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. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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

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

Opium - gin maerinit - Dim Sum Near Me - London, XGL

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! read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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 read more

Opium - Dog and dragon - Dim Sum Near Me - London, XGL

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. read more

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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 :) read more

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. read more

Opium - Dim Sum Near Me - London, XGL

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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. read more

Opium - Dim Sum Near Me - London, XGL

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

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. read more

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

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. read more

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. read more

Opium - Dim Sum Near Me - London, XGL

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Opium - Dim Sum Near Me - London, XGL

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Opium - Nuclear Pina Colada - Dim Sum Near Me - London, XGL

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... read more

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Opium has all the components you find in a speakeasy- a non discrete entrance, a shady looking bouncer, dark stairways and dim lit lighting. However, how it does stand apart is the oriental feel to the place which starts of with the wafting smell of the incense sticks placed in the stairways and is emphasised much more by the decor involving the Buddha statuettes and Dragons. The cocktails menu is quite extensive and I spotted quite a few very unique combinations of flavours. I ended up going for the Opium#5 which just happens to come in a glass with dry ice! While the actual drink was mind blowing (I couldn't taste the tea that was supposed to be one of the ingredients), the experience of drinking it was worthwhile! The other cocktails we tried were also good and the service was fast considering how busy it was! Overall, definitely a must try! read more

Opium - Dim Sum Near Me - London, XGL

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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! read more

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. read more

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! read more

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! read more