# Best Shisha Lounges in London 2025
London boasts a thriving shisha scene, from elegant Mayfair terraces to authentic Edgware Road cafes. Here's our definitive guide to the best spots for premium hookah experiences.
## Quick Comparison
| Lounge | Location | Price/Shisha | Atmosphere | Rating |
|--------|----------|--------------|------------|--------|
| Maroush Café | Edgware Road | £25-35 | Elegant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ranoush Juice | Edgware Road | £15-25 | Casual | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noura | Mayfair | £30-40 | Upscale | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Circolo Popolare | Fitzrovia | £25-35 | Trendy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sway | Holborn | £20-30 | Modern | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
## Important: UK Shisha Laws
Before we dive in, know that UK law prohibits indoor smoking. All shisha lounges operate on:
- Outdoor terraces
- Covered but ventilated areas
- Heated outdoor spaces (winter)
**Age Requirement:** 18+ (ID may be required)
---
## Top Shisha Lounges by Area
### Edgware Road - The Heart of Shisha Culture
#### 1. Maroush Café
**Address:** 68 Edgware Road, W2 2EH
**Price:** £25-35 per shisha
**Hours:** Until 3am (weekends until 4am)
The gold standard of London shisha. Maroush combines premium tobacco with elegant surroundings and authentic Lebanese hospitality.
**Why We Love It:**
- Premium Al Fakher and Starbuzz flavors
- Heated terrace in winter
- Excellent food menu
- Late night hours
- Professional hookah service
**Best Flavors:**
- Double Apple (classic)
- Grape Mint
- Blueberry Mint
**Tips:**
- Reserve terrace tables on weekends
- Try the mixed grill platter with your shisha
- Ask for extra coals when needed
---
#### 2. Ranoush Juice
**Address:** 43 Edgware Road, W2 2JE
**Price:** £15-25 per shisha
**Hours:** Until 4am daily
The casual classic. Ranoush is perfect for a quick shawarma and shisha without the fuss.
**Why We Love It:**
- Budget-friendly prices
- Famous fresh juices
- Open very late
- Fast service
- Great people watching
**Best For:** Late night cravings, casual hangouts
---
#### 3. Abu Ali
**Address:** 136-138 George Street, W1H 5LD
**Price:** £20-30 per shisha
**Hours:** Until 2am
Iraqi-style hospitality with excellent tobacco selection and authentic grilled dishes.
**Specialties:**
- Iraqi-style shisha preparation
- Masgouf (traditional fish)
- Premium tobacco brands
---
### Mayfair & Central London
#### 4. Noura
**Address:** 16 Hobart Place, SW1W 0HH
**Price:** £30-40 per shisha
**Hours:** Until midnight
Upscale Lebanese restaurant with a sophisticated shisha terrace near Buckingham Palace.
**Why We Love It:**
- Elegant setting
- Premium service
- Central location
- High-quality tobacco
- Excellent Lebanese cuisine
**Best For:** Special occasions, business entertaining
---
#### 5. Signor Sassi
**Address:** 14 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QL
**Price:** £25-35 per shisha
**Hours:** Until 11pm
Italian restaurant with a Mediterranean twist offering shisha on their terrace.
**Atmosphere:** Sophisticated, Knightsbridge elegance
---
### Shoreditch & East London
#### 6. Sway
**Address:** 61-65 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5BZ
**Price:** £20-30 per shisha
**Hours:** Until 2am (weekends until 3am)
Modern shisha lounge with a club atmosphere, perfect for younger crowds.
**Features:**
- DJ music on weekends
- Cocktails (non-alcoholic options)
- Instagram-worthy décor
- Group bookings available
---
## Shisha Flavors Guide
### Classic Flavors
| Flavor | Profile | Best With |
|--------|---------|-----------|
| Double Apple | Sweet, anise-like | Mint tea |
| Grape | Fruity, mild | Any meal |
| Mint | Fresh, cool | After dinner |
### Premium Blends
| Flavor | Profile | Price Premium |
|--------|---------|---------------|
| Blueberry Mint | Fruity, fresh | +£5 |
| Watermelon Ice | Sweet, cooling | +£5 |
| Pan Rasna | Indian, aromatic | +£8 |
### Signature Mixes
Many lounges offer custom blends. Popular combinations:
- Grape + Mint
- Double Apple + Mint
- Watermelon + Berry
---
## Shisha Etiquette
### Do's:
- Share the hose politely
- Replace the mouthpiece if sharing
- Tip the hookah server (£2-5)
- Ask before adjusting coals
- Stay hydrated
### Don'ts:
- Light cigarettes from the coals
- Blow into the hose
- Leave without tipping
- Rush the experience
---
## Best for Different Occasions
### Date Night
**Noura** - Elegant, romantic terrace setting
### Group Celebrations
**Sway** - Space for large groups, vibrant atmosphere
### Late Night Cravings
**Ranoush** - Open until 4am, quick service
### Authentic Experience
**Maroush Café** - Traditional Lebanese ambiance
### Budget-Friendly
**Abu Ali** - Good value, generous portions
---
## Seasonal Considerations
### Summer (May-September)
- Best time for outdoor shisha
- Reserve ahead for popular terraces
- Peak times: Thursday-Saturday evenings
### Winter (October-April)
- Look for heated terraces
- Covered outdoor areas
- Some venues have heating systems
**Best Winter Options:**
- Maroush Café (heated terrace)
- Noura (covered area)
---
## Practical Tips
### Booking
- **Weekdays:** Walk-in usually fine
- **Weekends:** Reserve 1-2 days ahead
- **Large groups:** Book 1 week ahead
### Prices
- Budget: £15-25
- Mid-range: £25-35
- Premium: £35-50
- Extra coals: Usually free
- Mouthpiece: Often included
### Duration
- Typical session: 1-2 hours
- Premium setup: 2+ hours
- One shisha serves 2-4 people comfortably
---
## Nearby Halal Restaurants
| Shisha Area | Nearby Restaurant | Distance |
|-------------|-------------------|----------|
| Edgware Road | Maroush Gardens | Same street |
| Mayfair | Novikov | 5 min walk |
| Knightsbridge | Harrods Food Hall | 10 min walk |
---
## Conclusion
London's shisha scene offers something for everyone, from authentic Edgware Road experiences to sophisticated Mayfair terraces. Whether you prefer classic double apple or adventurous new blends, these lounges deliver quality hookah in memorable settings.
**Pro Tip:** Start with Maroush Café for the quintessential London shisha experience, then explore based on your preferences.
YL
Yalla London Editorial
Curating the best of London for Arab travellers — luxury hotels, halal dining, hidden gems, and insider tips from our editorial team.