Traditionally if you wanted a great cocktail in South Kensington, you made it yourself. Now the tide has turned and some of the best bars in South Kensington are some of the best bars in the world. Not only have they become part of the neighborhood, but they are also winning awards for their cocktail creations!Â
Amaro
An addition to the South Kensington scene, located on Kensington High Street and a hidden gem among the takeaways and pharmacies, Amaro was not to be missed and it continues to go from strength to strength. Their pedigree is without fault. Former Head Mixologist of the Savoy’s Bars, Elon Soddu, has moved into town and wIth him, he has brought a slew of slingers who formerly worked at HomeBoy, Kwant and 69 Colebrooke Row.
Read more: How to Make a Great Negroni
Bar…At Sloane
With interiors conceived by architect and decorator François-Joseph Graf, the Bar…At Sloane was bound to be a stunner – think the Hotel Costes in Paris or La Mirande in Avignon. Down the stairs you go to be welcomed into a warm, wood-paneled lounge with a bar at one end and a fireplace at the other. Low tables with plush seats and velvet covered banquettes invite you to settle in for the evening, perfect for a rendez-vous for two or more! There are also two small snug, private rooms for even cozier tete-a-tetes!
Bar 190
Can a bar ride on the fact that it was the venue for the launch party of the Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers album! You bet. Bar 190 has definitely not lost its coolness after all these years. In fact, it’s only getting better. A few years ago, Bar 190 would not have made the Lush List, but now they’ve shaken off the dust, hired some great bartenders, and are making some fabulous cocktails. Â
Read more here: The Best Bars in South Kensington
Callooh Callay Chelsea
For those of you who might not know of Callooh Callay, get yourself down here or to their bar in Shoreditch asap. It is really one of London’s most respected establishments, not only known for great drinks, but also their award-winning cocktail menu design. (Learn more by tuning into my podcast with Rebekkah Dooley, the designer of one of my favorite menus, The Callooh Callay Mixed Tape presented in a cassette tape holder).
Read More: The Best Espresso Martinis in London
ESQ Bar
Hidden underneath 100 Queensgate Hotel is the Esq Bar. Don’t think this is any boring hotel bar. They are cranking out some pretty good cocktail here! The bar is launching a revolving concept menu which changes to a new geographical location every six months. Right now, we are in Asia with a delicious Asian-inspired food and cocktail menu. Using Asian spirits, the cocktails are fresh and innovative. Giacomo, Zach and the rest of the team are a delight!
The Franklin Bar
I highly recommend you seek out the Franklin even if you just want to have a classic cocktail. It’s a jewel of a bar in a gorgeous boutique hotel. In the summer, the garden is in fully bloom and you can sit outside. Also the bar snacks are a cut above, thanks to the genius of Michelin-starred Chef Alfredo Russo overseeing the menu – still dreaming about the ‘Nduja Arancini.
Baccarat Bar at Harrods
They say that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but how about a cocktail by its glass? I think its safe to say that at the Baccarat Bar you can and you must!It is fitting that one of the chicest bars in South Kensington, or even I would go as far as to say in all of London, is nestled below Harrods, the iconic British retailer. This magnificent bar is a collaboration between Harrods and Baccarat, the prestigious French crystal manufacturer and the cocktails are as fabulous as the glassware they inhabit!
Read More: Best Bars in South Kensington & Chelsea
K Bar
One of the best hotels in the area has to have one of the best bars, right? Right! Sitting on the corner of Queensgate and Old Brompton Road is The Kensington Hotel, part of The Doyle Collection. Bustling and full of life, The Kensington Hotel and its K Bar is always busy and it’s rare to find a table free come cocktail hour. Still there is a relaxed atmosphere and you can always sit at the bar before settling into their comfy leather armchairs. As of this year, they’ve even extended the bar to make room for everyone to sit.
Twice Shy
The cocktail menu are simple, but experimental. Drawing on season flavor, the cocktails revolve around one or two main ingredients, like Lemongrass & Amalfi Lemon or Vanilla & Sakura. With Victor Maggiolo and Elon Soddu at the helm, you know they are going to be fantastic! For us West Londoners, it is amazing to add one more bar to what used to be a desert for serious drinkers.
Read More: Best Bars in South Kensington & Chelsea
Don’t Miss: The Best Bars of London’s Soho
South Kensington is not only the best area in London to drink! Discover the best places to drink in London’s Soho, plus tips on what to drink at each!