was second in line only to be pushed to 10th for reason. disappointed given that we have been waiting

This place did, for me, exactly what i needed it to do. Went to see the Kinky Kabaret and it did not disappoint. Talented people, a great vibe and to top it all off, Anelisa. A beautiful singer with an amazing spirit. If you're in the hood, check it out!!! read more

Upstairs bar, downstairs nightclub but the differences don't stop there. Upstairs the staff are friendly, welcoming and efficient. Downstairs staff are rude, slow and as if your presence is an annoyance - my friend ordered a Gin and Tonic and was accidentally served vodka, when she informed the bar man he said if she wanted a replacement drink she would have to buy it. If you are looking for a cocktail bar for evening drinks then I couldn't recommend freedom bar enough, but just steer clear of the basement club, there are plenty of other clubs in soho for you to continue your night read more

Adam & B we're the nicest staff. They look out & take care of their patrons. I appreciate their kind hospitality

The lychee and porn star martinis are my drinks in this place. Been to a few birthdays here as well and the nibbles are good too. Staff are always pretty, dressed well and organised. Love downstairs for the deco, dance floor and the pole :) Slightly over priced but all worth the experience. read more

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My friend and I had stuff stolen from our bags and the establishment said they wouldn't compensate us even for smaller value items. Would never go back, ever. read more

This review is based off of a Saturday evening starting around 9:00pm until close. Everything was going so well, or so I thought. I came here for my birthday with some friends. I reserved a table for the night. We were welcomed at the door, and then taken to our table by the very nice and friendly host/manager person. However, at some point in the night, they took away the sign that said my table was reserved. Other people then proceeded to invade our space, and crowd us, and make us feel like we didn't belong at our own table. The overall experience was very unpleasant, because while some people were friendly, most of them were rude and mean about it so I had to become confrontational at moments. Also, this is supposed to be a gay bar, but it felt like a straight-person's version of what they think a gay bar is like. There were hen parties everywhere (yuck!) and one of them even stole my balloons. But, If you're into that kind of fake-Vegas-hip vibe, the cocktails are decent and the staff are friendly (well, most of them), and attractive. Beware though, if you reserve a table, plan to fight for your territory the entire night. Also, plan on being harassed by hen-parties throughout your evening. read more

Fantastic establishment! This is a sensible lounge with a classy feel and craft cocktails! Wonderful staff and management, very accommodating, and also a great crowd. Happy hour is half off all cocktails till 8p! I'll definitely be booking parties and events here in the future! read more

To call this an alternative night out would be an understatement. Went here just before Christmas to celebrate my 11yr cancer birthday, oooh how the years go by my friends. Starting upstairs the table service and solid fizz/cocktail menu along with tasty bar snacks made for a good start to the evening. Well priced prosecco and calamari, I mean what more can you ask for really. Around 11pm we headed downstairs for the highly entertaining cabaret show, there was a part of the show which involved 4 contestants getting up on stage, my friends being the sods that they are had stitched me right up and I was one of them, what happened next was erm funny - if you follow me on instagram there is a video clip....the staff were a great laugh, engaging & entertaining. Not a spot I would usually frequent but one hell of a good laugh. read more

Years ago we used to come to Freedom Bar quite a lot. Attracted by the long cocktail bar on the main level which had great cocktails and the downstairs clubbing area which attracted a very mixed crowd, good dj's and continued the flow of great cocktails into our gaping mouths. However, at some point the bar screwed up. Their attempt at going more metrosexual backfired a bit when people like myself started getting abuse from aggressive straight boys who had only ventured in after the women who genuinely couldn't care where they were. I thought it disgraceful at the time and hadn't visited for around 3 years only going again about two months ago. Okay, I went early evening so didn't sample the atmosphere during the club hours but whilst we were there we had excellent service and were really taken care of by the bartenders. read more

Oooh I really wanted to like the cocktails this place as the venue is lovely. Beautifully decorated with blue lights on the bar, cool, comfy sofas and trendy looking decor. But the cocktails were such a let down (well the Freedom Signature ones anyway). The names of the cocktails were clever and sounded delicious, but unfortunately they lacked flavour and tasted more like watered down juice. I tried the Spectacular Spectacular (this drink certainly did not warrant 2 "Spectaculars" in the title as it was far from spectacular) and the Hunkadola (this was the one that tasted like watered down juice). They did have a happy hour on, so I was glad the cocktail didn't cost the full price (each were £5.50 instead of £9.40). I would like to give this place another go and maybe try a different cocktail, but with the average price of a cocktail hitting £10, not sure it's really worth it. Maybe I'll go for a non-cocktail drink. There was a bit of a funky smell in the place too, which wasn't too pleasant. So for the reasons above, I'm only able to award an average 3* for this place. read more

Freedom Bar - Spectacular Spectacular and Hunkadola - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

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Today it smells like the toilets have exploded! But apart from that the drinks are standard and the cocktail deals they do are pretty decent especially the ones that last till 3am Come here mainly for the Kinky Kabaret. Great night with great singing and dancing read more

I had been ending up at Freedom Bar in Soho a couple of times, and quite enjoyed it. It had a kind of kitchy boudoir feel to it, tasty cocktails and a fun crowd. I usually went with my gay friends as it was initially a gay bar, and then it mixed to gay/bi and now it is a 'metrosexual' bar. A few months ago I pitched up with a couple of my friends. We certainly weren't dressed up for a night out, and the charming door man pointed that out to us (he wasn't the bouncer, he kind of vetted people, like Steve Roubell at Studio 54 - he wishes) Anyway, he made a catty remark about my friends scarf - I think it wasn't trendy enough - but eventually he sighed and let us in. Thanks mate, we're ever so grateful! Once I got to the bar I encountered two girls who'd had the same thing happen to them, only this time he had complained that their shoes were not sufficiently hip for them to be let in. So my warning to you all - watch what you are wearing if you want to come in! Make sure you are bang on trend or you will have to keep walking. Which is what you might want to do anyway. read more

Tried to get into Archer Street but it was full and the doormen sent us here instead. I was pretty underwhelmed, except by the drinks prices which were overwhelming! Sounds like the place has paid the price for trying to go from gay bar to "metrosexual". Doesn't mean they should make the punters pay the price at the bar too! Downstairs is now just a dated looking kitschy basement which would be alright for laugh if it wasn't for the appalling pounding DJ. There must be far better places in Soho than this. I shall report back... read more

Sometimes there is a line but there was no/minimal cover charge, decently priced drinks. Great music/DJ/dancing on the bottom floor.

You always expect stuff in soho to be open later than it is, don't you? Yeah, I've found myself wandering around looking for something to do past 12/2am and this is one of the few late-night spots you can hit without having to know a doorman or be on a guest list. There is a mix to the crowd, so it's kind of a straight-friendly place to go if you're with a group that might not be keen on heading to the likes of G-A-Y late, which I'm not even a fan of most of the time. The drinks are touch and go, I've had some really good cocktails from the menu and some that I've had to choke down (at 7 + a pop, I'm not going to orphan it). I've usually had a really good time here though, it's a good plan B bar if you can't find anything to do once things start closing down and your friends that "know of a place" can't remember what street their "place" was on. Good champagne cocktails too! read more

Fun club for a dance and the bartenders are gorgeous. Unfortunately ours was not the brightest and gave me a rum and water when I ordered a rum and coke (do people even drink that?). However another barman sorted it for me, so no love lost. Warning, it's reaaally busy on a Saturday night, and you'll have to queue for the bar. read more

Wow! This place is so much fun! Dancing in the basement which has mirrorballs on the ceiling and pole to dance around. And everyone going for it. Getting "Dirty" with Christina or giving their all to "Lady Marmalade". Do your best to strut, wiggle and give attitude with the best of them. And shame on you if you don't know the song words! Great place to party! read more

Freedom bar would be an awesome place if it wasn't for it's rude staff and overpriced drinks. The bar itself is lovely. Upstairs boasts large white patent booths and simple, elegant chairs and tables. The bar is clean and chocked full of goodies. Downstairs is where it comes to life. Disco-ball, mirror effect walls, pole and neon lights. They hold great live events and disco nights. It's a smart and sharp alternative to the more divier places in Soho. However. And it's a big however, their staff are appaling. Bouncers are just rude, but then again it is a big old cliche. The bigger problem I've encountered is with the bar staff. Very pretty boys *sigh*, sorry that's not enough for me. Slow, rude service and even when you do point out they're charging you too much and that you think that waiting there for ages while you talk to your other friends behind the bar is no fun for people wanting a drink... they are just ruder. At the price of the drinks the least I'd expect is service with a smile through gritted teeth, Sadly never an isolated issue. I don't go there anymore. read more

I used to really love this bar when I lived nearby. It was open late, very pretty inside, and a good place for a large group of people. It's still open late, still good for groups, but they gutted the inside and it looks completely different now and I think I preferred it the way it was. Their drinks have always been quite expensive, but that's to be expected for a late bar in Soho. I just have an issue paying 7 pounds for a cocktail when I know there's a measured shot of only 25 ml of booze in it. That's why I always have wine here. The music is good and they were playing the film "Gia" on the tv screen so there was lots of nice things to see and hear, but it just wasn't quite as fun as I remember. Perhaps because it was a Sunday - although the following day was a bank holiday so I expected it to be busier. Did everyone party themselves out on Friday and Saturday? Silly Londoners. Oh and we saw the hands down drunkest person we've ever seen in our lives here that night. Good times. read more

I'm pleased to report that since the last revier went to Freedom, some major changes have taken place and after spending the evening there on Friday I can happily report what an excellent evening was had. As it was my girlfriend's birthday we'd reserved an area from 7pm upstairs and the staff had kindly included a reserved area downstairs for us for later in the evening when we meandered downstairs for a boogie (all free of charge and no minimum bar spend!). Arriving at 7pm, we had chance to enjoy one hour of the happy hour. Being served by our own dedicated waitress meant we didn't even have to bother queuing for the bar (again, no extra charge for table service!). Previously, ordering from the table meant super long waits for your drinks, but not this time; they seem to have improved this no end and drinks were served really quickly and from a very pleasant waitress who was really helpful. Happy hour cocktail prices are a reasonable £4.95 (and the cocktails are good) and other offers on wine too. Normal cocktail price is £7.95. The decor has been completely renewed as well and is very plush and decadent. I'm pleased to report that the ladies' WC on the ground floor has also been completely decorated and no longer is the H&S hazard it once was! The music was at a decent volume and all the guests could chat easily in the seating area (obviously it was louder when downstairs, but that's a given). The only thing that caused us a bother was the bitterly cold draft coming through the gaps in the window where we were seated (in the summer the windows open out onto the street and hence they don't meet fully at the joins). Unfortunately, the curtains didn't block out the zero degree gusts. I was really pleased to see that Freedom had improved from the last time I'd gone and from the buzz on the dancefloor a lot of people agreed! read more

I've spent a sizeable wedge of the last 10 years coiled around one of Freedom's poles downstairs, haphazardly swirling, attempting to balance out their trademark French Kiss cocktails with deft free-flowing movement. A veritable swamp of anecdotes come to mind over the years, crashing down the stairs at 17, having an 8-way at my 18th birthday and getting thrown out for 'inappropriate behaviour' at 23. The scene of many of a memoir narrative, the zebra print, mixed vibe of Freedom - you'll find me here on any given week day behaving marginally better than in my lusty youth. read more

Freedom Bar - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Bar in the centre of Soho which amazingly has always had a free table and seats whenever I've gone in after work. Buzzing atmosphere and somewhere to go before a big night out or for drinks and chats - not sure you'd want to stay here all night but a friendly welcome. read more

Freedom Bar - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Worst. Bar. Ever. From the ridiculous layout of the sofas as you enter, which mean you can't get past, to the hideously overpriced drinks. Why would you decide to set up comfy sofas all over the bar and then turn to music up so loud that not only are your ears bleeding but you have no chance of striking up conversation with the person stuck sitting next to you. Crap dance floor. Terrible old fashioned pumping dance / rave music. I just cannot understand why anyone would go here. Twice. The other reviews are ok, perhaps it was a weekend thing? Some Soho places become nightmarish at the weekend. Anyway, either turn the music down or get rid of the sofas, the two don't work together. read more

Sometimes you just know exactly what you're in the mood for - something a little bit decadent but at half price. So when I'm feeling this, I pick up a friend (as in I call one, not I abduct just anyone off the street!) and go to Freedom. Happy hour gives half price cocktails and a Pornstar Martini is an absolutely genius idea. It tastes a bit like a Solero (a favourite ice lolly of mine, ah memories!) - passion fruit martini served with a side shot of Prosecco. Now after drinking a few dozen of these in my time I finally realised how you're meant to drink this interesting little concoction. Apparently you should sip both at the same time to let the flavours intermingle on your tongue. Well me and my friends are just not that sophisticated obviously - we necked the shot straight off (of course!) and then went ahead with the cocktail like it was fruit juice. No wonder work always seems fuzzy the next day ;) If you're up for more of a night out, pop along to their basement room, complete with a ceiling of mirror balls, poles for dancing around (because after some drinks aren't don't we all assume we're the best dancers ever seen?!) and if you're lucky a bit of karaoke or cabaret. That is a treat indeed! read more

I came in here by default as I was actually headed for an old favourite haunt of mine - The Intrepid Fox which I am sad to say is no more and this place was across the road. Talk about the polar opposite but what the hey I wanted a drink! This is a sleek, stylish bar with a great atmosphere. It was a Monday night and I was on my own but I didn't feel uncomfortable in here at all. There were maybe 20 other people in here couples, friends, work colleagues, a good mix. The music wasn't too loud and was inoffensive rnb played in the background. The lighting was low and the seating comfortable. I stood at the bar and chatted to the very sweet bar man and his partner and friend whilst he made me a very nice spiced mojito. We all had a good laugh and they made me feel very welcome. I will definitely visit here again next time I'm in London, hopefully though I'll be able to go in with friends and stay a bit longer! read more

Freedom bar was pretty fun, the upstairs is more loungy and theres definitely a mixed crowd of gays and straights here which I enjoyed. Met some cool locals who we ended up hanging out with the rest of the night bar hoping, bought some shots off the hot Brazilian shot boy, and danced down stairs to some pretty horrible music lol. I do have to say this was probably the worst place for drinks, I swear their little shot measurer thing was smaller than everyone elses, I'm convinced. lol. Either way it was a fun start to a Sunday evening. read more

Went on a Wednesday night. The bar wasn't too crowded, but the basement was fairly packed. Super entertaining drag show. Drinks were ~£9 for cocktails and £5 for beer. Definitely would recommend spending a Wednesday evening here. read more

Best Mojitos in London. My sister introduced me to it and have been back a few times since. Good atmosphere, lively dance floor.

Fun space, friendly Door staff, mixed gay/ straight crowd.

Best on Thursday nights when there's no cover, free coat check, and all night happy hour deals. The staff has always been extremely friendly and the mixed crowd creates a great atmosphere. Not to mention the poles in the basement are so fun for nights with friends! read more

Freedom Bar... the poster girl for over-priced mediocrity. I've been to Freedon more times than I care to remember over the past 10 years, but never again... Lets face it, everything about it is average. It's not one of the greatest bars, but in the past I've always thought it 'did the job'. A nice enough bar, good location, OK cocktails in Happy Hour. However, how can an average bar even think of charging £4.80 for a pint! That's not a typo. £4.80 for a pint. And it was flat and we had to send it back, much to the disgust of the barman who thought he was someone special. (FYI, he wasn't) You could throw a stick in any direction and find a dozen better bars with better staff and reasonably priced pints. read more

Free As a Bird My lovely mate couldn't stop herself from dancing. The vodka flowed like a waterfall in a dream. The conversation was animated. And suddenly a man appeared wearing nothing but a small leather holster with shot glasses and a bottle of tequila. Not long after, I was woken up by the bus driver at the station at the end of the line. read more

Unfortunately we encountered a rude and aggressive waitress here, which really put us off this place. We went in for a quiet pre-dinner drink, but our drink was spoilt by all the attitude. It could really have spoilt our night but we went on to eat at Balans where the staff couldn't have been friendlier and the food was really good, so the night ended really well. I'm ashamed to say, being English myself, that the member of staff in question was English. Service in London is generally really good these days now that most waiters and bar staff are foreign, but this was a real throw-back to the bad old days of surly English people who would clearly rather be doing anything rather than waiting on tables! read more

Standard bar, ok settings, I recommend the 'PORNSTAR' cocktail :)

We used to quite like Freedom until one day when me and my partner were sitting down enjoying a drink (planning to have a few more). We were approached by a bouncer who said that we needed to move because the owners friends were coming and they needed our seats. There was no reserved sign there and there were no other free seats, so we left. I'm sure the owners will continue to earn a great deal of money from this place and so it probably doesn't bother them that much to operate like this. We certainly shall not be returning though - there are plenty of other places in London. We shall advise our friends to do the same. read more

Avoid this place if you want a friendly reception. Dropped by Sat 8pm for a look, scouting out venues for a future party. Venue looked fairly quiet, but extremely unfriendly door staff put us off completely ("no, the dance floor is closed now - you can't see it, here's a card, call back another day") Ended up heading a couple of doors down the street, where very friendly door staff showed us around, showed us menus, etc. Such a contrast! Avoid this complacent and nasty place and find friendly places nearby. read more

going out in freedom bar really depends on your mood, i love my gay nights out but if you're wanting to talk to some guys about something other than your outfit, would not suggest it. the downstairs club area plays great music and the poles are always fun :P drinks are london average, £5 shot, £8 for cocktail. something like £5 entry, but i tend not to have to pay it as a girl. read more

Awesome downstairs with the fish tanks and poles. Great tunes, great dancefloor, great atmosphere.......... a top night in Soho.

What started out to be a great night ended sour; the bouncer/doorman was extremely rude (he was working the doors in the downstairs room by the cloakroom). A friend placed his blazer on the sofa at the table we had reserved for the night and he was immediately instructed to take it off the sofa. I don't understand why, the table area was ours and it was not causing a hazard in any way to other people in the bar. Ridiculous. His manner and tone in how he spoke to a female was disgusting, very intimidating and aggressive. The female had placed her handbag on the sofa, same place where our friends blazer was, and the bouncer instructed her to pick it up or she can leave the bar. For the service we've received I very much doubt we will ever go back, considering how expensive the drinks are you expect a bit of respect from staff but the only ones who were polite were the people working the front door (and bar staff too!). Avoid this place if you want a trouble free night. read more