Soho is one of the few parts of Central London where a proper shisha lounge still feels natural - narrow streets, late evenings, restaurants that turn into lounges after dinner.
This guide explains what shisha in Soho actually looks like, how sessions and pricing usually work, and how to plan a confident visit - whether it is your first time or you are comparing venues before you book.
The team prepares and maintains your shisha during your stay.
Alcohol is only served with food under UK licensing rules, which is why ordering a snack with your drink is mandatory. And, in general, a good shisha goes well with a soft drink or after a decent meal with a pint of beer! It's entirely your call and preference.
Sessions are time-limited - we will let you know all the details before your session begins.
Cigarettes, vapes and heated tobacco smoking are not allowed at our venue.
Soho venues tend to be smaller, hidden and private, versus pavement seating at most places. Those venues are focused on atmosphere, vibe, cocktails and memories.
Frith Street is a good anchor point - walkable from both Tottenham Court Road (Northern, Central and Elizabeth lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly). Allow a few extra minutes on Friday and Saturday nights; streets fill quickly after 7pm.
Before you commit, check three things on the website or by phone: session length and extension policy, whether you need to book at peak times, and how flavours are presented. Menus built around cities or taste profiles (fruity, floral, spiced) are easier to navigate than a wall of brand names. If you are new to hookah, look for a lounge that explains strength levels and offers guidance - not just a list of tobacco labels.
Laika is a cosmopolitan shisha lounge inside ZIMA at 45 Frith Street - dinner downstairs, shisha and cocktails in the lounge. Our Destinations menu maps cities to flavour routes (Bali, Dubai, Havana, Kyoto and more), with strength on a simple 1–5 scale. Sessions run 90 minutes; extensions are available when the room is not fully booked. Happy Hours offer £10 off shisha before 4:30pm on eligible days - useful if you want a relaxed afternoon in Soho rather than a late slot.
If you have never been to Laika, our first-visit guide covers finding us inside ZIMA, house rules, dress code pointers and what happens when your session ends. For offers - student savings, Magic Stamp loyalty and prize roulette - check the promotions page before you arrive so you know what to ask for at the table.