the £1 cost for table football....a bit pricey!!! 50p would work better. still i really like this joint. peace.

Katy G.

Yelp

I can only vouch for the drinks and atmosphere - but if you're looking for a good mojito and a night of Foosball with friends- this is your place. Definitely a spot that is better enjoyed in good weather - as there is an outdoor area to enjoy your drinks and take in the rest of what exmouth market has to offer. I'd say if in Clerkenwell/Farringdon and looking for a place to throw back a few drinks with good friends - this is the best spot to have an evening. Otherwise, my only complaint is that this place gets so popular at night that the smallish space can be a bit overwhelming if you just want to carry your drinks from the bar area or to a table in front. Better of getting there for a couple of pre-drinks before heading out to one of the great local restaurants - unless, of course, you're in the mood to mingle.

Bryan R.

Yelp

POOR SERVICE, WARM BEER, NO FOOD - REALLY DISAPPOINTING. Not only was there no food available at 7pm but the bar staff were really rude and obnoxious. After having spent lot of money in there they served us some warm beers and when I complained the bar tender refused to change mine (the others didn't want to complain) - he chose instead to call me a liar and accuse me of sitting on that beer for 25 minutes even though we'd been served by 5 minutes earlier. He even decided to ridicule me in front of his regulars. Of all the options he could have chosen he chose this one, that pretty much sums this place up.

Qype User (Sian…)

Yelp

Oooh I like table football. Although last time I played I remember being MUCH better. Bar kick is great fun. Get some tokens, hog a table, drink and play table football for pride and honour and not much else really. It's got a friendly vibe in here. I like it. The cocktails are average - rum soda water and ice and fruit in a plastic cup - but they're averagely priced. There was a festival going on yesterday so it was pretty packed and there was lots going on. But I'm pretty sure that the atmosphere would have been the same any day you went - fun, friendly and full of happy dancing people in the street. I like.

Qype User (alex…)

Yelp

A perfect venue for football watching. Wonky furniture, a mish-mash of footballing paraphenalia dotted around, and an assortment of national flags and decorations give this bar a rough but vibrant charm. The food is reasonably priced and leans towards 'bar snacks' rather than 'full-on evening meal' and the cocktail menu is bountiful. There is a tiniest hint of Hoxton Twat to the place, but I do mean tiny, and this could just be my rampant reverse snobbery coming into play.

Qype User (Howso…)

Yelp

I quite like Bar Kick. Everybody likes table football, everybody likes beer. It's win win. The only downside would be the fact that it gets so packed that you often have to wait ages for your turn at a table. This is hardly tragic, though. See aforementioned beer. The bar downstairs, which I ventured into for a friend's comedy night, is smaller and rather more intimate. It's for grown ups. The comedy night was phenomenal, though (as usual, I admit that there may be a slight bias here, as I knew each and every person that was on). Also, if you happen to be wandering down Shoreditch High Street at lunchtime, I'd wander in. The portions are huge and the food is excellent. I had a chorizo and bean stew thing that had me slumbering at my desk for the rest of the day. Always a plus. (This is a last minute addendum, but just realised this review is under the wrong bar. This is a review of Bar Kick in Shoreditch, as opposed to Cafe Kick, which is in Exmouth Market. Thus the confusion.)

Daniel F.

Yelp

The original place to go play fussball. I go to the Shoreditch one quite a lot as I am often in the area but I like this branch in Exmouth Market. It's much smaller, much tighter, narrower and quite cosy. I think its best to come here in summer as people spill out onto the streets. It has also has a good happy hour.

Qype User (fairyo…)

Yelp

The only time I ever went to Bar Kick was last January. My wallet was robbed from my shoulder bag (which was on my shoulder all night) on that night and a monumental amount of money was illegally extracted from my accounts as a result. Im not sure how the thief gained access to my pin code but I can only assume that I was being watched or videoed when I used my card at the counter, although I always cover my hand when entering my pin. Of course I don't outrightly blame Bar Kick for this mis-fortunate event but I do believe that it is important for people who go there to realise that people who target victims for robbery like this do hang out in this bar. I think also that the bar should make more of an effort to warn/remind their customers of this. Watch your belongings, do everything in your power to hide your pin code when entering it on the machine. Do this everywhere, not just in Bar Kick. People are watching you!

Qype User (zarina…)

Yelp

What a cute little place and by far the busiest place within Exmouth Market. Luckily got to sample the Happy Hour and to my delight the beer of the day for only £2. What was even more fitting for me was I am catching up with friends I met in South America and it was an Argentinean beer. Love the football tables too, reckon it could get pretty lively.

Qype User (imran_…)

Yelp

Mecca and the Holy Grail for table football. Three good Bonzini tables (£1 a token) and an abundance of super-friendly people to play with from beginners to Parisians. Excellent and varied music with a latin twist, snacks and sandwiches, a huge array of beers from all over the place and it all spills out on to the street when the weather is nice. PS I'm always keen to play

David W.

Yelp

Possibly the coolest little bar in the area. Well worth the trip if you like drinking in a hip but laid back place. The drinks are cheap too!

Caren H.

Yelp

Agree with my fellow Yelpers....yay for a dive bar and yay for great mojitos. I am a fan and Exmouth is a fun little strip.

Romain T.

Yelp

A nice little bar with a friendly atmosphere, good music, and a wide range of beers to choose from (no tap) at a reasonable price. I was there yesterday for a world cup night, and the bar has been decorated for the occasion. There are a couple of football tables as well. I am definitely going there again.

B E.

Yelp

Cool vibe -- unfortunately the staff was rude and unhelpful to our party of three. We do not have British accents (proud Canadians!) and were served in a disdainful way. I have lived in London for years as an ex-pat and have never received such unkind service. The bartender rolled his eyes when we requested a list of Spirits, and reluctantly pointed to a chalk board featuring a list of wines? If you are a traveler, or someone who believes in treating people with respect, spend your money elsewhere. Cheers.

Katie H.

Yelp

Great cafe, really good happy hour deals and lots of fun on the table football tables. However after 4 moijtos I wasn't able to monitor my language as well as I should prehaps have done given the large number of children around. Still they were going to learn swearwords eventually right...

Qype User (Na…)

Yelp

Best time to get here is between 4 and 7pm for happy hour - cheaper cocktails (they're good!) and bottles of cerveza del dia for £1.90, which ain't bad. Yes, the food here is good but the eating places are pretty cramped (it's a very small bar). Nicest thing (weather permitting) is to sit outside and watch life go by on Exmouth Market - a real mix of people from every walk of life. Plus you can't smoke inside!

Qype User (tomgur…)

Yelp

This place is pretty cool. Bar football or 'foosball' as Johnny foreigner would call it. There is a nice relaxed vibe here, but without falling into pretentiousness. My main gripe is the lack of beer on tap, but its not really in keeping with the idea of this place, so i cant grumble too much. It also has character from its small cosy atmostphere but at the weekend that cosy becomes crampt and unserved. But i certainly like this place a lot, and recommend it highly.

Qype User (DD…)

Yelp

Exmouth Market has long since been one of London's best kept secrets, especially in the summer months (or days as is more usual). Cafe Kick has a great vibe, table football, amazing cocktails and a great selection of bottled beers. The staff are great, friendly, helpful and a wee bit cheeky, too. The queue for the loos is ridiculous on busy nights, but this is a fun place to hang out, definitely worth a look.

Qype User (gecko…)

Yelp

My friend took me here to watch a game recently, for some reason they had no sound on the TV as they had music on. I was quite hungry but when I looked at the menu there was absolutely nothing on the menu which I thought sounded tempting. So waited until we went somewhere else.

Qype User (Girlin…)

Yelp

Here's a tip Cafe Kick makes a great first date. I've taken several here over the years. It's a great 'pressure off ' venue. Excellent beer selection fun atmosphere table fussball to play meaning you can avoid awkward conversations! It really does feel like youve stepped away from London into a tres cool corner of Latin America, with its sunny laidback vibe, distressed furniture and world music on the stereo. Week worth a visit!

Qype User (mattt…)

Yelp

As the name suggests, this bar is football focused. Despite being a relatively small bar, they have three football tables (really good ones at that!), a few booths, and tables & chairs. The decor is shabby chic done perfectly. Flags adorn the walls, the tables & chairs are carefully mismatched, the bar and floor is well worn hardwood. Best of all is that it doesn't feel contrived. The bar offers a wide selection bottled lagers (no draught), an extensive cocktail menu and hot beverages. There is also an open kitchen serving food - since I haven't eaten there, I can't comment on the quality. Going on appearances, I think that it's more bar food & sharing plates than full-on meals. Being located in the middle of Exmouth Market, the pavement area in front of the bar is a great place during the summer. All of the bars on the street have pavement seating areas, and Bar Kick is one of the better positioned ones to sit at (not to mention one of the cheaper ones). Price-wise, it's not cheap, but not outrageous - especially given the area. A bottle of Brahma will set you back about £2.50, a cocktail somewhere in the £5 region, and a game of table football 75p. Well worth a visit.

Qype User (QuidPr…)

Yelp

Café Kick is an awesome little place for playing fooseball (sp*?). However, it is also populated by normal people and there is a healthy atmosphere. So if you are thinking of white linoleum floors then this is not the place. It is kind of like a bohemian ironic fooseball joint, if that makes sense.

Karim E.

Yelp

Very cute place. Young vibe. Good drinks. Good environment to watch the football and baby foot tables are quite a fun way to pass the time when you're team starts losing!

Cityvox User (lucycd…)

Yelp

Cafe culture Order a mojito from the tiny bar, head for an outside table and pretend you're on the continent. Later, challenge your friends to a noisy game of baby foot on the tables inside. Brilliant atmosphere.

Lucien H.

Yelp

K, so here's the scene. My good buddy Mark S and I were primed for a lovely Yelp-ey evening to make good use of the offer of half priced drinks at Cottons, the wonderful Caribbean restaurant in Exmouth market. But what's this? Champions league? Barca v Shaqtar and Man U v. Chelsea on the same night? Yes, we needed a quick pint to see how these games went down. However, the downside to this sports/tapas bar is that there are no pints, just bottles. To be honest, its ok though. I can live through a London priced bottle of Estrella (3.50) if you supply me with great Football, Great foosball, and some lovely gambas al piu piu (literally prawns that crackle in oil). Winning atmosphere, laid back and friendly staff, amazing smells coming from the kitchen. A perfectly wonderful place to spend a spring or summer evening kicking it with friends. Needless to say, I ended up staying for the full games' length - and then for a few at Cottons. Word.

Qype User (DEP…)

Yelp

An amazing very friendly latin American themed bar. The focus is the table football it is a great place if you want to warm up before going out in Shoreditch. When playing table football often random people will come up and challenge you and your friends, making a fun atmosphere, often these people can be amazing or a hell of a lot worse than you. This place attracts table football players of all standards.

Qype User (nickar…)

Yelp

I've been a couple of times to Bar Kick, and really enjoyed it. I like the concept, and relaxed vibe, everyone seems quite friendly, especially around the tables. Not sure I would spend all night there, but quite happy to spend part of it, playing on the tables.

Qype User (donqui…)

Yelp

Whenever I feel a bit homesick and want to reconnect with a Latin / Mediterranean atmosphere I go to Cafe Kick. So what is that little "je ne sais quoi" Mediterranean atmosphere. Is it the drinks? Is it the people? Is it how the place is decorated? Is it the staff? Well to be honest it's a mixture of all of these. The drinks are great, it's a variety of cocktails with the Mojito being their best selling one. The people at Cafe Kick are from Portugal and France. They are friendly and easy to kick start a conversation, best of all they remember you the next time you come in (how many times do you have that in London?)... in addition one of the girls who works there is really cute ;-) The place's decoration, is quite similar to Mediterranean bars you have in Europe, with its pictures of previous events, previous customers and of course famous football players. They also have flags of numerous football playing countries on the wooden floor. Last but not least this is an awesome place because of its table footballs where you can play a nice game or two with friends or just some of the other clientele. All in all if you're looking for a place where you can feel comfortable having a drink on your own where you can talk with the friendly staff or other customers... or a place where you want to chill out with your friends, drink some Mojitos and play a great game of football then Cafe Kick is your place!

https://onthegrid.city/london/clerkenwell/cafe-kick

On the Grid : Cafe Kick

"The best spot in London to feel like you're on your holidays in Spain. £2 bottles of beer every day from 4pm to 7pm, table football and spreadable chorizo on bread. Pretty good combination." - Kin

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