The Soul

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 8 reviews

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300 Hoe Street,
Walthamstow,
London,
E17 9QD

0871 971 7420
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.

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Reviewer critical
25/07/2009
I’m a regular at the soul & fragrant there Fridays & Saturdays I must admit I have no complaints.

I’m 45 & it’s perfect for me and my partner, mature trouble free crowd, great music, happy attentive staff, reasonable prices, friendly security, its open very late & it’s local (so I can get pissed as a fart & it’s a cab away!).

The Soul has a brilliant party atmosphere and the size contributes to that … what ever you guys are doing DON’T CHANGE IT !!
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Reviewer debbierae2007
13/04/2009
Moved to Walthamstow a few months ago.Heard about the Soul Bar, and went there last Sat night.

Had a great time. Drinks were reasonable, staff were nice and everyone there was friendly.

The music was great, played alot of old skool soul.There was no trouble. It was a great atmosphere.

Everyone there was just there to dance and have a great time.The only downside, the toilets were not great.

But in there defence, they did have signs up saying they would be all new soon.I would defo recommend this place, and will be going again real soon.
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Reviewer Anonymous
10/04/2009
I come here often and being 40+ this is one of the best clubs I have ever been especially if you go there on a night James Anthony DJ is playing. Me and my friends dance non stop until as every song played is a hit.

The atmosphere is great, the people are friendly and the door staff very polite. The only down side is the place is very small, but overall you will always have a fab night here and I will always come back. The drinks are also reasonably priced too. The only warning is if you are under 35+ don't come here cos it's for the matured crowd.
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Reviewer fijisun
22/02/2009
We have passed this place before but there has always been such a long queue we haven't been in until last night. We are so glad we finally made it inside, the place was great, the staff were all welcoming and friendly and the DJs had it just right for the tastes of the crowd that were in.

A great place to go if you're 30+, and want a hassle-free, easy relaxing night. Previous reviewer's comments about it being a 'house-party' atmosphere summed it up very well, not many flashy lighting effects, just a dimmed glow and a happy vibe. We'll definitely be going back again soon.
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Reviewer Anonymous
16/02/2009
Been to the The Soul many times in the last few years. I agree with the other reviewers that the staff are lovely and a good night is always to be had as fellow patrons are mature and just out to have a good time. You do need to get there early or be prepared to stand outside for a very long time!

However, the lack of cloakroom, and decent toilets (which are forever blocked, flooded or both) needs attention. They have now started charging entry so the least they can provide is proper facilities. The DJs can become boring if you are a regular and their attempts to play reggae fall flat so it's best they leave that side of entertainment to those who have an extensive collection (good thing going by Sugar Minott is played too often).

The Soul in small doses makes for a decent night out - anything more than that becomes monotonous
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Reviewer Anonymous
19/03/2009
You don't say what night you go. I have been there numerous times on a Saturday and never once heard Sugar Minott's 'Good Thing Going'!

The reggae played is fairly extensive and DJ's are switched, only recently I went there and there was a different DJ who played different music.

Perhaps you should try Saturdays if you went on Friday.
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Reviewer josie1966
19/03/2009
I've been on both nights and used to go on a very regular basis.

Having said that I've not been since July last year so maybe things have changed..

..Dont get me wrong a good time is had, but if there is a small fee to be paid on entry then at least fix the toilets!

Nobody wants to stand in 'water' when using the 'facilities'It depends on what you call 'extensive' with regards to the reggae played there..

..then again it is called The Soul for a reason!On the whole it's peaceful and friendly there - and these days you cant say that about a lot of places.
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Reviewer Anonymous
19/03/2009
Positive - Good night out for the mature crowd, friendly, intimate. Drinks reasonably priced, great staff.

Negative - Nowhere to hang jackets/coats (does get hot in there) loos need attention
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Reviewer c foot
14/04/2009
I have to reply to Anonymous (the only one who is!). I've been going to the Soul regularly for almost 3 years Friday & Saturdays and during all this time they have charged and for the last 2 years they have charged from an earlier time of 10pm (it used to be 12).

My main blog however is your comments about the lack of a cloakroom, the toilets & choice of music.

Tell me if I’m wrong but the Soul is a wine bar (or to be precise a dj bar) and not a club ..How many wine bars do you know have a cloakroom!

The toilet issue is not an issue it’s a small place so has small toilets that are obviously overwhelmed by the numbers!..Yes they need work but they have just started redecorating I don’t see how a charge of ONLY £5 (that’s 75p per hour for great DJ's, lovely staff tight security & great atmosphere) is going to change that. As for the music!!!

I have never heard "good thing going" by Sugar Minott .. you go Friday & you know exactly what your going to get because it is a old skool club classic night (that includes a little lovers reggae) ..yes they do repeat themselves but unfortunately that’s what the MAJORITY of the crowd want to hear and good DJ's play for the majority and not themselves!

(tip.. go early as the DJ before James Anthony plays more rare music and again after he goes).

On Saturdays ...I have never been to a bar that plays R&B, reggae, jungle, house & soul and as everyone happy and jumping.C Foot.
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Reviewer josie1966
21/04/2009
I'm actually replying to C Foot! I am the 'Anon' one - JOSIE - Ok so James has switched from Sugar Minott to Sexual Healing mixed with Waiting in Vain....

I'm not going to split hairs.....I too have been a very loyal patron of The Soul and have been on both Friday and Saturday nights.

The issue of the toilets is a serious one if you happen to be FEMALE.

So it does need to be addressed - the notices on the walls have been there for too long!I agree that a fiver is not much to pay and yes I have been to bars that have cloakrooms. (Agenda, Pitcher & Piano, Apt to name a few)

If you are a winebar, play music and charge admission then people should be able to put coats away as you would in a club..

if you are the Rose & Crown Pub then a cloakroom cannot be expected.

The Soul is a very popular place, but it can get hot and people do dance all night - so you either have to leave your jacket in your car, or leave it on one of the sofas....
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Reviewer c foot
30/10/2008
If ever you want a house party and are thinking twice about the cost and the work and the turmoil involved let alone having a good time! ...well I have a tip for you! JUST GO TO THE SOUL BAR in Walthamstow.

This bar feels like a house party every time I go there, staff are attentive the music is great and full of memories which hark back to those classic clubs of the 80's and early 90's the people are of my time (40+) there is no trouble or bad attitudes ... just people having a good time, and to top it all the choice and cost of drinks are great.
This bar is a gem and I hope it’s around for a long long time.

Take note! ... just like the other reviewer says get there early especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

C Foot.


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Reviewer josie1966
21/04/2009
I've read all the comments especially yours and I've just figured out who you are - outrageous....you own the place dont you?

If you dont you play music there as I've seen your name on the TV screen above the bar! Be fair - this site is for ALL user comments whether you agree with them or not!

Sometimes negative criticism grates but it helps too! I always enjoy The Soul, but like I said the loos need attention - you obviously know that hence the signs.

Positive: Lovely staff, nice peaceful atmosphere

Negative: Loos....I'll come over and say hello to you when I next visit....
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Reviewer kualango
20/07/2008
If you are that "age" and looking for a trendy night out without the hoodies, sagging jeans and tatty G-string revealing crowd, then the Soul Bar is just the perfect place to be. The crowd is sophisticated and mature, the absolute hang-out for professional ladies and gents. The music is a blend of rare soul and groove mixed up with equally vintage reggae and soca hits. I have never had a dull moment at the Soul Bar either in a group or on my own. The only catch is get there before 11pm to avoid standing outside while your favourite tunes play away....!!!Ozzy
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01/07/2008
Everytime I go to the Soul Bar the vibe/people is nice. The Bar staff are pleasant. So far I celebrate my siblings birthdays there with mind to come this weekend and of course I will be celebrating my birthday with my sister-in-law (we share the same birthday ) this Friday. Keep it up I will recommend to all my friends.
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