Laki Kane Bar London Review: Islington’s Tropical Cocktail Bar & High-Energy Brunch Experience

June 17, 2026

Stepping into Laki Kane bar in London feels like boarding a late-night flight to somewhere far warmer. Just off Upper Street, this Islington favourite has built its identity around escapism. It’s not just a cocktail bar. It’s a full sensory experience rooted in rum, music, and immersive design. The concept draws heavily on Caribbean and Polynesian influences, with a clear focus on transporting guests through atmosphere, flavour and performance.

The space leans fully into that vision. Expect bamboo finishes, tropical foliage, and playful tiki ceramics lining the bar. It’s intentionally bold and almost theatrical. Yet it never feels accidental. Early evenings offer a more relaxed lounge feel, but as the night unfolds, the tempo rises. DJs take over. The crowd thickens. The room transforms into a high-energy space where tables quickly become part of the dancefloor. This balance between bar and party is what defines Laki Kane.

Laki Kane Bar London Menu

Cocktails are the main event here, and they lean heavily into rum, fruit and spectacle.

The Laki Kane signature is a strong place to start. A layered mix of Plantation pineapple rum, passionfruit, sapodilla and lime, it’s tropical, sweet and dangerously easy to drink. Then there’s the Pinup Zombie, a bold, multi-rum blend with absinthe, passionfruit and citrus. It is complex, punchy and exactly what you’d expect from something with that name.

For something lighter, the Fatal Attraction works beautifully. Vodka-based, with peach, berries, and citrus, it’s fresh and approachable without losing depth. Meanwhile, the Smoky Aged Mai Tai adds a more refined twist: oak-aged rum, almond, citrus, and a gentle smoke that elevates the classic into something more grown-up.

Even the Gin Thai Fizz stands out, combining kaffir lime, yuzu, and basil into a crisp, aromatic drink. It’s clear the menu balances fun with technique.

Food plays a strong supporting role, with a menu that leans Thai and Southeast Asian. Start with crispy taro root crisps or vegetable spring rolls, both light and easy to share. The coconut prawns bring crunch and sweetness, while the chicken satay adds richness with a peanut sauce that hits all the right notes.

For mains, dishes like Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles offer comfort and bold flavour, while the Thai red and green curries bring depth and warmth. It’s the kind of food that pairs perfectly with cocktails, satisfying without slowing you down.

Laki Kane Bottomless Brunch

The bottomless brunch is where Laki Kane truly comes into its own. Hosted on weekends, it runs as a 90-minute experience of bottomless cocktails, prosecco, beer and a two-course meal, designed to blend dining with entertainment.

The menu features dishes like jerk chicken with rice and peas, satay skewers, crispy squid, and plantain-based plates, alongside vegetarian options such as miso aubergine. Drinks include tropical serves like Reggae Reggae Punch and Watermelon Margarita, keeping the energy consistent throughout.

What sets it apart is the atmosphere. DJs, performers, and dancers turn the space into a daytime party. It’s immersive, loud, and intentionally high-energy. Less brunch, more celebration.

Laki Kane doesn’t aim for subtlety. It embraces bold flavors, strong cocktails, and full-scale escapism. And in a city full of polished cocktail bars, that sense of personality is exactly what makes it unforgettable.