Had planned on watching the ESC while in London and booked a ticket for this bar at 10 GBP. Included a free drink (beer or cocktail) on arrival, as per the confirmation email. Arrived early at 6 pm b/c we assumed it would get full. Had written to the bar before on Instagram to ask if we could book a table. The answer was no, first come first served. So we came early only to find out that a number of tables HAD been booked. The guy who welcomed us was very friendly, gave us wristbands (to separate us from earlier non-ESC guests whom he said he'd kick out at 7 when the exclusive ESC party started). He said to show our wristbands at the bar for the complimentary drinks. He also gave us three cards that at first we didn't know what for, but the cards said that you'd get a free shot (not drink) at the bar with them. He placed us at a table with a sign saying it was booked from 5-7 (so only until the the ESC event started) where he said the people hadn't come. A few minutes later, two ladies showed up saying it was their table. They did not have wristbands, but were obviously geared up for the ESC. As did more groups at booked tables, as we found out. Apparently some of them at least had booked before the bar had decided to do the ESC - the result was that there were people who had paid 10GBP for a ticket & people who had only booked a table & not paid (but somehow were still given a wristband later). This already gave us the impression that things were badly organized. We found seats elsewhere & the guy who had initially seated us again was very friendly and apologized (he is the only reason for the two stars for service). We then wanted to get our free drinks. My two companions went to the bar & also ordered food. They got their cocktails, although the girl behind the bar had apparently never mixed one before in her life (had to read the recipe and put in wrong ingredients). When they came back, I went to the bar. On showing my wristband, I was told I needed the card for the free drink. I said I didn't have one and my friends had gotten their drinks without it. Big problem. She was incapable of handling the situation, asked a colleague (who later told us he was the general manager!) who also couldn't solve it. She went to get someone (higher up?). It took time. Also, she told me I couldn't order food for another hour b/c of the rush, kitchen temporarily closed. Meanwhile,my friend had brought me her unused card. I tried my luck with a different person behind the bar. When it was finally my turn (again), I asked for a cocktail - to be told they were not doing cocktails anymore. I asked why. From what I could make out in the din, also b/c of the rush. I said the offer included a beer or cocktail & I would like the cocktail. Again, the answer was no & on asking again, why, the guy seemed personally offended & in a diva-like manner mocked my question and said he didn't even have to respond to it. I left in exasperation, ready to leave at once. Apparently he had started to mix the cocktail in the end & my friend brought it to me. When we had just sat down again, discussing when to leave (my friends' food had arrived - can't recommend eating there), the guy came to our table & berated my friend for a few minutes for having thrown down the card for the cocktail onto the counter in some exasperation, saying they were only temporarily not mixing cocktails anymore (although it was supposed to be a welcome drink & it was only 7.15 or so?) and he was only the general manager (ergo not responsible?). A, I expect a general manager to handle a legitimate question from a customer on why a promised offer is not fulfilled professionally & B, who takes several minutes during an absolute rush to argue with a customer? All in all, they seemed utterly unable to cope & the whole thing was very badly organized. There were no unified policies in place as to the conditions for being admitted to the event or the ordering of the welcome drinks. Staff seemed badly informed and trained and were not professional in communicating...
Read moreA Stellar 40th Birthday Bash at Nordic Bar in Soho
I recently celebrated my 40th birthday at Nordic Bar in Soho, and I couldn't have chosen a better venue for such an intimate occasion with some close friends. The drink selection at Nordic Bar is diverse and impressive, catering to a variety of tastes. The bartenders were not only skilled in delicious crafting cocktails but also exhibited a genuine passion for mixology. Our guests were delighted with the creative concoctions served throughout the night, adding an extra layer of excitement to the celebration. The shot roulette was of course the icing on the Cake ! What truly set Nordic apart, however, was the impeccable service provided by the manager, Adri. From the outset, Adri went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of the celebration was flawless. His attention to detail, professionalism, and friendly demeanor were exceptional. Adri took the time to understand our preferences, making personalized recommendations that enhanced the overall experience for our group. The food offerings were equally impressive, with a menu that catered to various dietary preferences. The quality and presentation of the dishes exceeded our expectations, receiving compliments from all the guests. The staff, under Adri's guidance, ensured that everyone's needs were met promptly and with a smile. Overall, Nordic proved to be the ideal venue for a celebration. The combination of a Viking vibe, the arcade games and Beer pong , and, above all, Adri's exceptional service along with his team made it an unforgettable night. If you're looking for a venue that seamlessly combines style, service, and celebration, Nordic Bar is the place to be. My heartfelt thanks to Adri and the entire team at Nordic Bar for making my day a truly...
Read moreI have mixed feelings about booking this place. I made a booking with an enquiry about accessibility, which the staff were completely transparent with saying they couldn't accommodate. It transpired that accessibility would no longer be an issue and after paying the deposit to secure the booking, they acknowledged me saying accessibility was no longer an issue and the booking was confirmed in their email so our group had a place to watch the first GP of 2022. Low and behold, I was told that they can't accommodate wheelchair users to access the front door and they cancelled my booking on the morning of the day we were due to go there. There was no response to either an email or a message until the day after, nor did they take my calls and I didn't receive my refund until 5 days later. Thankfully, a friend in the group was able to book a table without a deposit so we weren't left wihout a venue. The food was good and served in reasonable time though the bar staff were somewhat forgetful as they hadn't served my drink after I'd paid. It transpired that another member of Nordic Bar's booking team had seen my initial enquiry about wheelchair access but failed to check the conversation with their colleague and cancelled my booking as a result. Doing it at such short notice was really poor form when they'd not gone to the effort of establishing the full situation or at least the key details. Would I book again? The experience in the end was good but that was only from a fortuitious opportunity taken by my friend to secure the place at late notice. Whether I'd book again would be dependent on knowing the place's booking team had learnt from this mistake as I wouldn't count on chance acting in our...
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