We absolutely loved this place. The rooftop was a beautiful oasis and the latin vibe and music was amazing! We literally loved everything about this place, but there was just one problem. We were so excited about the music but we instantly noticed that it was deafeningly loud (literally). We have never actually experienced music so loud that it's actually painful. We stayed for a few hours and tried moving tables to be further away, we asked them to turn it down and we even wore noise cancelling earphones. We loved the place so much and were just very disappointed that we couldn't actually enjoy the music or each other's company at all because of the volume. I was disappointed that they wouldn't turn the volume down, not for the dj or the live music. The live music was amazing and the artists were very talented and we loved their music but the volume let them down - having so many voices and loud keys and drums at that volume was unpleasant, despite the music being great. I don't know if it's like that everyday or every weekend but I honestly think I might have lasting hearing damage as a result. My sister and I would love to go back sometime but only if they play the music at a reasonable and normal volume. I can see from my apple health app that we were exposed to 87-115 decibels for several hours (the whole time we were there (it's very obvious which hours we were there). Anyway it's a shame that this amazing place is willing to ruin the whole experience and actually deafen their guests because otherwise it would be perfect. I hope they bear this in mind and turn the volume down in the future. It's not fair on the musicians or the guests and I'm sure they don't want to be the cause of hearing loss. I would have given this place 5 stars otherwise, I'm still giving it 3 because I do love the place. It's such a simple thing but really affects our experience and...
Read moreI'm not in the habit of leaving reviews but I want to write how much I love this venue and show my appreciation for the people who keep it running constantly to such a high standard.
Even if it is cold outside, the warm atmosphere and thriving plants on the covered CLF rooftop makes it feel like the sun is shining. This is especially true when the Latin Jazz Brunch is on. The Dominican food is lovingly cooked and is always delicious, there's a wide cocktail menu and just watching the staff make them with charisma and flair will help shake away any angst of everyday life.
Yesterday, Roberto Pla played with his 19 piece band. It's always so great to see quality live music but in particular, a band made up of young and older musicians alike; respected musicians of mixed genders and races playing to an audience of an equally broad demographic. It's a venue where everyone is made to feel welcome, with events/programming that make local communities feel seen. This is also the kind of gig musicians care about, where we invite our friends, family, dogs and people we want be be close to. The mountain of food, drinks and warm hospitality from staff, in particular Seb (who has the patience of a saint) also helps.
The programming features musicians who have decades of experience on the London and international music scene, alongside nights that focus on exciting, young/new jazz artists, often female led. All events I have been to have been of a high standard and it's common to see the same musicians here for free (or a minimal entry fee) that you would pay a premium for at Ronnie Scott's or main stages at major music festivals.
Thank you, CLF and all of the team and...
Read moreAn elegant and fun venue, the layout and decor never fails to impress. It has downstairs rooms and a rooftop, which in winter is covered to keep the warmth in - there are also lots of floor heaters - despite this it still can be a bit chilly there in winter so I recommend bringing a coat.
There is often live music, sometimes on a stage on the rooftop, for our visit the live music was inside, the inside area is cozy and nicely lit so a perfect place for a date.
The food is currently by an independent pop-up called Boca Chica. I was really excited to try Dominican food but sadly was disappointed as while all of our dishes were nicely seasoned they were really, really dry. So while it isn't necessary the venue's fault about thr food, I wouldn't recommend for dinner (but most definitely recommend the cocktails and bar).
The venue staff are also not that friendly or attentive, we had been left a long time without any service (venue also uses a QR code) but still no one checked to see if we were ok or needed drinks- we'd have spent a lot more if they had. Still though, all things considered, it really is a special venue and definitely worth a visit - also a good place to consider if you're having a birthday party or a gathering, the venue is also available for...
Read more