Privacy policy

Laika Shisha Lounge (“Laika”, “we”, “us”) operates Laika Shisha Lounge at 45 Frith Street, London W1D 4SD, United Kingdom.

We are the data controller for personal data processed through this website in connection with our hospitality business, except where another party acts as controller (for example SevenRooms for online reservations - see below).

Privacy questions: hello@laikalounge.com or 020 7494 9111.

This policy covers laikalounge.uk and related pages we operate. It does not replace notices at the venue, employment policies, or terms of third-party platforms (for example SevenRooms, social networks or review sites) when you use their services directly.

Visiting our lounge involves separate house rules and UK laws on alcohol, tobacco and age restrictions. Our FAQ describes venue rules; this policy focuses on digital data.

Depending on how you use the site, we may process:

• Contact form: first name, last name, email, message, and the page URL you sent the form from.
• Table reservations: when you book via SevenRooms (widget or their website), they collect details such as name, contact details, party size, date and time, birthday (month/day where requested), age confirmation, optional notes, marketing preferences and similar fields configured in our booking system. We receive and use that data as their customer (the venue).
• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, referring URL and basic server logs from our hosting - for security and to deliver the site.
• Cookies and similar technologies: as described in our Cookie policy. Analytics cookies (for example Google Analytics) are used only if you consent; we plan to enable them in future.
• Quiz and menu browsing: the flavour quiz runs in your browser and does not require you to submit personal data to us.
• Communications: if you email or call us, we keep what you send to respond and run the business.

We use personal data only where we have a lawful basis under UK GDPR:

• Contract / steps at your request - handling enquiries, managing reservations with our systems, preparing your visit.
• Legitimate interests - operating and securing the website, understanding aggregate use (with analytics only after consent), replying to messages, preventing abuse, and promoting the venue in a proportionate way.
• Legal obligation - record-keeping, age-related requirements, health and safety, and requests from regulators or police where required by law.
• Consent - non-essential cookies, and marketing where we rely on consent (for example some booking or newsletter options managed in SevenRooms). You may withdraw consent at any time without affecting lawfulness before withdrawal.

We share data only as needed to run the business:

• SevenRooms - online reservations and guest CRM for the venue. Their privacy policy applies to data you enter in their booking flow: sevenrooms.com.
• Telegram - contact form submissions are delivered to our staff via Telegram’s messaging service (Telegram Messenger Inc.). Message content and metadata are processed according to Telegram’s terms and privacy policy.
• Hosting and IT - providers that host the website, DNS, email and our contact API on servers (typically in the UK or EEA; details available on request).
• Google - embedded maps on the site may set cookies or process data when you interact with the map; Google Analytics only after you accept analytics cookies (when enabled).
• Professional advisers - lawyers, accountants or insurers where confidential and necessary.
• Authorities - if required by law or to protect rights, safety and property.

Some providers (for example SevenRooms, Telegram or Google) may process data outside the UK. Where they do, we expect appropriate safeguards such as UK adequacy regulations, standard contractual clauses, or UK extension agreements, as applicable.

We keep data only as long as needed for the purposes above, then delete or anonymise it unless we must keep it longer for law, tax, disputes or insurance.

Contact form messages: typically up to 24 months unless we need them longer for an ongoing matter.

Reservation and guest records: according to our operational and accounting needs and SevenRooms retention settings (often several years for hospitality records - ask us if you need specifics).

Server logs: usually a short rolling period (for example 30–90 days).

Cookie consent choices: stored locally in your browser until you clear them or we update the banner version.

Under UK data protection law you may have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, object (including to direct marketing), and data portability where applicable. You may also withdraw consent and complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.

For reservation data held in SevenRooms, we may need to act jointly with their tools - contact us and we will help route your request.

To exercise rights, email hello@laikalounge.com with enough detail for us to identify you. We may need proof of identity for sensitive requests.

Our website is not directed at under-18s. UK law prohibits under-18s in shisha lounges. We do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 18 through the site; if you believe we have, contact us and we will delete it promptly.

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures (HTTPS, access controls, limited staff access). No online transmission is 100% secure; please avoid sending card details by email.

Links to Instagram, maps, TripAdvisor, booking pages and others leave our site. Their privacy practices govern data you give them.

We may update this policy; the “Last updated” date will change. Material changes may be highlighted on the site. Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy where permitted by law.