Horangee Pocha
Main info
£8 - £20
/
Korean, Vegetarian options
116 New Kent Rd, London
Opening hours
5:30PM-11PM
- Sunday 12PM-11PM
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 5:30PM-11PM
- Wednesday 5:30PM-11PM
- Thursday 5:30PM-11PM
- Friday 5:30PM-3:30AM
- Saturday 12PM-3:30AM
Ultimate Korean BBQ and Karaoke Experience!
Upon stumbling into this vibrant Korean BBQ spot, which I imagined would be just another pit stop on London's exhaustive culinary carousel, I was rewarded with something rather special—a truly memorable escape nestling between the Lincoln Castle pub crawl and your standard-issue karaoke joint. Here at this eatery, where Los Angeles Kalbi sizzles scandalously on the grill, the air is thick with sizzling meats and the spirits are decidedly up, thanks to an enthusiastic melange of soju options that loosen tongues in anticipation of the underground karaoke challenge waiting below. Our evening was tapestry filled with tantalizing beef stews that were so resplendent they seemed medicinal, a hearty broth if ever there was one, with fried chicken cut into flavorsome dreams by chefs who certainly know how to cajole tenderness out of a bird.Of course, no symphony plays without its rogue note. The booking system, it seems, is governed by an algorithm of bafflement, culminating in contract-like orders requiring deposits. As challenging as decrypting a governmental white paper, it's an aspect worth improving—not everyone wants their financial gymnastics before belting out "Bohemian Rhapsody" in the basement. Moreover, anecdotal tales about reluctant refunds may steer some patrons towards bewilderment and exchanges laced with echoes of supermarket checkout brawls. But never mind that—focus instead on Hee Yeon, arguably the best ambassador since Post-COVID Korea Kitchen took over your Instagram feed. As gleefully spirited as the K-Pop tracks that fill the air, the staff largely melt away complaint upon inquiry. Yes, despite the chicken horrors rumored to have circulated online as quickly as tabloid scandals, this place—with its capacious karaoke chambers—is indisputably a treasure. Even Jay Rayner might pause, omnipresent fork mid-air, to gather mini hygge within a crispy pajeon crescent crescendoing next door to an engagingly authentic Korean symphony. Just watch out for your bill. It might claim close family membership rights. — Penelope Savory
How to get there
116 New Kent Rd, London
London City Airport — 6.47 mi
Elephant & Castle - 405 yd