I'm a bit hesitant to write a poor review of this place as the girls here are really hardworking and as attentive as one can possibly be to hundreds of people in a day. But, the chaos I walked into on a Sunday has ensured that I never walk into a crowded pub like this again. It took almost 15 minutes to flag down one of the servers to ask about getting a table, to which I was told, "If you see a spot, grab it." As soon as I saw a couple get up I threw my stuff down- hoping it wouldn't get stolen- and went to order at the bar. That took another 5 minutes. Given how crowded it was, I ended up having to share my table with 4 other people; which wasn't bad, until I ended up getting my food more than 15 minutes after I'd ordered it, and then realized I was the only one eating at a table full of strangers. The food itself wasn't bad, but for a pub that claims to have the best Sunday Roast in London, it certainly didn't compare to those that don't claim that and are less of a hassle to eat in. And at £17 a pop, you can bet the experience wasn't worth it for some chicken and Yorkshire pudding. read more

The Birdcage - Chicken Sunday Roast - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

About a week ago, I made the mistake of ordering some Nachos here. Honestly the saddest plate of Nachos I've ever come across. The best description of it I can make is that it was that someone poured a bag of tortilla chips onto a plate, squeezed some awful American-style runny cheese over it all, then put some ready-made shop-bought guacamole on one end, what looked like ketchup but was salsa on the other end, and then the largest dollop of sour cream (almost tasted like fresh whipped cream somehow) in the middle. There was no attempts to layer anything. It was served on a baking tray which I can't really explain seeing as it was all completely cold. And they cost £12.50 which, tbh, is a disgrace. They were unfortunate to say the least. I should have sent them back but I was so hungry that I tried to make the most of it. Unrelated, but the bar staff were lovely, I'm sorry I had to give a bad review based off the food. read more

I can honestly say that one of the best nights of my life was spent in this unprepossessing little pub at the end of Columbia Road. The reason? Its unrivaled karaoke. Now I'm no singer, in fact I'm pretty sure if I was capable of 'projecting' my voice my Art Deco glass collection would be a goner, but The Birdcage puts on hands down the best karaoke nights I've ever had the privilege of witnessing. Refreshingly for this area, The Birdcage's legendary karaoke nights are not ironic, knowing or tongue-in-cheek but instead populated by older east enders who quite possibly had their sights set on a singing career once but that went kaput, or still fancy themselves as possible contenders for next year's X-Factor title. The drinks and decor might not be much to write home about but The Birdcage's authentic east end charm simply could not be recreated. And for those shy of singing there's a variety of costume choices, wigs, etc - I kid you not - to take the edge off of performing as yourself. read more

The Birdcage - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Yelp says this place is open till 1 AM from Mon-Wed. Go at 11 PM on Tues and they say it's closed and refuse to serve us, not even one drink while they still had many people lounging around. Your establishment needs to update your yelp profile as that is extremely lazy and embarrassing. It's 2018 not the 1990s, your social media needs to be accurate. We took an expensive cab to get here across town. read more

The Birdcage - Open Mon-Wed till 1 AM, arrive 04/17 @ 11 PM. Not allowed to buy 1 drink even tho it's their mistake for not keeping social media updated. - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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Update: this bar hasn't done karaoke in a couple of years. That being said it's still a super cute bar with good drinks and nice bartenders read more

The Birdcage is an interesting one. I went there on a Saturday night with some friends and the place was jam packed. Interesting mix of people, some in a faily intoxicated state. There is a pool table, which is useful if you get bored of listening to people having a laugh trying to sing which probably wont happen as Karaoke here is pretty entertaining. My pals and I laughed so hard. I have yet to try it, one day, one day! I also spotted a dart board which might be exciting for dart players out there. The atmosphere is great, really friendly and happy, great mix of customers, from locals, young people and artists. read more

The Birdcage - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

What? Only 2 checkins? That can't be true...this place is one of my favourite pubs in the neighbourhood. Their knowledge of beers & ales is fabulous, and the staff is always on point when it comes to my taste. I've tried (and loved) a belgian 9% beer last time, but can't remember the name (haha. Obvs.) Lovely location on the corner, this as a great place to catch the last rays of sunshine. The pies look pretty good too, next time fosho. read more

The Birdcage - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

There comes a point in most evenings when you say to the group you're with "Wouldn't it be fun to sing some karaoke?" You'll also notice at this point that you have slurred your sentence and your swaying slightly. Never fear, The Birdcage is here! Walking into this pub on a Friday night is one of the craziest things you'll find in the area. A mix of hardcore locals with hip wannabe east London cardigan wearers. There will be old beards and new beards and furry upper lips on ladies who wear more gold than Argos stock. Then you'll have the singers, the regulars who have been doing this for years who holler at the tops of their lungs tunes that they have rehearsed in the mirror at home. You'll arrive and not be able to get to the bar, you'll have people's elbows in your face and drunk people groping you in wonderful ways. You'll never be able to find the song list book and you'll be lucky enough if you can squeeze yourself onto the improvised dancefloor. It's amazing. Don't come in a bad mood, don't come sober and don't come with your attitude. read more

Came to the birdcage for the infamous karaoke all nighter and was seriously looking forward to some crooning in public! Unfortunately, despite the "every week" advertising, yesterday was "country and western" night. The pub was filled with geriatrics dressed as cowboys complete with guns which was extremely sweet but disappointing. One of the old men was dancing around and he had a necklace of fake teeth which he kept putting in his mouth. Interesting. I quite like the decor in the pub, especially the shiny birds in the cage, but feel that my time here would have greatly improved if I got the promised karaoke and may be some darts in. There was an electronic score board but no actual dart board. Weird. read more

A fantastic chameleon of a pub - depending upon the day, the hour and the clientele, it can be anything from an extension of the (allegedly) trendy Shoreditch scene, a student karaoke bar, a 'left bank' intellectual talking shop, a (very) discreet gay bar or a local East End boozer catering to the neighbouring local council estates. So if you can't cope with any of the above you'd be advised to time your visit wisely - though if you're sensible you'll go with the flow, take what you get and have a bloody good time! [Oh - and the offers can come from some very unexpected quarters!] read more

I came in at 2pm on a Wednesday afternoon with a hoard of my colleagues after a work community day on a Tower Hamlets estate. When we descended upon the place, one of the old men at the bar said, and I quote, 'What is going on??' That is the sort of place this is. In the middle of the day on a Wednesday, at least. Old men sitting at the entirely convenional pub bar, minding their own business, watching sports news on the television. Plenty of high street lagers on tap and beers in the bottle. One ale that I could see - Doom Bar - was available, although only for two pints before it apparently ran out. Slightly over-the-top silver fleur-de-lis wallpaper and - as the namesake would suggest - birdcages hanging from the ceiling: A generally inoffensive mix of old-school pub furnishings with modern flourishes is the Birdcage in a nutshell. And to round off this perfectly serviceable establishment, the friendly lady publican provided effective and friendly service. Well done. I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but it's a solid option if I'm ever back in the area at 2pm on a Wednesday. read more

What a place! Following friends up the road, I wasn't expecting to walk into this. It looked like a karaoke van had ram raided into a pub full of old locals-but they didn't care one bit! There was such a great atmosphere, as swooners and crooners paraded around the bar drinking jovially and clapping enthusiastically at the constant stream of, slightly better than average, non-singers. There was all sorts of types around, swigging and swaying like the raucous bar in Oliver. One guy even gave me his flat cap, I wished I'd of stayed here in stead of traipsing over town to a very disappointed Matter. read more

Located in a quiet nook away from the hubbub of Bethnal Green Road, The Birdcage is a warm and cosy drinking hole. It strongly reminded me of The Drafthouse chain of pubs - was it the font? the wooden decor? Anyhoo, I kept thinking I was in a different place. Somewhat disconcerting. The pies were delicious and reasonably priced. I had the veggie option with onion gravy, but would definitely try the other sauce next time - the herby one. Lovely little neighbourhood spot, perfect for a quiet pint. read more

The young manager of the Birdcage banned my 80 year old father Billy, who had been drinking in the Birdcage for over 60 years. The reason? because he collapsed and an ambulance had to be called twice. Turned out my dad needed a pace maker fitted, which has now been done. The manager confirmed he had only had a couple of drinks when he passed out. The reason given for the ban? Was, calling an ambulance to the pub, didn't look good. My dad lives across the road from The Birdcage and being 80, it was the most convenient pub for him to drink in. The local pub should be for all the community, including the old. I think the reason given for banning him, is a poor show, funny this only happended since The Birdcage has been under new management and been gentrified. One day hipsters will be old.....Just saying. read more

Nice little pub with a great selection of craft ales (listed by distance from brewery, for those who are environmentally minded/like supporting local breweries) and soft drinks for those who don't drink - including lemon and ginger kombucha, which I haven't seen in a pub before! It's a relatively cosy pub, so large groups might have to squidge a bit on a busier night, but it has a nice atmosphere and the staff were very friendly. read more

A nice corner pub with a decent selection of draught beers, and an unusually tasty steak n' ale pie on their dinner menu. This may come off as a strange compliment, but I really like how this pub doesn't have any TVs showing sport events. Euro 2016 has been absolute pub insanity, and it's refreshing to have a drinking nook that doesn't come with free drunken shouting at a bunch of pixels. This may come off as an even stranger critique, but I found it shockingly difficult to order a pint from the bar staff. It's like they couldn't hear or understand any of the words I was saying on multiple orders throughout the evening, even though saying "IPA" and/or pointing directly at the tap seems fairly direct and intuitive. read more

I usually come here on Sundays after I go to the flower market, but if I lived in London I think I would come here a lot anyway. First off they have lots of kinds of sangria, so it brings a whole new meaning to sangria Sundays! Also I love gin, and one of my favorite drinks is a negroni; they have a huge painting of a negroni in the window!! Basically it was love at first sight! The service is always good and the atmosphere lively. It is also a dog friendly place so you can meet some adorable furry fellows too! I really have no complaints other than sometimes it is too busy. read more

Newly developed and renovated in last year or so. Less grimey (though I liked it this way) but it's very nice. More hipster admittedly but a lovely jewel in pub crown by Columbia Road Flower market amidst residential area. read more

The Birdcage - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

This used to be my old local, I fondly remember grabbing a rickety old chair, propping it up next to the faded wallpaper and watching the FA Cup Final with a gin and tonic (no ice) in my hands. The clarets burping and slurping by the bar, watching an epic final which saw which Premiership giant depose them in an epic penalty shoot out? Sorry if this review is turning into a pub quiz, but that's just the sort of activity you'd find in this East End boozer, conveniently situated on the corner of Colombia Road. Oh, and cheap beer by the shed load. read more

The Birdcage - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

A great little boozer with friendly bar staff and an impeccable music policy. The craziness of the long established karaoke nights on Friday and Saturday is sandwiched between 2 of the best little club nights to move over to East London. It all kicks off Thursdays at 8pm with Ross Allen's Meltdown and ends the weekend with a smile and a boogie on Sundays with Luke EVM and Corinna Grey's Sunday Soul Sessions. This is what London is crying out for, 2 guaranteed belters to start and end your weekends. It's pub prices and cheap pub prices at that, 3 pints can still come in at under a tenner here. And that's a good thing because with a 2am license you may wind up spending a little more time in The Birdcage than you intended. read more

Let me just start out by saying I'm from Los Angeles and I was looking for a great karaoke bar on a Friday night in London and the birdcage was listed as number one with yelp. So a couple of friends and I took a cab out to the birdcage to experience what we hoped would be top-notch karaoke and craziness rolled into one. Much to my chagrin the bar no longer offers karaoke and is under new management. Also, with the doors closed the bar does not ventilate very well and smells musty much like a coed locker room after a ball game. Really disappointed that yelp hasn't even caught on that these guys don't even offer karaoke anymore!!! read more

This place is a gem for the neighborhood and the many residences surrounding it. The pie was fantastic for just an unexpected hole-in-the-wall. Only 6-8 beer options (might indicate a lower score), but the vibe was great. This place even does trivia on Tuesdays. It's a great meal. read more

Situated a short walk from Shoreditch Church, The Birdcage is the place to exercise your vocal skills and tap your dancing feet! The first time I walked into this consistently packed pub I was swept along by a sea of checked shirts and skinny jeans. I sighed and though, 'great, another trendy boozer'. I found a seat and sat with my reasonably priced pint (£3, very cheap for Shoreditch). Suddenly I'm struck by a stench of fish and notice a rotund older gentleman selling cockles and muscles from a cardboard box! He makes his way over to a table of amazing couples, all over 50, all dressed up to the nines, all tapping their feet seemingly unaware that their local had been taken over by a younger crowd. So they sit munching their fresh seafood and I take in the ambience. Suddenly the karaoke machine is cranked up and we are introduced to Michael. I can truly say I have never experienced anything like this in my life. Stevie Wonder's classic 'Lately' was given a remix. I can say no more other than he is there every Friday and has to be seen to be believed. After a man belted out 'Wuthering Heights' with more theatrics and falsetto than Ms Bush I was sold! They have a huge choice of songs and if you can't find what you want in their book, ask them and cances are they have it! The night ended with a stage invasion during the final number of the night ('Rockin' All Over The World' sung by the two compares of the night) at 3.00am, an hour over schedule. I've never experienced a friendlier karaoke experience with clapping, dancing and a lot of entertainment, it is free to get in, drinks are cheapish and the staff are sensational - a weekend must for all singing, all dancing Londoners! read more

The Birdcage - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Traditional bar with seating inside and outside. Good beer on draft but unfortunately no karaoke anymore (at least on Fridays)

Where have you been all my London Life!!! As an American haling from the great musical cities of Columbus, OH (and yes, I did say Columbus, OH) and Nashville, TN, my first mission was to search out and find a real karaoke bar. Karaoke has been one of my favorite pastimes for that past 7 years and I was determined to find a good place here in London. At first the only place that came up was Merphis. My friends and I went a few times, but it was always awful. And don't even get me started on there sound system. In steps Yelp* to save the day! On my long lost quest to find a great karaoke (and being a somewhat avid Yelper) bar I finally decided to combine the two and see what I could come up with. I was not disappointed. My birthday event turned into a brithweek event and (somewhat) ended with Karaoke at the Bird Cage. Once on stage, I had the world at my fingers AND a good PA system. Oh what a night! It wasn't late September, but it was still A-Mazing. Awesome People. Awesome Pub. Awesome PA. What more can you ask for in a night of Karaoke? read more

Qwerky lovely little place. The staff, although friendly to us, we're pretty sarky to other customers whilst we were sat at the bar. Where we sat was clearly by their cup/glass washing area, so instead of asking us to move they kept cramming glasses onto the bar, leaving us little room for our drinks. The stools should be moved if you're not meant to sit there. Other than that it's a nice place to have a drink and I would recommend it to anyone visiting the flower market. read more

This place takes Karaoke seriously, so don't come here without having warmed up both your singing voice and your dance moves. The Birdcage is jam-packed with regulars on Friday nights, business men in suits to local hipsters from more creative offices, waiting their turn to transform the pub into something that could only be likened to X-Factor auditions. It's something everyone must experience once, I've never seen a man belt out Adele in almost perfect pitch anywhere but here before. Drinks are cheap, service can be a little slow sometimes due to the sheer amount of people in there jostling to get their order in, probably not great for those who need a decent amount of personal space either - but that's part of the charm. read more

Great place to stop in and have a Sunday pie (and a pint of IPA) when you've just done a bit of shopping at the Colombia Flower market. Interiors are typical of a London pub, a few "trendy" touches here and there, what do you expect, this is in Shoreditch. Clientele straddles the line of yuppie families who also like to get pissed drunk on a Sunday afternoon. Food? Great pies!!! Delicious homemade gravy (cream based one), absolutely lovely. read more

For a while there it looked as if this beautiful old Victorian pub would slowly fade away like many others in the area. However the Birdcage has not only survived but thrived as a 'real east London' pub experience for the Shorditch set. And this is a good thing. The karaoke nights are a wonder with a hugely mixed and friendly crowd basically partying like 1999 (and most of the songs predate then). And boy is it packed, really packed, but great fun. Outside these nights the pub reverts back to what it always has been: a big ol' Victorian pile which quietly serves the locals and the Sunday flower market long may it continue. read more

A proper boozer for East Enders with a little karaoke thrown in. By "thrown in" I mean a stage with a huge screen in the most central focal point of the pub. Having done karaoke regularly in New York for almost a decade, I was really missing it here in London. I knew it was here but many places required hiring a room for a group of friends and, sadly, most of my singing friends stayed back in NYC. This is why accepting my buddy and fellow Yelper Shevin Tantula has been a godsend; it's public karaoke at its best. First of all, the crowd is incredibly supportive, especially as the night goes on for perhaps obvious reasons. There is an amazing mix of people from all walks of life and the bar tenders all take part in the singing. It feels like a real community, especially once you start going week after week, which you will be tempted to do once you spend a Friday or Saturday night there. Furthermore, the drinks are cheap. Don't expect craft beer or fancy cocktails but the bar tenders will serve you with a friendliness and care and they will get you supremely sauced. If you get there early, you'll get a table and potentially get to sing more than once. Even if you don't like to sing, you'll have a blast people watching and participating in the inevitable rock anthem. I'd like to personally thank the Birdcage staff for their fantastic service and the Birdcage punters for always being polite and shaking my hand or doling out high-fives after each of my performances. You rule and I hope to see you again very soon. read more

Walked in after visiting the flower market on Sunday morning. Found out that they only served pies, but we were willing to try. Seated ourselves but we were ignored by all four members of staff. Couple walked in and sat down after us and were immediately seen to. Overheard waitress say they were only serving filter coffee. For a restaurant/pub open on a busy Sunday morning this was unacceptable. We walked out. read more

I went to the bird cage for karaoke in december. I was delighted to find that not only was it a fantastic pub (a real treat), but the quality of some of the acts was amazingly impressive. In particular the final performance of don't you want me baby was the best rendition of a modern pop classic I have heard to date. I hope to see a repeat performance in the near future. read more

Great atmosphere with a real independent feel. Strongly recommend the seasonal range.

Probably the best Karaoke pub in town. Generally good singers and an atmosphere second to none. Why on the evening I was there, someone chose to flash gay porno pictures on the screen, is any ones business. Another negative was toilets that stunk to high heaven. But don't let that put you off, because apart from those two things it really is a great night out. read more

The Birdcage sits on the corner of the explosively beautiful Columbia Road flower market in Shoreditch in East London. It is our jewel. One of the only authentic East London pubs left in pretty much it's original state. It is nurtured and loved in equal measure by the immediate community who have come to drink there for generations and those who have come to live in East London more recently, who also congregate within its walls. Side by side old and new Hackney in all it's glory. The day we walked past the beautiful old green tiles that adorn the outside of the pub and through those doors, I too, fell in love. Columbia rd flower market, is itself a sight to behold. At the crack of dawn every Sunday the traders turn up and start to unfurl their verdant and intensly colourful wares. There has been a market on this site since 1869 first selling food and then caged birds (hence the name of our pub), but the whole area was heavily bombed during the Blitz, causing massive local destruction. Miraculously the building remained intact except for it's window's being blown out and the Birdcage was used as a casualty clearing station with the then proprietors sleeping in the cellar! The Birdcage is everything I love about living in modern London. It is the absolute essence of wonderful quirky quintessential Britishness. The old and the new,the familiar and the freshly captivating, and endless ,endless possibilities for excitement inspiration and discovery. When I am in the Birdcage, I am home. read more