This is specifically a review of the Cricklewood Momtaz Shisha Cafe.
First, this is by far the best shisha cafe in London, and I wouldn't hesitate to say the best in the UK and in neighbouring European countries as well. So why haven't I given it 5 stars? Simply, I want to introduce some perspective.
There are a lot of shisha cafes, catering to many different types of customer, in London. Some of them are extremely lurid and noisy, and attract a very young crowd. These are, I expect, the sort of people who would love places like Dubai. However Dubai isn't the best the Middle East has to offer. Far from it. Dubai is a nouveau riche nightmare, full of vacuous unrooted people who study hard the latest fashions and who decorate even their own homes in accordance with what they've seen in an MTV rap video. They are not leaders in good taste. Therefore I strongly disagree with comparing Momtaz to a Dubai shisha cafe. Momtaz is better. Why? It has that elusive sense of balance just right. The indoor and outdoor space is used with discretion, and it balances just the right amount of privacy with sociability and openness. The decoration is very tasteful and gives a sense of luxury without looking like a bordello or opium den. It's really very well done. Add to that the fact that the service is meticulously accurate, on time, pleasant and helpful, and the cafe attracts nice people not louts. You can really RELAX at this place.
The range of shisha flavours on offer isn't the whole story with a shisha bar. It's also about the replenishment rate and skill of the galyandar, and the skill with which the bowl is packed. It is packed with such skill at Momtaz, that the flavour is remarkably constant. There is comfortable seating inside and out. The food and drinks are excellent. Outdoors all tables are gas heated. They say they 'HAVE STARBUZZ' but this is a puzzling comment. Starbuzz is disgusting and they can keep it. Happily, they have Nakhla and Al-Fakher and probably others as well. Order Al-Fakher never Starbuzz.
Faults: none really. I noticed a load of coals in the corner near the entrance outside, on the ground. They should not be left there, for safety reasons. But that's about it.
While rating Momtaz, I want to make clear that there is in fact a higher standard of shisha cafes in the Middle East and Near East. The overall standard in London is actually quite poor. There are some AWFUL shisha cafes in London. However, Momtaz clearly surpasses the best of the other shisha cafes in London, although it's perhaps only average compared to those in Turkey or Iran. Just to be honest and to introduce some perspective. Also it would be wrong to imply there is no room for improvement, when the overall bar is set so low (i.e. the competition is so far behind). read more
