Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho

Cocktail bar · Chinatown

Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho

Cocktail bar · Chinatown

2

15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE, United Kingdom

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Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by @opiumchinatown/Instagram
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by @TheInfatuation
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho by null

Highlights

Dim sum & cocktails in a chic, hidden Chinatown bar  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE, United Kingdom Get directions

opiumchinatown.com
@opiumchinatownlondon

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 20 7734 7276
opiumchinatown.com
@opiumchinatownlondon

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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Sep 22, 2025

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@infatuation

Where To Eat In Soho After 11pm - London - The Infatuation

"Closing time: Monday - Tuesday - 1am / Wednesday - 2am / Thursday - Saturday - 3am This chic dim sum parlour is one of those rare spots where you can both start your night and finish your night. We’ve been here for a three-hour anniversary dinner over dim sum and we’ve been here for one last cocktail on a weeknight. It’s the kind of broody but sophisticated bar that works fantastically for both, and the Cantonese BBQ pork buns really don’t hurt either. A dimly-lit converted townhouse with three bar areas rolled into one, you enter through a bright blue side door on Gerrard Street and then sneak through a big red velvet curtain to get to our favourite area, the Peony bar. Basically, it’s definitely got that whole ‘secret spot’ thing going on, especially when you rock up at 1am on a Wednesday night. Be warned that the creative cocktails here can add up quick, but they come with a side of billowing smoky drama and their dim sum platters start at £15." - heidi lauth beasley

https://www.theinfatuation.com/london/guides/late-night-soho-restaurants
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@eater

The Best Late-Night Restaurants in London | Eater London

"Go through a jade-coloured door on Gerrard Street and wind up a narrow staircase to eat and drink around Opium’s various floors. Each decadently decorated bar serves excellent cocktails and some of London’s best drinking food dim sum. For those not on the hard stuff, the dumpling menu comes with suggested tea pairings. Feast on siu mai (pork and prawn dumplings) with oolong from Kyoto or mushroom and truffle dumplings with a cup of Darjeeling from its namesake region. Open until 3am." - Daisy Meager

https://london.eater.com/maps/best-late-night-24-hour-restaurants-london
View Postcard for Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho

Dougie C

Google
Great cocktail bar with dim sum. The heavy on the door wasn't the warmest welcome but the team inside were great. Highly recommend the old fashioned and fish and fennel dimsum

Ja Pi

Google
Once you get past the gruff doorman, the experience is worth it. The setting definitely gives off old school opium den. The cocktails are well curated and the mixologist knows his craft!

James Dramcher

Google
We really enjoy this bar – great drinks and we’ve been coming here quite often. The service is always excellent and the staff is super friendly. Unfortunately, the music has recently taken away a bit of the unique vibe – now it’s mostly slow tracks, which don’t match the atmosphere the way it used to. It used to have this mysterious, cozy feel that was perfect for a date or a night out with friends. Everything else is still fantastic though. Big thanks for the amazing service!

AL Garcia

Google
hidden gem in Soho for a chilled drink! The cocktails were incredible and Rafael made us a 10-star cocktail! 💗 - it was absolutely amazing. Highly recommend Opium 11 and Naked Aroma

Tui Te Kaaho

Google
Really cool speak easy, it was pretty busy so not much interaction with staff which is fine, I get it they’re working their butts off and it was late. However we still had a great time. Cocktails were fantastic and will definitely be back

Lydia Tow

Google
Been here twice, this place had a cool concept with cool drinks but the bouncer is a little weird and the music is so loud and it’s very loud’! Very lovely service and the drinks are super cool. But couldn’t stay for more than an hour

Rochelle

Google
I stopped by later in the evening, and while the kitchen was already closed so I couldn’t try the food, I’ll definitely be back for it next time. The cocktails were excellent — creative, well-balanced, and beautifully presented. Most of all, the staff really made the experience: welcoming, attentive, and genuinely fun to interact with. They gave the whole place an amazing vibe.

Gurpz M

Google
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.
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Nico C.

Yelp
I would leave a review on the cocktails, service and location if there were any space left in my head to even consider any other element of this bar than the formidable selection of music blaring the entirety of our stay. Thankfully I was here with 3 of my childhood friends-- the little of the conversation I could hear over the atrocities forced into my ears made my experience somewhat tolerable. IN SUMMARY: everything besides the music was good, but I leave ONE STAR since it is a decision by the management that leaves little room for enjoyment.
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Nicole M.

Yelp
This is absolutely one of my favorite bars in London. I make it a point to visit each time I'm in town. The dumplings are hands down the best I've had in the area and the drinks are just amazing. The Sesame Old Fashioned is absolutely delicious. The sesame flavor really sticks out but isn't overwhelming at all. The coconut Negroni is another favorite. Very refreshing. The bar is always open late but be aware that they stop serving dumplings around 11 during the week. If you are in the Chinatown area definitely make sure to swing by for at least a drink or two and some dumplings!
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Charles H.

Yelp
Outstanding cuisine & cocktails. Their dim sum is legit. Make a reservation and visit this restaurant.
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Victor M.

Yelp
Opium is a fun multi-level bar in Chinatown that draws millennials and primarily Gen X'ers out for their creative and Asian-influenced specialty cocktails and dim sum bites. There is only a very small plated sign and a jade door with a doorman that controls entry to identify the place. Past the bouncer and jade door, you walk up a steep and dark staircase where you are assigned either seating in the Apothecary and Peony bars on the 2nd floor or the Academy and Attic bars on the 3rd top floor. I was in the Attic bar so it was a bit of a hike up. Once in, the place was darkly lit with red lighting to create that 1920's Shanghai mood with the exception of the classic American rock music playing in the background. The specialty cocktails in the Attic bar were generally creative and fun, but unless you like your cocktails on the sweet side, you are better off getting a more traditional mix drink. They also serve dim sum that was generally mediocre and average. The seabass and fennel dumplings however were an exception probably because it is different from the traditional dim sum fare that you can find almost anywhere. Most patrons tend to simply come and meet for an hour or two and enjoy their specialty cocktails before or after dinner elsewhere. Opium is a fun and great place for Gen X'ers to meet and simply kick back on their night out.
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Paul O.

Yelp
Been around the world. Best cocktail / dim sum speakeasy on the planet ! Recommended this place to everyone In know!

Rod N.

Yelp
Have to know what you are looking for. 30's Shanghai bar up 5 flights of stairs. The food and drink combinations are amazing. Dim Sum is some of the best I ever ate. Erik the owner is a sweet and gracious host. The bartenders and servers are top notch.
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Ashley W.

Yelp
Tasty Dim Sum, Delicious Cocktails, Great Service, and Amazing Friends! What a night we had at Opium! I didn't know what to expect this surpassed my expectation whatever they were lol. The cocktail menu is extremely interactive and you won't be disappointed unless you order something on the rocks. Every cocktail has a story and a theme! We were painting on a cracker with one drink, smelling perfume squeezed out of a bottle with another.... you get the idea now? Mushroom and Truffle Dumplings, Pork & Prawn Dumplings, Lobster Dumplings, Spicy Duck Dumplings.... YUM YUM YUM. Jake the General Manager is amazing! Make sure to say hello when you go! I will definitely be back next time I am in London!
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Eric L.

Yelp
Waiting over 20mins with absolutely no service. We watched other tables being served more than once as we were waiting. We felt like crap and decided to leave and they didn't even acknowledge us when we walked out. Kind of hard to imagine we weren't neglected on purpose.
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Chantee F.

Yelp
There are two levels to suit you. I prefer the second level Apothecary for your cocktail pleasure. Fun, creative cocktails served by the friendliest bartenders in town. Opium is bright and not so kitchy with its slightly Asian decor and very Asian menu of dumplings and other bar snacks. There are many potions to choose from with a standard drink menu and specialty one to represent each year of the Chinese zodiac. You will receive your drink in a cup representing your year and each is designed to highlight a different element and tincture. I enjoyed the Umami martini, with a hint of spice, well balanced and interestingly topped with truffle oil. It was a fun atmosphere. Upstairs on the third level is a darker bar. Come here for no frills but stiff drinks. This is a quieter escape when it fills up below. Either way, this is a Chinatown gem.
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Melissa M.

Yelp
A friend of mine used to work as a bartender in London and included Opium on his list of places my boyfriend and I should visit while we were in town. Definitely a solid choice. We were sent to the Attic bar, appropriately on the top floor. Each floor is a slightly different experience with different drink menus (the same food though). The attic had two menus while we were there: one of straight-forward specialty cocktails and the other inspired by the Chinese Zodiac and served in corresponding ceramic mugs. We ordered some of each. All of the zodiac ones we had (The Dragon, The Rat, The Horse and one we're forgetting now) were delicious and very different. But I was really impressed by the presentation of The Rat which featured dry ice for a smoke effect. After a couple of drinks, we ordered some dim sum (the spicy duck dumplings) to absorb more of the booze. They were tasty, but I have had better here in the US (we're so spoiled for all kinds of food in Los Angeles). We also tried the Wild Lady (really nice) and the Salted Caramel Sazerac, which were both outstanding.
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Clèm B.

Yelp
We reserved a table for 5 with my friends. I love the special bars you can find in London and Opium was on my list for a while. We arrived a little before 9PM (time of the booking) and they let us entered on time. We were first seated in the Apothicary room (the time they clean our reserved table) before going upstairs in the Attic. The atmosphere in both rooms is slightly different: the Apothicary room looks more like a small dim sum restaurant, cosy and pretty dark; the Attic room has several couches and feels very cosy as well. We ordered different cocktails, I chose the "Goat" one from the Zodiac menu. The design of the cocktail glass (As a goat) and the drink itself were great. The mix of vodka and lemon and cucumber made it really interesting and good. Some of my friends ordered some dumplings and they enjoyed them (even if it was a bit pricy compared to other places around Chinatown...) Also, they offered us some gin/mango shots, Delicious ! It's a nice place to go to have a good cocktail in an unique atmosphere however, if you are looking for a place to drink a lot... may be not the best, except if you have money to spend
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Kelsey B.

Yelp
Refined, intimate upstairs hideaway in the heart of Chinatown. There are several floors it seems, but I only visited the first floor up (believe this was the Apothecary). There are also two other sections, but I think they're either private dining or open only on weekends. The bar includes 2 menus - the traditional drink/dim sum menu and the zodiac menu (!!!). I ordered the raffle shrub sling (because who doesn't love a good shrub cocktail?) and my friend ordered some sort of whiskey cocktail. You can order shared cocktails, as well as sing shots, wines, beers, etc. The zodiac menu was the biggest attraction for me, as you can order a drink based on your Chinese zodiac. I ordered the cat one because it was a little tart (don't tell anyone - my zodiac's a dog ;)). We ordered the dim sum platter after cocktails. It had various types of dumplings, but my favorite were the vegetable dumplings. The dim sum was a little boring however, and I would have liked to see some more creativity. Then again, you don't really go to Opium for the food. All in all, lovely experience for drinks and company.
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Joya S.

Yelp
Speakeasy tucked away in Chinatown. Look for the green door and look up to see a cartoon man holding a red lantern with the word Opium on it. Highly suggest sitting at the bar, very lively bartenders. We got the zodiac drinks. Drinks are on the stronger side. Interesting place to grab on drink

Alissa B.

Yelp
Exceeded my expectations of 3.5 stars. Loved to decor and the general vibe. The menu was colorful and fun. Generally positive experience
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Lera F.

Yelp
Came here with a couple of LBS school friends, was a nice time! Some of us got drinks and I tried the dim sum - it was deliicious!! :D We tried the green platter which included dim sum of vegetables, mushrooms and truffles, and a mixed variety. I'll have to try the seafood platter next time, that one has sea bass and scallops! ^^ The place had a lounge and speakeasy vibe. I haven't been to a speakeasy in London yet, and I used to go alll the time in Manhattan (and have probably been to nearly all the ones that were there! I just love speakeasys). So this was a really nice change for me from all the more typical English pubs. It was quiet, the decorations were so cool and romantic and cute, they had seating in a variety of places - at high chairs by individual tables, in corners by the couches. Really enjoyed my time here and would love to come back! It's also located in the heart of SoHo, around lots of other cool and fun places. To find it, you have to go to the very top floor of the Opium dim sum restaurant - it is a bit discreet :)
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Elisa T.

Yelp
Really cute unassuming Chinese prohibition themed bar that could do with a lick of paint. Compared to a standard bar, say be at one, opium is pretty awesome. But compared to other speakeasy bars it's only about average. Drinks are delicious but they lack the wow factor. Same with the service. Lovely, but lacking the one to one personalised service usual of speakeasy bars. At £14 a drink you kind of expect more.
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Anna Y.

Yelp
I like the designer's darkness of the interior, absolutely genuine statement. Food is ok and drinks are pretty but are just way way too sweet even for a sweet tooth such as myself.
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Darcy B.

Yelp
Love this place in London's Chinatown. The drinks are amazing. Great place to hang out with friends.
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Tejel P.

Yelp
I have the London Cocktail Week wristbands and wanted to check this bar out for the 1st time and because the lychee martini was being offered at £5. We arrived at 9.30pm and were told the waiting time is 30 mins, but were seated in after 10 mins even though no one had left the bar. Thank god, because it was really cold outside! Only the 1st level was open due to it being a Wednesday. We were seated in the peony bar, which is really cool in terms of the decor. Although we were seated in this bar, we ordered drinks from the opium bar menu; devil doctor £13 and the lychee martini £5 (with LCW wristband). I would return here to try the other cocktails and see the 2nd floor as I have read some great reviews.
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Andres D.

Yelp
Nice hideout with great bao buns, creative cocktails and friendly staff. The bouncer is a gent, been there since the beginning. Even when they're at capacity no pretension unlike other speakeasies.

Michael K.

Yelp
Precious, overpriced, overrated. I was in the neighborhood, had read the good reviews and decided to go. Waited in line for 20 minutes for a single bar seat. Not exactly sure why because when I was seated I was surrounded by empty seats. The bartender held the ice in his hand as he broke into a smaller block and then used a forceps to place it in the glass. Defeats the purpose, no? The drink was short, too sweet and overpriced. Oh, and there's a service charge.
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Shannon A.

Yelp
I loved this place! Has a speakeasy vibe and little dining rooms throughout with fun decor. It's a fun spot in the heat of Chinatown but doesn't feel too touristy at all. The cocktails were incredibly unique and more of an experience and the dim sum platter was delicious.

Darren K.

Yelp
The drinks were nicely themed but didn't use the right asian flavors; basically a normal drink in an asian container. Also, a speakeasy is suppose to be dark? There's one open window around 6pm that takes away from the atmosphere. In general, the bartenders didn't have the soft touch sophisticated service that I was expecting. It really felt they were selling street food. Here's the justification: I was sitting close to the bartenders. They were throwing used utensils into the sink and missed...quite a few times. The first time they spilled syrup on my raw jeans (now i might have to throw them away because its is sticky and I can't wear these...that's $100 down the drain). They didn't actually notice and I had to tell them. After that... they were still having a great time! This time throwing ice water around and again missed. I guess if they can't make it as bartenders.. maybe they could be basketball stars? oh wait...
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Siddhi L.

Yelp
This place is difficult- I liked some of their dim sum, but thought it was massively overpriced, and also liked their cocktails- but have had far better for lower prices elsewhere. The main negative point for me was that the drinks were just not amazing. A bit too sweet, a bit too expensive, a bit too...normal. They need a better mixologist, because the bar itself makes it seem like they're about to serve you a glass of heaven. Things that were great? It's rare to find truffle dim sum in London. I thought the mushroom and truffle dim sum was actually done very well- but would worry about returning as it seems to have some fairly mixed reviews. Goodness knows I wouldn't want to pay that much if I ordered it and it was chewy or under-filled. Our other food items were also quite tasty. I also liked the decor, ambience, and exclusivity- hidden doors are always charming! However, Nightjar has a similar vibe without being ridiculously overpriced and has much more consistency. I want to give three stars, I really do, but it will be a while before I decide to give this place another chance.
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Minnie M.

Yelp
Aside from the questionable politically incorrect name for a speakeasy in the middle of Chinatown (I'll forgive it as a gesture of speakeasy irony), Opium is fashioned in the same way as a lot of hip cocktails places: stern looking, out of place, doorman guarding a door that looks welcoming and unwelcoming at the same time. Are you trying to make me want to push you out of the way and barge my way to the bar? Because it's kind of working. We didn't have reservations, but within 5 minutes the doorman allowed us to go up 2 flights of dimly lit stairs and we were seated in equally dimly lit decor. Our aging eyes failing us, my friend and I whipped out our cell phones in an attempt to read the menu and giving up any pretense we had that were were hip and with it. Really helpful and extensive menu, filled with drawings of the type of glass used and exact ingredients. Really confuses me when cocktail menus describe their drinks as essence of vanilla spice with aura of baby's breath, so I'm glad Opium got straight to the point. Drinks are pricey about 14 quid, but they are inventive. I ordered the bubble tea drink, which was very good, and my friend ordered an electric Dragon drink which was light and fruity, and probably made out of several liquors. Would come back here again, and pace myself on the drinks so that the bill doesn't give me a complete heart attack.
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Adam M.

Yelp
Was here over a year ago. It was amazing. Tonight, the staff were miserable, felt like we were trespassing, the food was no better than anywhere else in China town. Forgot half the order, still tried to charge, and on top, didn't offer to take off the service charge - this would be something I would expect, not feel awkward to ask for. What an underwhelming shame.
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Kate W.

Yelp
Hands down the best dim sum I have ever eaten! It was just perfect! Opium isn't very easy to find - just a door with a bouncer. He recognised our reservation and asked us to go up to the third floor. Presented with a dark, incense filled stair case, I was slightly concerned at what I'd got me and my friend in to.. but as we arrived on the 3rd floor we were pleasantly surprised! Quirky furniture, cool music and a great atmosphere. We sat in a couple of arm chairs, ordered the dim sum platter and a cocktail each. The service on the cocktails was very slow and top end budget, the cheapest being £11! But once the dim sum arrived all was forgiven. The platter (£16) consisted of 2 buns and 8 steamed dim sum. It was so delicious we ordered 1 more basket (£7) of the har gau. I would definitely go back for the food, but perhaps have a few 2 for 1 cocktails at Be at One first!
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Caitrin O.

Yelp
Opium is great little speakeasy spot in Chinatown. We stopped by at 11 PM on a Friday night and it was busy but still quiet and intimate, as a good speakeasy should be. I didn't try the food but jumped right to the Nuclear Pina Colada, which at £18 could be considered a rash order, but it was served fully on fire, chock full of enough alcohol for 3-4 drinks, and absolutely delicious, making it quite worth it. This is a great spot to come with a small group to enjoy some well-made cocktails in a nice ambiance.

Diane K.

Yelp
I'm frankly surprised that the overall rating is lower than my experience. I came back to Opium three times and enjoyed each one equally as well. This place is tucked between the busy businesses of Chinatown. To get in you look for the door with a red light, and talk to the bouncer. If there is space they will lead you up. I went to two different rooms, depending on their availability. Both were intimate, dark, hip music, and served craft cocktails and dimsum. You really must get both. The dumplings were my favorite in London. The cocktails were creative and were fitting for chinatown. This place is great for small groups or one on one. We will be back the next time we visit London.
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Ally W.

Yelp
I give this place a lot of credit for the location: right in the smacking center of Chinatown and next to a Chinese restaurant which is quite fitting with the name. It is quite easy to miss it. Also, in order to get to the bar itself, you would have to climb up to the 3rd floor. My excitement was building up as I climbed the stairs, but as soon as I reached the bar itself, all excitement was gone. It was nothing special, there were some old China pictures and that was about it. The cocktails have interesting names, but are quite standard.
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Joy L.

Yelp
There was a lot of talk about this place when it first opened and I first really liked the name and concept of the bar. Apparently it's hidden away in Chinatown and the only way to find it is to spot the black bouncer outside. But when I went here with a few girlfriends I was quickly disappointed. Not only is it pretentious, the drinks weren't amazing especially when they cost 16 pounds each. We were seated in this little corner and immediately the people sitting across from us stared us down. The waiters weren't especially friendly when we only wanted a few drinks and no food. We ordered the most famous cocktail with dry ice, which was cool when it released the fumes, but the amount of the drink was so small I finished it in 5 minutes. Overall, I think this place is all talk and there's plenty of better, friendlier cocktail bars in London.
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Matt F.

Yelp
Good cocktails, cocktails on fire. The best service I have ever seen in a cocktail bar. Dumpling and dim sum in a cocktail bar. But perhaps not exceptional dumplings. It is a genius idea. And the execution was pretty good. The one time something was a bit slow, we were given it on the house without asking. I guess the guy really wanted the tip; good for him. Our group tried a few of their teas, there range is broad and all seemed to me to be high quality. I wasn't here for that long but definitely want to come back.
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Vivian D.

Yelp
Was trying to go to a different speakeasy but accidentally ended up here instead. No complaints! Except for the bouncer who made this place seem like it was super secret and VIP only. Fun atmosphere, going for the opium den feel of yesteryear. Definitely recommend the opium drink if you want something light and a bit sweet. So fun to watch them pour in the tea with the dried ice to give off the smoke! Was not expecting this so it was a fun treat. Their drinks in general are sweet and a bit light, but still yummy, just don't come here expecting to get hammered. We stayed til closing as I tried to finish my gin martini ( not a specialty here so do not recommend it). Bartender were friendly, music was good. A bit sparse on a Friday night but if you just want to chill and relax, this is the place.
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Fabrizia R.

Yelp
One of my friens is very much into the speakeasy mood these days, so we came here for a pre-dinner drink on a saturday night. Finding the place is the hardest thing, as the small black door is hidden between chineese restaurants. Inside is quite similar to its neighbour ECC, but I think the bar is only on the top floor while the other floors are for the restaurant. the top floor has the resemblance of an old living room, with sofars and dark walls. typical speakeasy atmosphere. the menu is nice and the cocktails are good, although not cheap (c.£15 each I think). I liked it, but I still prefer the ECC.
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CJ K.

Yelp
A friend had a birthday party here so we were a large group. Service was a little spotty but the area that was reserved for us was nice and cozy. I think a manager came by to make sure we were doing okay and that was a nice touch. I had a cranberry vodka that had been delivered by mistake and a piece of scallop dim sum. The drink was good with a good balance of vodka and cranberry juice and served in a tall glass. The dim sum was a bit soggy but I won't hold it against them because I arrived late and it had probably been on the table for a while. It was a really fun night and a great option in the neighborhood. Similar to ECC a few doors down but I think I liked the ambience here better. Availability of dim sum was a plus though I wouldn't come here for the food.
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Liz P.

Yelp
This place is great! In an area riddled with our basic British pubs, Opium is a welcome cocktail bar. It's bit hard to find - you need to go up the stairs just next to the Chinese restaurant. The staff is wonderful. The food and drinks are great. Really love this place. It's a bit expensive per drink, but worth the visit if you're near Chinatown.
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John D.

Yelp
This is the place I go in London when I want to enjoy great cocktails in a great atmosphere with great people. The cocktail list is not long but then again they'll make you anything you order off the menu. Best way to enjoy is to reserve a table well in advance, turn up on time and be prepared to invest in extravagant cocktails that will set you back a few quid. This is not a place for dancing but awesome for catching up with friends and colleagues.
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Rebecca D.

Yelp
It's quite pricey (about £11 per cocktail), but this classy semi-hidden cocktail bar is quiet and has a lovely ambience. Ask the doorman if there's enough room and he'll let you up. It's a good place for a drink if it's a night that's likely to be busy and you want to find somewhere that won't be packed out - I went on St Patrick's Day when there were queues outside every pub in soho, and it was pleasantly full, but not rammed. The drinks are tasty too! An added bonus is that the music is quiet enough that you can have a good chat without needing to shout. Just find the green front door and you're good to go!
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Minh C.

Yelp
Good place to grab a quick drink after work, but the kitchen closed way too early to be useful if you're hungry. However, service was very friendly and helpful. It's also a tough place to find if you don't know what you're looking for as there aren't any obvious exterior signs. I'd certainly return on day to give the food a taste test.
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Juno J.

Yelp
Very cool cocktail bar hidden above some restaurants in China Town. I came here without reservations with 2 friend on Saturday Night. We were able to get seated right away at a cozy booth on the third floor. The staff were very friendly and accommodating and when my friend requested a mocktail the bartender whipped one up right away after asking for her flavor preferences. I went with the Earthly Harmony which was nice and fresh. It was different and had a bit of a kick to it with the Chili. They also have fresh coconut water on the menu which comes in a whole coconut. At the end of our meal the waiter granted our request to open up the coconut and supplied us with 3 spoons to eat the yummy coconut left inside.
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Katie I.

Yelp
We had an absolutely great time! It's so fun to have to go in through the Jade door in Chinatown, away from the hustle and bustle and up these mysterious stairs. We had a nice table, it was quiet enough to chat but had a buzz about it so it was still a good 'Saturday' night thing to do. Shared the veggie dim sum platter, which was delicious (but better off as a snack, not a full meal, we ended up getting a Chinese meal after!) and had a couple of cocktails. The most memorable (but maybe not the tastiest) was the Opium, served in little cauldrons that smoked. My one disappointment was that a review I had read before said the toilets were space age and shouted at you! Alas, I received no abuse when visiting the bathroom!

Juliet S.

Yelp
I went for after work drinks with a friend before getting dinner nearby. I found the atmosphere (old china with beautiful smelling incense, hidden entrance) and selection of drinks appealing and at first impression thought it could be a contender to ECC down the road. But while the drinks had great presentation (a bottle of blowing bubbles to go with a bubble tea cocktail), the flavours didnt go very well together. Id prefer a well made drink over a gimmick any day. Waiting service was generally pretty good and we enjoyed ourselves overall. However, what makes me give this place a one star was what happened to my debit card after leaving. I split the bill with a friend, but somehow they managed to not only charge me the entire bill, but also the split charge - making my drinks 3x more expensive than cost. When I looked at my online banking and realised this happened I immediately called them to rectify. After taking days to get back to me, they only reimbursed for one charge and not the other - and proceeded to ignore my follow up calls and emails. I have to now go through my own bank and will definitely never be visiting this place again!
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Katie T.

Yelp
Solid effort as cool cocktail bar - two floors total (second floor nicer with good ambience). House special of opium number 6 was cool to look at and sweet but much smaller than the other drinks. Friends has zellman fizz (sp) and Singapore Sling which they enjoyed. Service was great and bartenders nice / professional
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Leighton S.

Yelp
Not really my kind of place, to be honest, but I'll try to be objective. They do dim sum (which is not a food I like for nutritional reasons) and they specialise in cocktails (I loathe most cocktails, especially the 15 quid ones, instead preferring 'good' beer and wine). I guess if you like hang-out spots with cocktails and dim sum you will enjoy this place.
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Alan O.

Yelp
OK place for drinks. Drinks were inventive, but were more on the weak side in terms of alcohol content. I paid around $80 US dollars for four drinks (this included service). Atmosphere was good. Good place to visit once, but there are better/cheaper cocktail lounges in London. Drinks took a while to come too.

Erika R.

Yelp
Had an amazing Friday night and absolutely loved Opium & waitress who was serving us. Unfortunately, I forgot my bag at the bar and realised it only on Sunday afternoon. I called the bar and the manager said that they don't have my bag; however he promised to check with my waitress and will get back to me. I never received a call back and I had to call more than 15 times to get hold of someone. The manager confirmed one more time that they don't have my bag. On Tuesday, I went to Opium to check again. Manager confirmed one more time that they don't have my bag. However, I asked to speak to my waitress who was serving me on Friday. The waitress recognised me and said that she knows where my bag is. She was very helpful and she made an effort to find my bag, which I really appreciate. I was shocked the way the manager dealt with this situation. He obviously, never tried to look or find out where the bag was. He never got back to me and he never spoke to my waitress, although he promised. Also, I never received a reply to my email that I sent on Sunday afternoon. He hasn't apologised and the fact that my bag found so easily when in my presence was totally ignored from his side. Very frustrating.
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Bob G.

Yelp
Looking for early morning cocktails and found this place. Bit of an old fashioned speakeasy feel to it... Beginning with the single, almost unmarked door, into the place. The bar is up on the third floor. Unusual mix of cocktails presented on what, at first glance, looks like a regular food menu especially in the dingy lighting. Check it out.
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Sui B.

Yelp
I could not find this place for the life of me! The single door entry is accompanied by the tinniest of signs. Even my lasik enhanced eyes weren't much help. Once in though, I was really pleased with the surroundings and of course, my tasty drink. Our server was efficient and friendly as well.
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Annika H.

Yelp
A little gem I would say in the over crowded and always hectic Soho/China Town. Cocktails where different or had a little twist to them from the standard, and the menu made it fun to order because I couldn't really imagine what the drinks would look like. Love the fact that drink snacks are dim sum. Place is pricy yes, but well worth the drinks and service. Recommend it!