Hokus Pokus - Alchemy Lab — Restaurant in London

Insanely fantastic interior design! I can't imagine the planning and money that went into the design of this place. It's like a film set for some futuristic steam punk spaceship. Maybe a lounge that you'd find the Capitol in The Hunger Games universe. They went all in.

The hotel in which it is based is one of those pricey boutique art hotels. It's not difficult to find the bar. It is not a "speakeasy." There is well lit sign on the exterior of the hotel, and it's very easy to find the entrance to the bar once inside. Just because it's in a basement doesn't make it a speakeasy.

The prices are high. It's a hotel.

I was fairly disappointed in the quality of the cocktails. They are trying to be part of the current mixology trends by infusing spirits and doing all sorts of cocktail/flair bar fads (like smoke and fire). On paper, it often sounds impressive, but in practice, they are a bit amateurish feeling in complexity and presentation. Most tasted very sweet. And for the prices charged, the value just isn't there. I don't know how anybody could get drunk from these sugary juices.

I am biased as someone who prefers a more challenging or complex palate, and a more elegant (even if minimal) presentation if necessary. But I thought something here would be a bit more refined. I think a little more focus on elevating classics over kitschy effects wouldn't go amiss. I've been to other steampunk/Victorian throwback sorts of cocktail bars who handle the drinks with the same sort of daring attempts at creativity but with a bit more style and sophistication. For a £17 price tag, I don't think that's an unreasonable ask.

The bartender also doesn't handle classics particularly well and I'm not sure if it's because they have an extremely limited back bar (didn't see much of one, but often hotel bars don't keep many spirits onhand other than the ones directly used in their menu cocktails) or if it's because he is a bit too ambitious and wants to include all their infusion spirits in classics. If you don't have the ingredients for the drink, I'd prefer to be told that than substitute most of the ingredients with house infusions unless you really know what you're doing with the taste profile. But they do try hard to please, I will have to give props for that. This place is anything but indifferent.

Our server was awesome though! She was so approachable and friendly. Surprised that it was so empty on a Thursday night, but it's open late so if you're hankering for a cocktail later and don't want to deal with crowds, this seems like a good spot.

Loved the theme and the menu inspiration and how it draws on history of the area. I wish it was just a little bit more skillfully executed cos the basis is legit and it...

I had the pleasure of visiting Hocus Pokus for the first time, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with a beautifully designed space that perfectly blends the classy cocktail bar vibe with industrial elements and touches of old-world alchemy. It’s absolutely stunning and feels unique.

The staff were absolutely lovely and incredibly helpful, making sure every detail of our visit was perfect. The atmosphere was delightful—chilled music set the perfect tone without being too loud, allowing for relaxed and enjoyable conversations.

As for the cocktails, they were simply outstanding. The signature recipes were creative and well-executed, and even classics like the Negroni were crafted to perfection. We also tried the small bites, and the cheese board was delicious, with every element thoughtfully curated (especially the truffle cheese—what a treat!).

Overall Hocus Pocus is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates a great cocktail, friendly service, a stylish ambiance, and a relaxed yet refined vibe. Can’t...

This place was quite a disappointment, but let's start with the good. The place is beautiful. It's not a speakeasy though. The female host was very nice and attentive (her male counterpart, which I think was her senior, was rude and arrogant).

I don't mind paying for quality, but there is a clear mismatch between price and quality here. One of their drinks came with a sphere made of gelatine with some liquid inside. Interesting gimmick, but there was so much gelatine that it was impossible to enjoy and you have to spit it out. Other drinks just lacked creativity and execution.

The drinks card is written in such an incredibly small font that they have to provide a second card with the exact same drinks just for people to read it.

In the end I wanted to finish the evening with a glass of bourbon over ice. They literally filled the glass with ice and by the time it arrived, two thirds of the drink was just water. Basically a glass of water for £15.

I think this place might have been an amazing place in the past, but they definitely lost touch with...