Quick info
About The Bridge Coffee House & Bar
The Bridge Coffee House & Bar works as a two-floor bar and coffee house on Kingsland Rd in London, with the cafe side downstairs and a Victorian parlour room reached by a narrow winding staircase above. Coffee beans are roasted on site at the bar, and espresso is pulled on an original machine dating from the early 1900s. The drinks list runs across both sides of the operation, with Turkish coffee and lattes alongside cocktails, and espresso martinis and old fashioneds among the most ordered. Antiques and curiosities fill the interior. Seating out in the alley gives somewhere to drink outdoors in the evening. No reservations are taken, so drinkers simply walk in, and the owner is usually behind the bar, chatting with customers and showing people around the building. The space also takes on events, drawing on both floors.
Menu & Prices
7 dishes- Coffee
- Bar
- Negroni
- Espresso Martini and a Gin & Tonic
- Daiquiri
- Sex on the Beach
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention espresso martinis, antique decor, roasting coffee beans and turkish coffee.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention espresso martinis, antique decor, roasting coffee beans and turkish coffee.
Customer Review Summary
Espresso martinis are what reviewers raise most, with one calling them the best and another recommending them after a meal in the area, and an old fashioned and Moscow mules also get a good word. Beyond the drinks, the antique-filled room draws repeated praise, with visitors describing it as feeling like an antique shop, scented by coffee beans roasting on the bar. Others mention Turkish coffee, an espresso from an original early machine, and a winding staircase that makes people chuckle. The owner is described as personable and welcoming, and the staff as friendly. Reviewers also single out the relaxing music, the decoration, a friendly dog, and seating outside on summer evenings. The criticism is about cost and upkeep. One reviewer found the espresso martinis had dropped in quality since an earlier visit and suspects the ownership changed, while another reports no draft beer, expensive cocktails, and a bottle of beer served on a rusty chair in an alley that smelled of urine. One reviewer waiting on a tattoo artist next door describes the place as dripping in character.
Customer Review Summary
Espresso martinis are what reviewers raise most, with one calling them the best and another recommending them after a meal in the area, and an old fashioned and Moscow mules also get a good word. Beyond the drinks, the antique-filled room draws repeated praise, with visitors describing it as feeling like an antique shop, scented by coffee beans roasting on the bar. Others mention Turkish coffee, an espresso from an original early machine, and a winding staircase that makes people chuckle. The owner is described as personable and welcoming, and the staff as friendly. Reviewers also single out the relaxing music, the decoration, a friendly dog, and seating outside on summer evenings. The criticism is about cost and upkeep. One reviewer found the espresso martinis had dropped in quality since an earlier visit and suspects the ownership changed, while another reports no draft beer, expensive cocktails, and a bottle of beer served on a rusty chair in an alley that smelled of urine. One reviewer waiting on a tattoo artist next door describes the place as dripping in character.
Featured reviews
- klaudia 4040
“Really gorgeous bar the decor really stood out to me, Charlie the owner was so lovely and welcoming. There was an adorable dog there which is always a plus. We sat outside enjoying the evening with our Moscow mules which were pretty good”
- George Ellis
“Incredibly easy one to skip. This road is filled with cool bars and breweries. This specific bar has no draft beer, cocktails are inexplicably £16, a bottle of beer is £8, and you drink it on a rusty chair in an alley covered in piss.”
- Paul R
“Popped in on Saturday afternoon with the wife and spent a wonderful hour chatting with the owner, Eren. We came here years ago for our second date and wanted to return and to our delight it was exactly as we remembered it. There was coffee roasting on the bar, we drank Turkish coffee and beer whilst surrounded by antiques and curiosities. Eren gave us a tour of the amazing building and we chatted about life and everything else. We wish you many returning customers, Eren and will be back one day!”
- Tilda But not Swinton
“Perfect bar/café for bohemian evening!! Definitely becoming a regular customer here!!”
- CF
“The espresso martinis were below average. I visited a couple of years ago and while they were pricey, they were genuinely very good. I came back today and they were still expensive, but the quality had really dropped. It seems like ownership may have changed, and unfortunately the drinks just aren’t up to the same standard anymore.”
Highlights
“Quirky style triumph with cafe (serving Turkish coffee) downstairs, Victorian parlour chic upstairs.”
- Great beer selection
- Live performances
Amenities
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Alcohol
- Casual
- On-site services
- Beer
Show more amenities
- Food
- Spirits
- Live performances
- Toilet
- Cosy
- Romantic
- Offerings· 2
- Cocktails
- Wine
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Highlights· 1
- Great beer selection
- Atmosphere· 1
- Trendy
Location
Bars near The Bridge Coffee House & Bar
- Shoreditch Balls4.33440.1 mi£10–20ReservationsGood for kids
free pool, cocktails, mini-golf
- Old Street Records4.32,8160.2 mi
pizza, live music, espresso martini
- The Bricklayers Arms4.18170.2 mi£1–10
graffiti-covered gents toilets, cask ales, red painted interior
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Bridge Coffee House & BarTakeout | 4.1602 | — | £15–30 | espresso martinis, antique decor, roasting coffee beans |
| Shoreditch BallsReservations · Good for kids | 4.3344 | 0.1 mi | £10–20 | free pool, cocktails, mini-golf |
| Old Street Records | 4.32,816 | 0.2 mi | — | pizza, live music, espresso martini |
| The Bricklayers Arms | 4.1817 | 0.2 mi | £1–10 | graffiti-covered gents toilets, cask ales, red painted interior |
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