HDO — Restaurant in London

On January 8th, shortly after 1 PM, I visited HDO Café with my 18-month-old son and my mother-in-law. We chose your space precisely because it advertises itself as welcoming to families, with toys, a play area, and an environment intended for parents and young children to feel at ease.

My son was playing calmly and joyfully. He’s a loving, curious toddler — and, as children do, he approached a baby who was there with their mother, trying to interact. I immediately got up, spoke to my son gently, and guided him to respect the baby’s and mother’s space. I reminded him that he had already said hello and now needed to say goodbye. Throughout, I apologized repeatedly to the mother — who, I must say, was incredibly kind and understanding. She has four children and clearly recognised that my son was simply being a baby — not disruptive, not harmful, just learning.

Despite this, a member of your staff — the café manager — approached me and whispered in my ear: “Maybe try giving him a snack so he walks away.”

That comment was inappropriate, unnecessary, and left me deeply uncomfortable. Not just because of what was said — but because of how it was said. I was already handling the situation with care, and the other mother was calm and engaged in conversation with me. There was no distress. Only my child, being a child, and a mother guiding him with empathy.

But there’s more. I am a Black mother, and my son is a Black child. The way we are perceived, approached, and corrected is different. Subtly, but painfully. That whisper carried a weight that I have felt before — one of quiet exclusion, of being “too much” even while doing everything right.

I remained respectful. I picked up my son, hugged him, and whispered “sorry, I know”, to him — because I want him to grow up knowing that he is not wrong for existing with joy and curiosity. Then we left.

Let me be clear: being polite does not mean I will remain silent. I will always stand up for my child and his right to be in spaces that claim to welcome families. Because walking out quietly does not mean that what happened was acceptable.

If HDO Café truly intends to be a space for mothers and children, I urge you to reflect more deeply on what that means — especially for families who are not always seen or treated equally.

We deserve better. Our...

My experience was disappointing for several reasons: I booked the HDO lounge in March 2025, for my 60th birthday celebration on the 6th September 2025, and was totally let down. The owner was helpful and responsive until she received my £300 deposit on the 21 March 2025. Then it took me 4 months and reminder messages from me to receive confirmation of my booking, which I received on 22 July 2025. One of many examples of the unprofessional behaviour and poor business ethics!

The prosecco price was agreed at £23 per bottle on 8 March 2025, but then on the 3 September 2025, when ordering the drinks for my 120 guests, I was sent a WhatsApp message saying the price was raised to £35 per bottle! When I queried the increase, I was advised I would receive a call from the owner on the 4Ith September, but received no communication.

A verbal agreement with the staff at HDO about the movement of furniture I was advised later would not be honoured.

Communication in the week before the event was extremely poor and lack lustre.

The event ultimatIely did not go ahead, and on the day of my birthday - the owner, her 2 staff members, and her older sister turned up uninvited at my home address wanting to talk!? I've requested my £300 deposit is refunded with immediate effect due to the lack of communication and her unprofessional behaviour; however, to date this has not happened.

I am now pursuing the matter formally through the Small Claims Court.

This review reflects my own personal experience and is accurate to the best of my knowledge and...

Hdo Lounge is the best private hire venue in east London currently. From the owner to the staff members, me and my guests felt truly comfortable and safe within the facility. The modern open & bright space is perfect for every occasion. I was adamant that I wanted mine & my friends young children to attend my 40th birthday bash, and a lot of venues around the east London/ Essex area do not allow children after a certain time or even at all! So to find such a perfect venue, allowing guests of all ages, plenty of parking on-site, a reasonable garden area & reasonably priced drinks, I was over the moon! Danielle the owner completely put my mind to rest & ensured me that everything was going to be exactly how I wanted it. On the day of my hire, I was met by the lovely bar team, who don’t just serve drinks but truly make sure all guests are satisfied & comfortable whilst being in Hdo Lounge. I couldn’t recommend this venue enough! I will definitely be returning in the near future! Thank you Danielle & thank you Hdo Lounge bar team - you exceeded my...