Cafe Koha (Bar, Restaurant)
11 St. Martins Court, off Charing Cross Road, West End, London, WC2N 4AJ
Cuisine: International
Tel: 020 7497 0282
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| Transport: Leicester Square
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Cafe Koha Description
Set in the heart of London's theatre land, just off the Charing Cross Road in St Martin's Court, is a small restaurant where you can sample a really special type of hospitality. The Albanians are famous for it; when you are under the roof of Albanians you become the most important person in the world. Nothing is too much trouble.
KOHA is owned by two Albanians from Kosova. Enis Havolli and Fadil Maqedonci, students of architecture and interior design, came to London when war erupted in Yugoslavia. They learned their present trade by working for 6 years in some of the finest restaurants in town,
Enis and Fadil opened KOHA in 1995, first as a bar, then as a restaurant a year later. Their idea was to put their six years of restaurant experience to the best possible use. It wasn't long before they gained a special reputation for excellent food and unique hospitality. Now, KOHA has become the well-known haunt of some of London's most interesting communities of artists, journalists, sportsmen, politicians, as well as passers-by who stumble accidentally and fortuitously into a very special environment.
The staff, are young, smart, efficient-and good looking! Below-stairs there is a romantic bar, which makes an ideal place for young people to meet at the end of the day. Upstairs, the restaurant is open for lunches and dinners, pre- and after-theatre. Special events, too, can be catered for: weddings, parties, club-luncheons...
Customer Reviews for Cafe Koha
Average (based on 7 votes): 7
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The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Cafe Koha.
“Excellent food, excellent location, excellent service! What more can you ask for - this is a little gem in London's busiest part.”
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Silvi, London (9 years 3 months 4 days ago)
“Great place, lovely people....”
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Emily White, London (10 years 3 months 12 days ago)
“I have been eating at CAFE KOHA for at least six years. In the past i concidered it one of the nicest, and intimate places to eat in central london, top of my recommendation list. On a recent visit, to my horror i discovered that the Cafe has been extended, the walls painted yellow and all of its charm lost. The food was still up to its excellent standard but the serving staff seemed to be stretched by the extra tables, as was the kitchen. It is such a shame to see a previously reliable and very special place to eat changed into a something that appears more like a 'pasta house' type chain cafe. I have not been back, sorry Koha, thanks for the memories.”
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Chris Jones, London (13 years 2 months 11 days ago)
Show all user reviews for Cafe Koha
“Encouraged by the reviews on this site and my own two brief visits there, I called and booked the downstairs area for my boyfriend's 40th. 4 weeks later i called back to confirm numbers. I was told that my booking had not been considered 'genuine' as I hadn't sent in a cheque. The problem was, no-one had asked me to. I was also told that no one felt it necessary to call me and ask me where my cheque was or query my booking. I was also told another lady wanted the room, and had promised to bring 60 people. As they couldn't accomodate my party as well as hers, unless I could up my numbers, I would loose the booking. I was told, very politely, 'madam, business is business'. I have been completely screwed by this venue. I am currently frantically searching for another venue to have my boyfriend's 40th party, complete with a confirmed and paid for belly dancer. my experience of Cafe Koha is that they are untrustworthy and not very customer friendly! i was promised a call from the manager to 'sort out' the mess. As yet no one has called....”
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Tracy, Balham (13 years 5 months 9 days ago)
“I go there so often but all the time i go there i feel so special, as the staff remembers you even by name, food is fantastic and atmosphere is great, service at the top level, just what you need in london, well done to cafe koha team.”
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Meral Bajrami, London (13 years 5 months 17 days ago)
“I often pop into Cafe Koha in the evening for a glass of wine and some olives and always have a pleasant time. In March I had a private party downstairs and cannot praise the staff enough for their help in setting up the equipment (there was live music) and for ensuring that the evening ran smoothly. My guests were impressed with the surroundings and a good time was had by all. Thank you Cafe Koha.”
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Helen S, London (13 years 9 months 21 days ago)
“Hello from Malta, i visited Cafe Koha last week with an Albanian friend from korce, it was a nice experience and thanks for the beer you gave us Shaban (birra Tirana). Next time if i visit London again i hope you have Albanian wine available, and also employ some Albanian waitresess, regards from Malta, Charles Borg.”
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Charles Borg, Birkirkara Malta (14 years 2 months 28 days ago)
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Additional Information
- Cuisine Type: International
- Dress Code: Not Specified
- Group: (Independent/Freehouse)
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