Favela Chic reviews
A terrible, terrible place. A perfect example of the worst type of fashionable, souless, overhyped dumps that sum up much of unimaginative London nightlife... Rude, aggressive staff spoilt what should have been a fun night. Its claims to be 'Brazilian' are laughable too - the drinks were awful, the music was European and the staff were French. I am Brazilian and went with a group of BR friends, and we found the place ridiculous.
We had booked a table for 12 for a birthday, spent plenty of money and expected to be made to feel welcome. The food arrived a dish at a time over a period of 30 minutes. 2 of us had our plates taken away before we had finished eating and the very pretentious staff made a point of being as unhelpful as possible, rolling their eyes and tutting at every request we made.
A couple of hours after we'd arrived (and after we'd finished our cold meals) some extra friends arrived. The door staff refused them entry, as our group already consisted of 12 people, although they didnt want to eat, just join the group and have a drink. We were told our group must operate a '1 in, 1 out' policy - so some friends must leave before others could join. When we queried this we were told we should leave if we didn't agree with their policy. The place was only half full at the time, the 'dancefloor' area had huge amounts of space. Apparently we had wronged the staff by inviting a couple of extra friends to join us. When we argued our case we were again told to leave, and the door staff also waded in to strutt about like little Hitlers fresh from boarding school. It was surreal.
Needless to say, we left asap, and met our friends outside to decide what to do next. While standing on the pavement fully 10m away from the bar we were then 'moved on' very aggressively by 2 members of the door staff. Apparently we were blocking the front of the building.
The whole experience would've been hilarious if it wasn't so utterly ridiculous. And expensive. There are HUNDREDS of better bars than this in London. It bears NO relation to Brazil or a Brazilian experience. They care only about the money, and they are happy to let you know that. And £28 for a jug of alcohol-free ice which they call a 'capirinha'??? Sums up the place perfectly. Avoid at all costs.
Don't listen to any of the bad reviews! If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere where everyone's gonna dance the night away, this is the place for you! Was there for a mate's leaving party and we all had a blast! The staff are great. Didn't try the cocktails - will do next time. At times the music selection feels random., but somehow it just works. Highly recommended!
by amoros, 16 Feb 2008I'm a bit confused by all the negativity that seems to be directed at Favela Chic. I've been there quite a few times and have always had an excellent night. The staff have always been extremely helpful/friendly, the drinks are great and the general vibe is fabulous. The so-called 'professionals' below seem like rather unpleasant people who'd be better served staying at home!
by Halita O, 19 Dec 2007If you have tastebuds, do not eat here! The food was cold, tasteless and overpriced. The tables were covered with plastic tablecloths that resembled something from a roadside diner. The ladies toilets either had locks that do not work or no toilet seats and no soap for handwashing (and considering they serve food, you would think that soap in the loo would be a priority!). The serving staff are civil until they hurry you off the table, then the smiles and civilities disappear. Furthermore, once you have paid, they do not bring you your change. I believe they think it's their right to take your money without consultation, even though a rather large service was included on our bill. The bar area gets very full, so if you are out just for a few drinks it's fine but do not go there to eat. I think anyone who gave this place a five star rating was probably a member of staff. attempting to improve its image.
by Naughty Angel, 16 Dec 2007WOW... I am shocked to see the terrible reviews on here. Of course, mainly by 'professional people'. That term being a load of rubbish anyway - professional what?? I have been to Favela Chic many, many times for parties and just for a swift drink on my way home from work. YES, I AM A PROFESSIONAL AT MY JOB TOO (just a note to suit-wearing losers). I have found the staff to be very friendly, even under great pressure. That place gets jammed, and by people who want to have fun!
I have had totally amazing meals there as well. Yes, you get asked to make way for the next booking, but you have plenty of time to eat your amazing meal before you shuffle along (it's not a conference room after all). This place gets wild, so be ready for a wild night! To all you people out there moaning, go to Pizza Express and leave everyone else to have fun. This place is 11/10.
I spent last Saturday at Favela and had a great night. I've been loads of times and have enjoyed it every time. It is so different to everywhere else that claims to be Brazilian. Yes, it can be difficult to get served, but where isn't on a Saturday night if it's a decent party place to be in? And the mohitos are worth the wait - even at 1.30am the barman took his time and made me and my friend an excellent cocktail. That is what I call good service. I think you would love it if you went and would end up going back for more.
by Miss BPatel, 23 Oct 2007Ok. You will not believe this... Six friends eating awful, overpriced food but trying to enjoy themselves - after all, when friends get together it's always fun. Until some waitress kicks you off the table because a bigger group has showed up to eat. I got told off, because I was taking too long to pay the bill, while my friend was still trying to chew through his supposed sirloin steak. £40 per head and kicked off the table - fantastic! Please don't ever compare that place with Brazil. Even the real favela is friendlier.
by Max vinicius, 12 Oct 2007We stumbled upon Favela Chic simply by accident with a group of friends (some of which we had made that night and happened to be Brazilian). It was Swap-A-Rama night and all of us had the most amazing time. The doorman even helped us get back in when our Brazilian friend with a thick accent asked for "five shots" and the bartender thought he said "f*ck off." The place was packed, and my only complaint was that they ran out of alcohol at 2 am! We stayed on though, having the best time. We're all definitely going back and bringing all our mates. The place was so diverse and fun. Screw Disney World, this is the happiest place on earth!
by Allison88, 11 May 2007I really love this French-Brazilian bar. Caipirinha is a bit strong though! The music selection is really original. I liked the international crowd. I'll definitely go back soon!
by kikkina (3 reviews), 08 May 2007What I like most about Favela is their events. I always find something out of the ordinary in this venue. Last week Hunga Munga (supercute), yesterday Swap-a-Rama (superwild)... I love it. I've never eaten there, but the crowd is friendly and laid back.
by virgirasol, 29 Mar 2007The whole point of Favela Chic is to be stupid. The whole place is a mess but a beautiful one. It's not Notting Hill!
by Anonymous, 27 Mar 2007Looks great, but generally intimidating! Lady at the door looks you up and down and only if you meet her style criteria will you be let in. I have seen lots of people turned away. Inside wasn't any friendlier.
by Anonymous, 14 Mar 2007I am really surprised by the comments below and sorry to hear that so many peope have had such a bad experience at Favela. Actually, the place is usually packed from Thursday to Saturday, so there must be some people enjoying the experience!
I have quite a few parties in Favela - birthdays with 40 or so guests, as well as smaller get togethers - and they've all proved to be great fun. The main thing I've found is it's different from all the other clubs and bars I usually hang out at. I find the Caipirinha pretty good (yes, the glasses are smaller but the alcohol doses are the same and at £5 I don't think they're overpriced). Yes, the way they grant entry is sometimes a little weird and yes, I sometimes feel like killing the DJ (but it's the only place where I will hear the Strokes, some favela Funk and Fedde le Grand all in one night).
Overall, I think Favela offers a different experience and a great break from the rest of London nightlife. Love it or hate it, but try it.
We are a young professional couple who are both individually open minded. After reading all the reviews below we thought we'd be part of a group and go and experience Favela Chic to see why this restaurant appears to be the worst reviewed restaurant in London. Basically, we thought we'd give Favela Chic a chance. Weren't we sorry...
After our dining experience there we would like to confirm that all the reviews below basically sum up Favela Chic. Drinks overpriced, rude staff, idiot door man who couldn't wear his hat properly (sorry if you're trying to be stylish), a waiter who had his jeans around his knees, expensive and inconsistently priced food, waiter who doesn't mind overcharging indiviuals to make up the total bill for the group booking (yes, that was me that had to pay £40 for a main meal). We too had to wait for our table, as the staff were having a snack before starting their shifts; we were also told by the group after us that they had to wait 90 mins for our table.
Combined nightclubs and restaurants never work. Favela Chic is another example of why not. We WON'T be going back.
This place is AWFUL! Avoid it at all costs! Overpriced, terrible food, over crowded and poorly organised by staff that displayed unbelievable levels of arrogance, rudeness and stupidity. The place is trying to be both a restaurant and a club, and as a result it fails terribly on the first. I've never seen so many people looking confused and annoyed as they were squashed along the sides of a packed bar and expected to enjoy a meal.
by matteo, 05 Feb 2007Baaaaaad experience. Overrated and overpriced (weak) cocktails. Pretentious place for professional dancers to show off. Boring middle-aged crowd. Rude and idiotic staff who think they're better than the people they serve. Big mistake. Never going back.
by O-Ren-IShii, 24 Jan 2007If you enjoy overpriced drinks, terrible food, rude staff, and getting kicked off your table as soon as you have finished eating then this is the place for you.
by Ggggg, 10 Jan 2007Just been there for New Year. Please never go to that place, it's terrible! DJs were really crap, drinks were overpriced, and the staff rude. Go to Dragonfly Bar - much better, funky little place.
by robbie 67, 01 Jan 2007This is probably the worst place in Shoreditch. After the 'very important clipboard woman' shows you to a seat, you realise this poor interpretation of a Brazilian shanty town was a big mistake... If you don't mind spending £2 for a half pint or obnoxious staff, this place is for you. Otherwise, avoid.
by shlarmee, 02 Aug 2006Have we missed a great bar in London? Let us know.
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