Review of London Backpackers Youth Hostel 18 - 35 Years Old Only 3*

Update: The owner spoke with me and cleared up that it is illegal on London to have an open kitchen. Apparently there are postings about the kitchen closing somewhere in the building, but I was unable to find them. Be aware that the signs that state "no eating or drinking in rooms" means don't have anything that resembles food or drink in the dorms, or they will take it and put it up for free in the kitchen. Even if it is an unopened gift from/to someone. The deposit for the kitchen box is non-refundable, which wasn't stated at time of borrowing the box. Only the card key deposit is returned. Dorms are VERY warm and stuffy. Bring light night clothes. Again, communication could use work. For the cost, it isn't bad. Clean rooms and facilities. It is right across the street from the Hendon Central Station. Free breakfast that is mediocre. (Slices of cheese, butter, and jam for toast and cereal. Feeling of kitchen is that you cannot make your own breakfast. Staff hover in kitchen while everyone eats. ) The communication is a joke, though. 1. No word upon checking in that they close the kitchen at 09:00 and at night. I found this out by being kicked out at 9am when I was trying to make my breakfast. A few of us were kicked out at 00:30 as well by the front desk attendant. I have never been to a hostel where they kick you out of a gathering area, lest the kitchen and food prep area. 2a. They lock the front door when changing over beds. This was not information given at check in. I found this out the hard way. I was told we don't get a side card key (£5 deposit) unless you are there for a week or more. But if someone is here for a few days and needs to get in during room change, the person is SOL. 2b. I have been in the room twice during room change over and the people switching the sheets literally kick possessions away from the beds. They also blatantly don't talk to us in the room and shut the overhead lights off without asking if we are using them. Again, I witnessed this twice personally. 3. Food bins for the kitchen are £1 deposit, which isn't posted or discussed anywhere. The kitchen items, such as cups, plates, etc, are padlocked and unable to be accessed during the day. (Note: fridges are tiny for the amount of people that are able to stay here and there was no room for any more items in all the times I tried to store perishables in the fridge. They also look like they haven't been cleaned for ages. ) 4. Staff give off irritated air when asked questions. England is different than where I have traveled and lived before, so I have questions on how things work. I felt that staff don't like to be asked for assistance and acted like I should already know how everything works in the area/country. They also don't go out of their way to talk with the people staying at the hostel. This is vastly different than every other hostel I have been to. I won't return to this place. I feel uncomfortable and will pay more to be closer to the city with better communication and customer service skills.