Kona Kai Cocktails Bar

Vibrant Atmosphere with Unforgettable Cocktails

Nestled in the heart of Fulham, Kona Kai serves up a slice of sun-soaked Pacific bliss with its imaginative Hawaiian-themed décor, providing a delightful contrast to the grey London canvas. The eclectic charm somehow straddles the gap between tiki lounge kitsch and a breezy island retreat, which makes you think twice about whether stepping through the door involved an overpriced flight. Imagine my surprise when confronted with disco beats pirouetting through the triangular bar, but then again, who am I to call vibes not on trend? Even if the music choices felt like a DJ from the '70s got trapped in a coconut, there was something undeniably catchy about it, which lingered pleasingly long after the Mango Tango had disappeared.

Now, the service. It’s hard to ignore some grumbles about less than stellar table attention, especially on bustling nights when even the most seasoned servers pivoted amidst a sea of orders whilst wearing expressions not unlike those found on an unfinished puzzle. However, the brusque experiences shared by some seem overshadowed by tales of quick service on quieter days and a team that occasionally hits commendable hospitality highs. The culinary focus didn’t leave me exactly raising pom-poms, yet the affable drinks—I’ll sing a sambuca soliloquy about those cocktails—had me forgiving moments of the hamburger hustle. Plus, who could resist taking in the buzzing pre-match atmosphere with Stamford Bridge on your shoulder? All things considered, Kona Kai's cocktail prowess and vivacious setting warrant a return trip, enabled mainly once you've come to terms with embracing their charming brand of soul-lifting confusion. — Milo Tastemaker