The Queen Adelaide of Cambridge Heath

Was having a great night here until the security staff completely changed the experience. Me and my friends went downstairs to the basement dancefloor, which was good fun, but it felt too overcrowded. I understand clubs get busy and people are often packed in, but this felt excessive. Between the lack of space to move and the very low ceiling, it became genuinely uncomfortable, especially during London's recent heatwave. At one point I went to the toilets, where, as is pretty normal on a night out, people were chatting by the mirrors. Security came in and told people they couldn't stand there and had to either go straight back downstairs or return to the main bar. The way it was handled felt unnecessarily confrontational. It was very much like being told off at school rather than being spoken to like paying customers! Not long afterwards I decided to head upstairs for some fresh air and a quick vape because it was becoming too uncomfortable downstairs. I'd already come out of the basement without anyone stopping me or directing me into a queue, but when I got upstairs, security told me I had to go back into the main bar and join the queue for the smoking area. That made no sense to me, as I was already outside the basement and simply wanted a few minutes of fresh air before returning. When I explained this, the security guard was rude and abrupt, telling both me and the people I was with that if we weren't going to queue, we needed to leave. Rather than argue, we decided to go elsewhere, which was disappointing because we'd genuinely been enjoying ourselves up until that point. One other thing that stood out was when I went to order a cocktail and the bartender said please order something else. I appreciate that bars get overwhelmed, and having worked in hospitality myself for years, I completely understand simplifying service when it's exceptionally busy. That wasn't really the issue for me. The biggest problem was the attitude of the security staff and what felt like overcrowding. I'm giving two stars because the music and atmosphere were genuinely enjoyable before this happened. Unfortunately, the way we were treated means we won't be returning. I don't expect to be told I have to stay on the dancefloor if I want a minute in a cooler bathroom, or be prevented from getting fresh air when the venue is uncomfortably overcrowded. Paying customers here, not naughty school children!

a month ago · via Google

Popped in on Friday night hoping for a dance, and they delivered. I’m actually leaving a review because Mark on security was an absolute gent! He helped my friend find her jacket when we had a little panic. He also kindly explained why we couldn’t take drinks out when leaving whilst I was definitely teetering on annoyingly drunk. Thank you for the patience and good music. ☺️

2 months ago · via Google

Absolutely appalling experience with the female security guard. We mistakenly thought there was an outdoor smoking area at the back, but instead of calmly explaining, she immediately began shouting at us and ordered us to leave. When my friend questioned why we were being thrown out, she repeatedly punched him in the back of the head until he was visibly distressed and crying. Her behaviour was aggressive, completely disproportionate and deeply upsetting to witness. I would never return to this pub and would strongly urge management to investigate the incident, review any CCTV footage and seriously reconsider who they employ as security staff.

a month ago · via Google

A simple order of a scotch and dry turned into a drama. The attitude of the bar staff when corrected that a dry is simply ginger ale and the attitude of the bar staff was revolting. The atmosphere lacked and we left after one drink. Terrible venue. Did not feel inclusive for queers and truthfully. Drop the attitude. Been to gay bars from NYC to Sydney and Melbourne. Worst gay bar we have ever been to. Avoid!.

4 months ago · via Google