Funky Buddha reviews
AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!! Rude, rude staff. Management need to screw their heads back on because, night by night, the numbers will gradually diminish and then there will be no business. This includes bar staff too. Don't know many more clubs that charge a £20 entrance fee either. A rip-off to put it kindly. Barely worth a single star at all.
by graeme.nash79, 03 Feb 2010
by graeme.nash79, 03 Feb 2010
A group of 4 of us went to Funky Buddha on a Wednesday night in January. We had read the negative and positive reviews. When we got to the club around 11pm we were asked if we were on the guest list, which we were, and were told the 2 guys had to pay a tenner each and us girls were free! We went straight in and received a stamp on the hand so we could go out for a fag and get back in. Once inside we put our coats in for £2 each and went into the club, which was very modern, clean and with a great atmosphere.
My partner and I ordered 2 rum and cokes which came to £21, so after that we stuck to the beer at £6 a bottle - which got us quite licked! The bar staff were friendly towards us and so were the bouncers. When outside having a smoke I got speaking to the head doorman and another doorman, and both of them were friendly and a laugh too. I was shocked as had read the bad reviews about the doormen, but the ones there when we went were fine - polite and chatty.
The only negative was that the ladies loo was upstairs and after a few drinks it feels a mission. But apart from that I really enjoyed myself and would go again. My partner is from London and had told me not to worry as he had been to clubs like Funky Buddha. I should have just listened to him. Go there for a good atmosphere, good decor and overall a good night. Don't let the reviews put you off, go and see for yourself!
by Juicy112, 21 Jan 2010
My partner and I ordered 2 rum and cokes which came to £21, so after that we stuck to the beer at £6 a bottle - which got us quite licked! The bar staff were friendly towards us and so were the bouncers. When outside having a smoke I got speaking to the head doorman and another doorman, and both of them were friendly and a laugh too. I was shocked as had read the bad reviews about the doormen, but the ones there when we went were fine - polite and chatty.
The only negative was that the ladies loo was upstairs and after a few drinks it feels a mission. But apart from that I really enjoyed myself and would go again. My partner is from London and had told me not to worry as he had been to clubs like Funky Buddha. I should have just listened to him. Go there for a good atmosphere, good decor and overall a good night. Don't let the reviews put you off, go and see for yourself!
by Juicy112, 21 Jan 2010
If I could give zero stars, I would. I've been to many clubs and bars in London and this is one of the worst in many ways. This is not a place where they try to give you a good night or experience, this is a place where they try to rip you off while being rude to you.
The staff are so rude to you, as if you were under arrest. They have lots of rules: where you can stand, where you can't stand, where you can have your phone out, where you can take your drink to, and if you don't follow these rules they shout at you, push you, drag you around. The security staff seem to have mistaken this night club, which incidentally exists only because of its customers, with Guantanamo Bay.
There are nice looking girls there, yes, but only because they get in for free before 11:00, and a lot of them are there with the hope of being picked up by a footballer.
Apart from the miserable 'service', the sound system is cheap and acoustics terrible (very low ceiling). This place is no better than OnAnon, seriously. Avoid under all circumstances.
by jjk123, 12 Dec 2009
The staff are so rude to you, as if you were under arrest. They have lots of rules: where you can stand, where you can't stand, where you can have your phone out, where you can take your drink to, and if you don't follow these rules they shout at you, push you, drag you around. The security staff seem to have mistaken this night club, which incidentally exists only because of its customers, with Guantanamo Bay.
There are nice looking girls there, yes, but only because they get in for free before 11:00, and a lot of them are there with the hope of being picked up by a footballer.
Apart from the miserable 'service', the sound system is cheap and acoustics terrible (very low ceiling). This place is no better than OnAnon, seriously. Avoid under all circumstances.
by jjk123, 12 Dec 2009
Terrible club. Extremely rude bouncers. They took the piss out of me because I thought 20 quid was a rip-off. Well, after going there I would say 2 quid would be a rip-off. I was there on a Friday. Don't know what the best night to go there is, but Friday was full of students - it seemed very childish. Crap music too. Was raining when I left and the bouncers wouldn't wait for me to get my umbrella out. I told them it was tough and I was not going to get my hair wet for anyone! They then laughed and said "That's the girl that didn't want to pay 20 quid to get in". I wish I hadn't. I would pay 20 quid to go to a good club but not for that shit. Don't bother going there unless you want to get insulted by a doorman on a power trip who probably earns less than you!
by bethowens, 01 Dec 2009
by bethowens, 01 Dec 2009
I had a rather unpleasant experience on Friday night. I'd arranged a guest list for Funky Buddha. I hadn't been before but as it was next door to Nobu, where I was having dinner, it seemed like a good choice.
We arrived at 11pm. I had my members card on me and had guest list confirmation. I am not sure who we dealt with on the door, but he was a very unpleasant man. We were sober and well dressed. On arrival I asked where met parties members should go (I understand the 'Privilege' gives you, amongst other things, queue jump.) We were directed to a long queue - a little confusing, but as the queue was moving , I went with it. We got to the front, only to be met by a man with a clipboard. When I explained we were on the met parties list he looked at us rather disdainfully. He didn't check our names but told us it would be £20 each. I was really confused and expressed that I had thought as a met party member it was complimentary. He then very clearly told me he put the met party memberships together and that the T&C clearly stated it was first 100 people only.
Neither my membership card, the email sent to me, or anywhere obvious on the website clearly states this. Very, very misleading and certainly not fair trading. I haven't been able to easily find any T&Cs. This leaves me with a rather nasty taste as it feels like people are led to a club with a belief there is a benefit for them and then when you get there you get treated like shit and charged money. Great privilege.
The guy at the door then took a look at my partner and asked him to unzip his jacket so he could see what he was wearing. I won't go into the outfit but take it from me it was expensive and smart. He was looking for an excuse not to let us in as he clearly didn't want my boyfriend in the club. The 'gentlemen' on the door reluctantly saw that there was nothing wrong with the outfit, although still stated he should have been wearing a collar. (Did he forget to tell that to the numerous other men in jumpers that were in the club?)
As we were out for a birthday, I decided to just pay the £20 each and go in. I didn't want to ruin our night. We didn't last more than a few minutes in the club, however, as I was so incredibly angry with how rude the man on the door had been, so we left. Money wasted but it was worth it to get away from the most unpleasant experience in a long time.
I am sure there are a long list of T&Cs that I can be sent and, of course, "management reserves right of refusal", but the whole experience was beyond disgusting.
by Private1972, 30 Nov 2009
We arrived at 11pm. I had my members card on me and had guest list confirmation. I am not sure who we dealt with on the door, but he was a very unpleasant man. We were sober and well dressed. On arrival I asked where met parties members should go (I understand the 'Privilege' gives you, amongst other things, queue jump.) We were directed to a long queue - a little confusing, but as the queue was moving , I went with it. We got to the front, only to be met by a man with a clipboard. When I explained we were on the met parties list he looked at us rather disdainfully. He didn't check our names but told us it would be £20 each. I was really confused and expressed that I had thought as a met party member it was complimentary. He then very clearly told me he put the met party memberships together and that the T&C clearly stated it was first 100 people only.
Neither my membership card, the email sent to me, or anywhere obvious on the website clearly states this. Very, very misleading and certainly not fair trading. I haven't been able to easily find any T&Cs. This leaves me with a rather nasty taste as it feels like people are led to a club with a belief there is a benefit for them and then when you get there you get treated like shit and charged money. Great privilege.
The guy at the door then took a look at my partner and asked him to unzip his jacket so he could see what he was wearing. I won't go into the outfit but take it from me it was expensive and smart. He was looking for an excuse not to let us in as he clearly didn't want my boyfriend in the club. The 'gentlemen' on the door reluctantly saw that there was nothing wrong with the outfit, although still stated he should have been wearing a collar. (Did he forget to tell that to the numerous other men in jumpers that were in the club?)
As we were out for a birthday, I decided to just pay the £20 each and go in. I didn't want to ruin our night. We didn't last more than a few minutes in the club, however, as I was so incredibly angry with how rude the man on the door had been, so we left. Money wasted but it was worth it to get away from the most unpleasant experience in a long time.
I am sure there are a long list of T&Cs that I can be sent and, of course, "management reserves right of refusal", but the whole experience was beyond disgusting.
by Private1972, 30 Nov 2009
Funky Buddha? More like crappy Buddha! The bouncers clearly had a power stick shoved up their ass. Note to staff: this is a club, not the White House. If you want the fun sucked out of your night and want to be verbally abused and treated like a nothing, then I think Funky Buddha is the best club for you!
The management clearly need to rethink who they are employing, as I am sure they have lost many paying customers.
by Crap Funky Buddha, 28 Nov 2009
The management clearly need to rethink who they are employing, as I am sure they have lost many paying customers.
by Crap Funky Buddha, 28 Nov 2009
Saturday night, 8 young, successful, smartly dressed ladies with a guestlist with free entry before 11pm. Arrived before that time but were rudely told by insolent and disrespectful door men that it was a £20 cover despite the pre-organised guestlist. Once over shock of heinously expensive charge, headed to the bar only to discover drinks outrageously overpriced and bar staff disgustingly rude.
Sat in a reserved area and were told nicely (the first and last time we were spoken to with any respect) that we would need to leave the area once the reserved party turned up - of course more than happy to accommodate. This did not stop hostesses looking down their noses at us for remainder of the evening. One bounded over arrogantly and threw accusations of us stealing from the table, even threatening to throw us out. As successful career women who all work in the City and own properties, I cannot begin to imagine what this women thought we needed to steal that we do not already own. An oversized plastic ice bucket perhaps? A very easy object to hide under my dress that I’m sure would look lovely on my coffee table at home.
Moved to dance floor, waited for a friend to bring a drink over and accidently stood on the outer peripheries of another reserved area. A simple "I’m sorry madam, would you mind moving to one side, we have guests arriving for this area in a moment" would have sufficed but instead got sharp push in back (with what felt like an elbow) from hostess, causing me to stumble. After which she loudly stated to her hostess friend "I’m fed up of those girls, they’ve been nothing but trouble". If paying £20 entrance, spending a fortune on drinks, sitting quietly at a booth and then dancing on the (shock horror) dance floor is causing trouble, I’m not too sure what exactly we were supposed to be doing in this place? Upon departure the birthday girl got violently manhandled for no reason at all and fell to the floor.
Funky Buddha is an absolute disgrace. Staff high on power and low on common courtesy. DO NOT GO.
by Jackie O, 09 Nov 2009
Sat in a reserved area and were told nicely (the first and last time we were spoken to with any respect) that we would need to leave the area once the reserved party turned up - of course more than happy to accommodate. This did not stop hostesses looking down their noses at us for remainder of the evening. One bounded over arrogantly and threw accusations of us stealing from the table, even threatening to throw us out. As successful career women who all work in the City and own properties, I cannot begin to imagine what this women thought we needed to steal that we do not already own. An oversized plastic ice bucket perhaps? A very easy object to hide under my dress that I’m sure would look lovely on my coffee table at home.
Moved to dance floor, waited for a friend to bring a drink over and accidently stood on the outer peripheries of another reserved area. A simple "I’m sorry madam, would you mind moving to one side, we have guests arriving for this area in a moment" would have sufficed but instead got sharp push in back (with what felt like an elbow) from hostess, causing me to stumble. After which she loudly stated to her hostess friend "I’m fed up of those girls, they’ve been nothing but trouble". If paying £20 entrance, spending a fortune on drinks, sitting quietly at a booth and then dancing on the (shock horror) dance floor is causing trouble, I’m not too sure what exactly we were supposed to be doing in this place? Upon departure the birthday girl got violently manhandled for no reason at all and fell to the floor.
Funky Buddha is an absolute disgrace. Staff high on power and low on common courtesy. DO NOT GO.
by Jackie O, 09 Nov 2009
We went to Funky Buddha early - around 10.30pm - on 31st October. The doorman was so rude and refused us entry! It was his attitude that we did not like, saying that because we were on the Forbidden London guestlist we were not allowed in at all, even if we queued up! Extremely poor manners.
by kcimobile, 01 Nov 2009
by kcimobile, 01 Nov 2009
Where to start? Small club, full of women, rude staff... There are so many better clubs in London than this, and cheaper too. Please don't go here, you will be extremely dissatisfied. Does not even deserve 1 star!
by bagpuss, 27 Oct 2009
by bagpuss, 27 Oct 2009
I arranged to here for my birthday, and what a mistake it was. I read the reviews on forbidden london and should have avoided the place at all costs. However I thought I'd give it the benefit of doubt. We got there a group of us 5 girls 2 boys all smartly dressed got there about 10.15 there wasn't a long queue we weren't drunk so wasn't at that point worried about getting in. When we got to the front of the queue I informed them that I was on the forbidden london guestlist he took one look at me and said I'm not on there, without even looking at the list.
Do not ignore reviews they are written for a reason.
by dm1, 10 Aug 2009
Do not ignore reviews they are written for a reason.
by dm1, 10 Aug 2009
I thought the place was really nice. Gorgeous atmosphere and very stylish expensive drinks and small toilets but awesome DG!
by rosalie_x, 03 Aug 2009
by rosalie_x, 03 Aug 2009
I went there on Saturday night and would just like to give an honest review.
STAFF:
I did not encounter any rude staff member and thought all were polite and respectful, and the club promoter even came up to have a nice chat to us too.
I can say that the bouncers were rushing us out of the doorway as we were leaving, which was a bit off-putting as it was cold and raining, but they were very gentlemanly on the way in and held umbrellas over us.
NIGHTCLUB:
With regards to the size, I thought the nightclub itself was very small (I guess I expected it to be a decent size), so when the dance floor got full it was difficult to dance as it was overcrowded. If you know that it is going to be small before going then it wouldn't be a disappointment - and I'm guessing most top end clubs in London are small...
The toilets were very small and, as all ladies know, 3 cubicles are not enough! I definitely think they should invest in bigger women's toilets as this is an important part of any woman's night where you share the gossip of the night and make yourself look prettier!
The decor was amazing, very stylish, and they had some type of insence sticks burning so it smellt very nice. As it is a small nightclub the decor was very cosy too. I really liked the style and decor.
COST:
I got there before 10:30 so I didn't pay, which was fantastic as it meant more drinks for me! Everyone knows that you will be spending £20 on these types of nightclubs, so you can't grumble as you know what to expect before going there.
The drinks are very expensive, ridiculously expensive. A cocktail that would normally cost about £3-£4 cost me £14, so needless to say I sobered up very quickly. It was a very nice drink but I didn't appreciate my night out money would drop so quickly!
MUSIC:
Music was great - funky beats to dance floor that most knew, and as MJ died a couple of weeks ago the DJ played some of his classics and put his own twist on it, which was fab...
TALENT:
Last but not least, the talent. I must say, there was soooo many women there. It was about 8-1, it was overrun with ladies. The men that were there were hot. Everyone was well dressed. I expected to see rich-looking people and snobby people but it was almost like the pretty girls and good-looking guys from local clubs that you are used to seeing rather than elite-looking people (not necessarily celebs), but you get the picture...
Hopefully that has given a balanced review of my experience. Oh, and I would go again... but wouldn't like to pay the £20 entrance fee.
by Strawbs, 13 Jul 2009
STAFF:
I did not encounter any rude staff member and thought all were polite and respectful, and the club promoter even came up to have a nice chat to us too.
I can say that the bouncers were rushing us out of the doorway as we were leaving, which was a bit off-putting as it was cold and raining, but they were very gentlemanly on the way in and held umbrellas over us.
NIGHTCLUB:
With regards to the size, I thought the nightclub itself was very small (I guess I expected it to be a decent size), so when the dance floor got full it was difficult to dance as it was overcrowded. If you know that it is going to be small before going then it wouldn't be a disappointment - and I'm guessing most top end clubs in London are small...
The toilets were very small and, as all ladies know, 3 cubicles are not enough! I definitely think they should invest in bigger women's toilets as this is an important part of any woman's night where you share the gossip of the night and make yourself look prettier!
The decor was amazing, very stylish, and they had some type of insence sticks burning so it smellt very nice. As it is a small nightclub the decor was very cosy too. I really liked the style and decor.
COST:
I got there before 10:30 so I didn't pay, which was fantastic as it meant more drinks for me! Everyone knows that you will be spending £20 on these types of nightclubs, so you can't grumble as you know what to expect before going there.
The drinks are very expensive, ridiculously expensive. A cocktail that would normally cost about £3-£4 cost me £14, so needless to say I sobered up very quickly. It was a very nice drink but I didn't appreciate my night out money would drop so quickly!
MUSIC:
Music was great - funky beats to dance floor that most knew, and as MJ died a couple of weeks ago the DJ played some of his classics and put his own twist on it, which was fab...
TALENT:
Last but not least, the talent. I must say, there was soooo many women there. It was about 8-1, it was overrun with ladies. The men that were there were hot. Everyone was well dressed. I expected to see rich-looking people and snobby people but it was almost like the pretty girls and good-looking guys from local clubs that you are used to seeing rather than elite-looking people (not necessarily celebs), but you get the picture...
Hopefully that has given a balanced review of my experience. Oh, and I would go again... but wouldn't like to pay the £20 entrance fee.
by Strawbs, 13 Jul 2009
Avoid at all costs. Not only is it overpriced for the 'upmarket venue', the staff are incompetent and extremely rude.
by ghost_zion, 06 Jun 2009
by ghost_zion, 06 Jun 2009
Do not go to Funky Buddha. The staff are rude and disrespectful. The drinks are overpriced. They ruined our night. Avoid at all costs. There are better clubs with better attitudes in London.
by chloeleland, 29 Apr 2009
by chloeleland, 29 Apr 2009
I went there Tuesday night, when there were a few footballers there too (so what?). I went there with my friend and we had a good time. Most people there were friendly to me. Yes drinks were expensive, but you don't have to drink like a fish - sometimes having soft drinks in between will do you good!
I would definitely recommend it.
by jan.coull, 15 Apr 2009
I would definitely recommend it.
by jan.coull, 15 Apr 2009
I have no idea what the negative comments are about. I go to this club very regularly. If you confirm that you're on the guest list, and arrive before 10:30pm, you're guaranteed in.
by dafoozeking, 11 Apr 2009
by dafoozeking, 11 Apr 2009
I went after the promoter convinced me it was the place to be for my 45th birthday.
Guest list does not count, doormen do not even look at it. The night was fine, though drinks were expensive at £12.50 each.
The club is small and cosy.
However, big problem: NOWHERE TO SIT when your feet start hurting. I didn't realise this until I removed my shoes and sat down on the edge of a sofa. When I was told to move, I pleaded with the young bunny girl to allow me 2 mins to rest my old feet. She disappeared and came back with a doorman who asked me to move. I moved, bare-footed, 2 feet away and another doorman asked if he could have a word with me and to follow him. I followed him, without my shoes on my feet, till he walked outside then shut the door behind him with me on the outside. I asked the doorman on the outside what was going on and he advised they had been requested to remove me from the club.
I was alone, no one else to be seen, wearing a skimpy red dress, no tights, no sleeves or sandals, coat on the inside which I was not allowed to collect. I could not call my friends as there was no reception. I stood outside for one and a half hours, shivering. How can a club do that to a respectable older lady?! No wonder London is full of crime and women getting raped, as clubs have no intelligence to run such places and employ wannabe policemen at the door who treat women this way. I am disgusted.
by su1, 06 Apr 2009
Guest list does not count, doormen do not even look at it. The night was fine, though drinks were expensive at £12.50 each.
The club is small and cosy.
However, big problem: NOWHERE TO SIT when your feet start hurting. I didn't realise this until I removed my shoes and sat down on the edge of a sofa. When I was told to move, I pleaded with the young bunny girl to allow me 2 mins to rest my old feet. She disappeared and came back with a doorman who asked me to move. I moved, bare-footed, 2 feet away and another doorman asked if he could have a word with me and to follow him. I followed him, without my shoes on my feet, till he walked outside then shut the door behind him with me on the outside. I asked the doorman on the outside what was going on and he advised they had been requested to remove me from the club.
I was alone, no one else to be seen, wearing a skimpy red dress, no tights, no sleeves or sandals, coat on the inside which I was not allowed to collect. I could not call my friends as there was no reception. I stood outside for one and a half hours, shivering. How can a club do that to a respectable older lady?! No wonder London is full of crime and women getting raped, as clubs have no intelligence to run such places and employ wannabe policemen at the door who treat women this way. I am disgusted.
by su1, 06 Apr 2009
If you are not white don't even bother. Guest list is useless - they will refuse entry at the door once they see what skin colour you are.
I decided to go despite reading the bad reviews, as it was a friend's chosen venue for her birthday celebration. All names were on the guest list and we even confirmed 5 minutes before arriving to make sure everything was fine and they said yes, just bring over your party. As soon as they saw that we weren't white they made any excuse to not let us in. How disgusting is that?
Moral of the story: don't ignore bad reviews!!
by Girl24, 24 Mar 2009
I decided to go despite reading the bad reviews, as it was a friend's chosen venue for her birthday celebration. All names were on the guest list and we even confirmed 5 minutes before arriving to make sure everything was fine and they said yes, just bring over your party. As soon as they saw that we weren't white they made any excuse to not let us in. How disgusting is that?
Moral of the story: don't ignore bad reviews!!
by Girl24, 24 Mar 2009
Nice venue, but the tall English bouncer was really rude; I would say racist, actually, towards Europeans. They said that my friend was too drunk (she was just tipsy) and she needed to go and stay outside for short time to get some fresh air! Then my sister went outside to have a cigarette and they didn't let her in again - they said it was too late and she was drunk. She had her jacket and handbag at our table inside but she wasn't even allowed to go in and get her stuff. How ridiculous is that?! She had to wait more than an hour in the cold outside the club, and we were worried where she was. I will never go to this club again.
by Girl123!, 14 Mar 2009
by Girl123!, 14 Mar 2009
Don't go here - just to put it plainly. I went for a friend's birthday on Friday March 13th. I read all the reviews, but thought I would still give it a go.
Any purchase at the bar under £20 is cash only. Anything on card you get slapped in the face with a 15% surcharge. The drinks were really yummmy though, I will give them that.
The music - OH MY GOD. What is the amateur DJ doing? Scratching the songs. Then it sounded like he just threw on a mix tape, but each song was only about 10 seconds long and was just of the main chorus, so you would get really into the song then it would change!
Then there was the awful smell of rank incense floating through the air, making you feel sick (suppose this is the Buddha vibe...).
There are so many other cool places to go in London. Don't waste your money on this sh*t venue. Well, we did go on Friday the 13th - maybe that was our bad luck?
by louisakinnane, 14 Mar 2009
Any purchase at the bar under £20 is cash only. Anything on card you get slapped in the face with a 15% surcharge. The drinks were really yummmy though, I will give them that.
The music - OH MY GOD. What is the amateur DJ doing? Scratching the songs. Then it sounded like he just threw on a mix tape, but each song was only about 10 seconds long and was just of the main chorus, so you would get really into the song then it would change!
Then there was the awful smell of rank incense floating through the air, making you feel sick (suppose this is the Buddha vibe...).
There are so many other cool places to go in London. Don't waste your money on this sh*t venue. Well, we did go on Friday the 13th - maybe that was our bad luck?
by louisakinnane, 14 Mar 2009
Have we missed a great club in London? Let us know.
Photograph © Funky Buddha
