Seemor
Big Night Bar & Restaurant HackneyB+Worth Trying
177 Morning Ln, London E9 6LH
· Restaurant, Grill, Bar
· 4.8/5 Google (129 reviews)
Reservations
Creative skewers and punchy cocktails in a lively, quirky room; great energy, some reports of oversalt, small portions, and pricing surprises.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Big Night Bar & Restaurant Hackney delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by creative skewers and standout desserts like miso banoffee, paired with welcoming, attentive service and quirky, nostalgic ambiance. However, inconsistent execution—occasional oversalting and pacing gaps—and variable service speed prevent grade A territory. The bar-first concept with punchy flavors suits cocktail and skewer enthusiasts seeking date-night energy rather than traditional comfort dining.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with retro photos, low sofas, and a soundtrack that gets people smiling. Guests describe staff as friendly and upbeat, with quotes like "they made us a custom drink and kept the vibe going." However, there are moderate authenticity concerns mostly due to a few name-drops and hypey blurbs, but the overall pattern reads genuine. The cooking leans creative and skewer-led with izakaya cues: chicken and spring onion, lamb tongue with kosho, and sides like summer kimchi and smoked greens. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: bold seasoning, pickles, and char rather than fine-dining theatrics. Desserts like miso banoffee are a sleeper hit, and cocktails carry equal weight, so it suits diners who enjoy punchy flavors and a bar-first vibe. For families, this is more date-night energy than kid territory. The menu is skewers and strong flavors, with few plain options; kids who enjoy simple chicken and bread might be fine, but picky eaters could struggle. Noise can climb on busy or live-music nights, so plan accordingly.
At a Glance
- Creative skewers and standout miso banoffee
- Welcoming staff and fun, retro ambiance
- Seasoning can run salty for some palates
- Small portions; ordering multiple skewers adds up
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- creative_skewer_program
- retro_cosy_decor
- live_music_nights
- inventive_cocktails
What People Love
- Playful, punchy flavor combinations
- Genuine, friendly service with good recommendations
- Inventive cocktails and off-menu custom pours
- Cozy, nostalgic decor and energetic music
Points of Concern
- Some diners report oversalted dishes or heavy smoke on certain nights (medium frequency).
- Pacing can be staggered with gaps; a few orders were forgotten until prompted (low-to-medium frequency).
- Portions are small; value feels lower if expecting a traditional large-plate dinner (medium frequency).
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some staff name repetition, brief marketing-style blurbs) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£27-36 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a set: 2 skewers (£14-16) + 1 side (£4-7) + dessert (£4) per person.
- Balance bolder skewers with lighter sides like salad or tomatoes with chilli oil.
Perfect For
- A cocktail-forward date night
- Friends sharing small plates before a night out
- Solo perch at the bar with a couple of skewers
- Adventurous eaters exploring bold flavors
Location Insights
Area: East London creative pocket with indie shops, bars, and a young professional crowd.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic in the evening; standard urban awareness advised.
Nearby: Near Hackney Central with nightlife, cafes, and boutique retail; draws pre- and post-drink crowds.
HackneyA trendy and eclectic neighborhood with a mix of historic charm and contemporary urban lifestyle, featuring numerous independent restaurants, cafes, and a thriving arts scene.
HomertonA transitional neighborhood with a mix of residential streets, emerging dining scenes, and close proximity to green spaces like Hackney Marshes.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday18:00–23:30
Friday18:00–23:30
Saturday15:00–23:30
Sunday15:00–23:30
Available: Reservations
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