Kava in London: Where to Find It and What You Need to Know

Can You Get Kava in London?

If you’re searching for kava in London, you’re not alone. Kava — the earthy, relaxing drink made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant — has a growing following across the Pacific Islands, the United States, and Australia. But London’s kava scene looks very different from what you’ll find in cities like Miami, Austin, or even Bangkok.

The short answer: there are currently no dedicated kava bars operating in London. But that doesn’t mean kava is completely off the table for Londoners. Here’s what you need to know.

Is Kava Legal in the UK?

Kava occupies a complicated legal space in the United Kingdom. In 2002, the UK introduced The Medicines for Human Use (Kava-kava) (Prohibition) Order, which banned the sale of kava as a medicinal product due to concerns about liver toxicity that were circulating at the time.

However, this ban specifically targets the sale of kava as a medicine — not kava root itself. This creates a gray area where kava root powder can sometimes be found for sale, though vendors typically label it “not for human consumption” to comply with regulations. Several online suppliers based in the Pacific Islands and the US do ship kava powder to UK addresses.

Many kava advocates argue that the 2002 ban was based on flawed research and that traditional aqueous kava preparations have been consumed safely in the Pacific Islands for thousands of years. Countries like Germany, which had similar bans, have since reversed their restrictions. The UK ban, however, remains in place as of 2026.

Why Are There No Kava Bars in London?

The regulatory environment makes it nearly impossible to operate a commercial kava bar in London. Without clear legal permission to sell kava beverages for consumption, no business can take on the risk of opening a dedicated kava venue.

This stands in contrast to the US, where cities like Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, and Austin have thriving kava bar scenes with dozens of venues. In Southeast Asia, cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai have also seen kava bars pop up in recent years.

Some London wellness cafes and herbal shops occasionally stock kava capsules or extracts, but these are not the same experience as drinking a fresh shell of kava at a nakamal.

Where to Buy Kava in London

While you won’t find a kava bar to walk into, there are a few ways Londoners can still enjoy kava:

Online Kava Suppliers That Ship to the UK

Several reputable kava vendors ship internationally, including to London. When ordering, look for Noble kava varieties and vendors who provide lab testing results. Popular options among UK kava drinkers include suppliers based in Vanuatu, Fiji, and the United States who offer international shipping.

Health Food Shops

Some health food stores in London carry kava supplements in capsule or tincture form. While these won’t give you the full kava bar experience, they can provide some of kava’s relaxing effects. Check shops in areas like Shoreditch, Camden, and Covent Garden that specialize in herbal products.

Pacific Islander Community Events

London has a small but active Pacific Islander community. Kava ceremonies and informal kava circles do happen through community networks, cultural events, and private gatherings. These are often connected to Fijian, Tongan, and Samoan community groups in London. Searching social media for London kava groups is the best way to find these gatherings.

How to Make Kava at Home in London

Many London kava enthusiasts prepare their own kava at home using traditional methods. Here’s how:

What You Need

• Medium-grind noble kava root powder (look for Vanuatu, Fiji, or Tongan varieties)
• A strainer bag or muslin cloth
• Warm water (not boiling — around 35-40°C works best)
• A large bowl

Traditional Preparation

1. Add 2-4 tablespoons of kava powder to your strainer bag
2. Place the bag in a bowl with about 300-400ml of warm water
3. Knead and squeeze the bag in the water for 5-10 minutes until the water turns a muddy brown color
4. Remove the strainer bag and squeeze out the remaining liquid
5. Drink in one or two gulps — kava is traditionally consumed quickly, not sipped slowly

The taste is earthy and slightly bitter. Many people chase it with a slice of fruit or a sip of something sweet. The numbing sensation on your tongue and lips is completely normal and a sign of quality kava.

What Does Kava Feel Like?

For those curious about trying kava for the first time, the experience is often described as a calm, clear-headed relaxation without the cognitive impairment that comes with alcohol. Your muscles relax, social anxiety tends to melt away, and many people report feeling more sociable and present.

Kava is not intoxicating in the way alcohol is. You remain clear-headed and in control, which is why many people are turning to kava as an alcohol alternative. It’s particularly popular among people who want to socialize in the evening without drinking.

The Future of Kava in London

There’s growing pressure to revisit the UK’s kava regulations. As more research supports the safety of traditionally prepared kava, and as the global kava bar movement continues to expand, London may eventually see its first kava bar.

For now, the best way to experience kava in London is to order quality kava powder online, learn to prepare it traditionally, and connect with the city’s small but passionate kava community. If you’ve been to kava bars in the US or the Pacific Islands and want to recreate that experience at home, London’s kava enthusiasts are a welcoming group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy kava in London shops?

Kava supplements in capsule form can occasionally be found in health food shops, but fresh kava root powder for traditional preparation is best sourced from online vendors who ship internationally to the UK.

Is it illegal to drink kava in the UK?

The 2002 ban prohibits the commercial sale of kava as a medicinal product. Personal possession and consumption occupy a legal gray area. There is no law criminalizing drinking kava.

Are there any kava bars opening in London soon?

As of 2026, there are no announced plans for kava bar openings in London. The regulatory environment would need to change before a commercial kava venue could operate legally.

What’s the best kava for beginners?

If you’re trying kava for the first time, look for a medium-grind noble kava from Vanuatu or Fiji. Varieties like Borogu or Borongoru are known for balanced effects that aren’t too heavy for first-timers. Start with a smaller serving and wait 20-30 minutes before having more.

How does kava compare to alcohol?

Kava provides relaxation and reduced social anxiety without the impaired judgment, hangovers, or calories that come with alcohol. Many people use kava as a complete alcohol replacement for social situations.