A stylish Shoreditch listening bar with excellent cocktails, music and inventive small plates, but book ahead, expect premium pricing and take allergy communication seriously.
Mad Cats delivers strong food quality and exceptional design, anchored by consistently praised cocktail knowledge and a vibrant Redchurch Street setting that draws a loyal following. Inconsistent execution on signature dishes and occasional service lapses during peak hours prevent a higher grade, though the listening bar's distinctive atmosphere and hospitality keep it solidly in upper territory.
Mad Cats is a dim, stylish Shoreditch listening bar where vinyl, live jazz and a beautifully tuned sound system are as central as the drinks. The mood is intimate but lively: guests describe a room that feels like a welcoming home bar, though peak nights can become loud, crowded or slow. Reservations are wise, especially at weekends. The food is an adventurous Lebanese-Japanese fusion of sharing plates, with hamachi carpaccio, Wagyu udon, otoro handrolls and Shish Barak dumplings giving the menu plenty of personality. Cocktails are often the headline act, praised for creative combinations and knowledgeable recommendations, although reviews also record uneven drinks and sold-out dishes. Prices are firmly premium, and small portions mean a full meal requires deliberate ordering rather than casual grazing. This is better suited to adults seeking music, cocktails and distinctive flavours than families with young children. The menu has a vegetarian gnocchi, vegan sorbet and familiar rice, but most dishes involve seafood, raw preparations, fusion sauces or bold flavours; there is no dedicated children’s menu. Picky eaters may find the choices narrow, and allergy-sensitive diners should confirm every ingredient because several reviews report weak allergen communication.
Area vibe: Creative, nightlife-focused area known for street art, bars, and independent restaurants.
Safety: Generally lively and well-lit at night though can feel rowdy around late-night venues and weekends.
What's nearby: Close to Old Street and Shoreditch High Street stations, Boxpark, Brick Lane and multiple bars, galleries and tech offices.
Mad Cats is strongest when you build a meal around its Hamachi Carpaccio, Shish Barak Dumplings, or Wagyu Udon, then leave room for a standout dessert.
Plan ahead for a premium small-plates meal in a tight, busy room where service and allergen communication can be uneven.
Expect an intimate Shoreditch listening-bar atmosphere where beautifully curated music can eventually overpower conversation.