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When it comes to the best cocktail bars in Chelsea, few neighbourhoods in London can rival the area’s timeless sophistication and creative flair. From secret speakeasies hidden behind red telephone boxes to elegant brasseries shaking up seasonal signatures, Chelsea’s bar scene offers something for every kind of cocktail lover.
What makes Chelsea so captivating is its balance between old-world charm and modern indulgence. Historic pubs have evolved into stylish cocktail dens, while new venues bring global inspiration and innovation to their menus. Across King’s Road, Walton Street and Sloane Square, you’ll find mixologists blending art, science and theatre behind the bar.
Cubanista
Tucked within Paloma Club Chelsea (formerly B London), Cubanista is the soulful, intimate corner of Chelsea nightlife that whispers when the main room shouts. Access to this bar is part of the fun — guests often enter via an inconspicuous red telephone box, dial the number, and pass into a subterranean world of warmth and Cuban spirit. From the moment you slip inside, you feel as though you’ve crossed into a 1920s Havana salon.
The founders behind Paloma bring deep nightlife credentials — names tied to Boujis, Gallery, and B London — meaning this venture is built on heritage and reinvention. That pedigree shows in every detail at Cubanista.
The cocktail list is a narrative journey — each drink has a story, often tied to “Liliana and her big family” as the bar’s lore suggests. Expect Cuban classics reinterpreted with elegance: Presidentes, Montecristo, and more tropical-inflected signatures that balance rum, citrus, and delicate spice. Occasionally, sushi is served during those masterclasses, bridging Latin flair with a touch of finesse. The drinks favour high-quality rum, fresh citrus, house syrups and a playful, refined touch. The balance is always toward novelty without compromising structure — you’ll find bold gestures (smoked elements, exotic fruit infusions) alongside firm classic technique.
Cubanista is deliberately atmospheric. Dim lighting, tropical motifs (faded palms, vintage Bacardi posters) make it feel like a sultry hideaway rather than a club annex. The contrast with Paloma’s main room is intentional: Cubanista invites conversation, a slower pace, and the chance to lounge in style before (or after) you hit the dancefloor.
Website: Cubanista
Address: 92a Old Brompton Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3LQ
Beaufort House Chelsea
Beaufort House is many things: an award-winning brasserie, a cocktail bar, and a private members’ club. Spanning four floors, it offers a versatile experience: on the ground level, the public cocktail bar and brasserie are located. In contrast, upstairs lies Albert’s — the private members’ domain with lounge bars and a champagne penthouse.
By day, you might find brunch spillovers into cocktails, thanks to a menu that carries from morning through to evening. As night approaches, the cocktail bar comes alive: expect classic favourites and signatures like the Spiced Pear Mojito or King’s Road Crush — polished, playful and rooted in high craftsmanship. Mixologists here strike a balance between approachable indulgence and technique.
The ground-floor bar has a “home away from home” feel, becoming one of Chelsea’s most fashionable nightspots after dusk. Upstairs in Albert’s, you’ll find Art Deco touches, leather sofas, patterned wallpapers, and an air of exclusivity. What makes Beaufort House one of the best cocktail bars in Chelsea is this very layering: you can arrive for lunch, linger into dusk with a cocktail, then slip upstairs into a more intimate, private domain. The quality of drinks, the elegance of the surroundings, and that sense of fluid transition from public to private make it stand out.
Website: Beaufort House Chelsea
Address: 354 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UZ
Jak’s Bar
Jak’s Bar is a cosmopolitan spot that bridges the realms of dining and cocktail lounge. It has the kind of relaxed elegance you expect in a Chelsea evening haunt — comfortable and considered, trendy without being ostentatious.
Part of the Jak’s family of restaurants and bars around London, Jak’s Bar leans into the strength of its parent brand while carving out a distinct identity as a destination for cocktails, casual dining, and social moments. Its location gives it a slightly quieter edge compared to the bustle of Kings Road, making it a favourite for locals seeking a stylish “go-to” rather than just a showpiece.
Jak’s Bar offers an adventurous cocktail menu that mixes fresh-fruit concoctions, reinterpretations of classics, and custom creations from the in-house mixologists. Among signature drinks, you’ll find Jak’s Revolution (a blend of Havana 3-year rum, raspberries, pineapple, pomegranate, lime, and raspberry liqueur) and Passion Fruit Whiskey Smash (Jameson or Maker’s Mark with mint, passion fruit and lemon). The menu also includes adaptations like Bramble, New York Sour, and a playful Watermelon Punch. On the dining side, the kitchen complements the drinks with Mediterranean and Italian-influenced fare — light plates, salads, pastas, and elevated small dishes.
Here, the plush seating, subtle lighting, and decorative touches that lean toward modern classicism create a luxurious and welcoming ambience. The interior allows for casual conversation and more intimate moments — it doesn’t feel like a bar trying too hard, but one that knows its audience. What elevates Jak’s into the best cocktail bars in Chelsea is that it doesn’t rely solely on showiness. Its strengths lie in consistency, quality of both drinks and food, and a comfortable sophistication that makes it a dependable choice.
Website: Jak’s Bar
Address: 87, 89 Walton St, London SW3 2HT
Barts
Hidden behind a black door in the Chelsea Cloisters lies Barts, perhaps Chelsea’s most mischievous speakeasy. Entry feels like stepping into a prohibition-era ruse — ring the bell, pass through a narrow corridor, and find yourself in a detailed world of secret gardens, eccentric décor, and ambient intrigue.
Barts leans into theatricality and technique. Their “Illicit Cocktails” menu includes drinks served in teapots, drinks set aflame, and colour-changing magic. One signature is the Smoke Screen, made with Perique Tobacco Liqueur, Dewar’s 18-year Scotch, Angostura bitters, orange and sugar, served in a Dewar’s Signature box. Beyond cocktails, their spirits list spans vintage liquors, fine wines and Champagnes. For food, Barts collaborates with Gaucho to offer a discreet “swiped snacks” menu: think pulled pork buns, sushi, tapas-style bites.
Inside, you’ll find walls laden with quirky antiques, mismatched furniture, comic-strip wallpapers, dim lighting, and a secret garden beyond the main bar. Barts leans fully into its identity as a “secret” bar: it markets itself as “London’s worst kept secret,” with password nights, hidden late-night parties, and a sense that what you’re about to drink may be part magic, part mischief.
What makes Barts one of the best cocktail bars in Chelsea is precisely this fusion of imagination and execution. You come not just for a great drink — though those are guaranteed — but for the journey: the thrill of discovery, the theatrical presentation, the secret garden respite, and the sense that you’re in on an inside story.
Website: Barts
Address: Chelsea Cloisters, Sloane Ave, London SW3 3DW
Azteca Chelsea
Azteca Latin Lounge (often referred to as “Azteca Chelsea”) brings a Mexican cantina vibe to the London cocktail scene. It’s a place where food and drink merge, and where tequila & mezcal take centre stage, framed by festive décor. Azteca’s roots lie in a passion for Mexican flavours and Latin spirit. The owners have long imported tequila (since 1997), and the bar’s cellar includes over 130 tequila and mezcal labels. More than just a restaurant, it also cultivates events and offers tequila masterclasses. By night, the cantina shifts gear: music, social energy, and cocktails pulse through the space.
The cocktail philosophy plays with authenticity and bold flavour. Expect classics (margaritas, palomas) alongside mezcal infusions and signature serves that lean into agave’s deeper profiles. The drink menu is curated to evoke Mexico—tequila and mezcal shots co-exist with layered cocktails, and the staff are versed enough to guide selections. On the food side, the menu blends casual and authentic Mexican fare, including fresh guacamole, ceviche tostadas, nachos (available in small/large sizes), tacos (beef and shrimp), fajitas, enchiladas verdes, burritos, and more.
Walking in, you feel the buzz — warm lighting, colourful decor, walls peppered with Mexican motifs, and seating that encourages conviviality. Compared to more tightly focused cocktail dens, Azteca offers a dual appeal: you come for a meal, but stay for the drinks and the vibe. It’s rare to find a bar in this part of London that treats tequila and mezcal with such reverence while also delivering approachable cocktails, a lively setting, and a whole food program. That’s why it is one of the best cocktail bars in Chelsea.
Website: Azteca Chelsea
Address: 329 King’s Rd, London SW3 5ES
Botanist Sloane Square
The Botanist blends restaurant and bar into a polished, stylish experience. Operated by the ETM collection, the venue is renowned for its “expertly crafted cocktails and wide range of dining and bar options,” which combine seasonal British menus with an elevated drinks offering.
The food menu leans toward modern British with a seasonal focus. Starters include dishes like courgette, feta & pea tart, and Isle of Wight tomatoes with stracciatella, black olives and pesto. Main courses may feature roast Peterhead cod with crushed new potatoes, creamed leeks and preserved lemon or roast celeriac with wild mushrooms, black cabbage and truffle jus for a vegetarian option. At The Botanist, the bar offers all the classic cocktails, as well as original, bespoke drinks that draw on botanical inspiration and seasonal British ingredients.
Walking in, you notice the interplay of natural elements and elegance. Find floor-to-ceiling windows, oak floors, botanical prints, and a gleaming pewter bar anchoring the space. It holds appeal day through night — brunch transitions into afternoon drinks, which in turn lead into a full dinner and evening cocktails.
Website: The Botanist
Address: 7-12 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EG
The Phene
The Phene occupies a leafy corner just off the King’s Road, where it blends the charm of a historic pub with a modern cocktail identity. The building is named after architect John Samuel Phene, who developed much of the local area in the 19th century. Over time, The Phene evolved from a classic local into a destination for those seeking refined drinks, quality food, and a stylish ambience.
At its bar, The Phene offers both signature and classic cocktails alongside beers, cask ales, and non-alcoholic options. Find creations like the “Sun & Serpent Worship” cocktail, made with Olmeca tequila, raspberries, and Chambord. Though a full cocktail menu isn’t continuously published online, guests praise the bar team’s knowledge and flexibility.
From the kitchen comes a seasonal, British-inspired menu under the guidance of Michelin-trained chef Sidy Kounta. Taste dishes such as almond gazpacho, dry-aged steak tartare, stone bass fillet, roast skate wing, and vegetable mains. Light snacks, sharing boards (e.g. ploughman’s, seafood boards), and classic bar bites round out the offer.
Walking into The Phene, you’re welcomed by a warm, layered interior. But what truly elevates the place is its garden. Find a sheltered outdoor space that shines in summer and is transformed into a cosy winter garden with heaters and fireplaces. As one of the best cocktail bars in Chelsea, The Phene strikes a rare balance. It’s not an underground speakeasy, but it’s not just a pub either. It delivers serious cocktailcraft in a setting that feels warm, lived-in, and sociable.
Website: The Phene
Address: 9 Phene St, London SW3 5NZ
Mezcalito Chelsea
Mezcalito Chelsea fuses the energy of a Latin cantina with polished cocktail flair. Since opening in 2018, it has quickly become a go-to destination for those seeking bold agave spirits, fun music, and a spirited atmosphere.
The heart of Mezcalito lies in its agave library. It boasts over 600 tequilas and mezcals, making it one of the deepest collections of agave spirits in London. Their cocktail menu (as of Jan 2024) reads like a tour through Mexico’s regions, with expressive names and layered recipes. Some standouts include the Picante, with tequila or mezcal, fresh lime, organic agave, chile de árbol & Tajín. The Margarita de la Casa and The Paloma are reinvented classics. The Oaxaca presents a mezcal-inflected Negroni with prickly pear liqueur. They also feature a “Tour Around Mexico” series, with cocktails like Acapulco, Chiapas, Tulum, and more, each celebrating a Mexican locale via ingredients and flavour themes. And for non-drinkers, there are thoughtful non-alcoholic options.
The food menu is tapas-style, designed for sharing and complementing the cocktails. Find guacamole and homemade tortilla chips, Esquite (Mexican street corn salad), Ceviche, Quesadillas, Tacos, and more. In addition, Mezcalito also offers a cigar menu, with cigars imported from Cuba via Hunters & Frankau.
The interior is decorated with Latin memorabilia, warm lighting, rustic touches, and music (often Latin, often upbeat). A standout feature is the back terrace, which features a retractable roof and heaters — making it usable year-round. Events are part of the draw. Taco Tuesdays offer all-you-can-eat tacos and a frozen margarita or Corona special. Mariachi Wednesdays start from 8 pm, there are DJ nights on Saturdays, and a Tulum Bottomless Brunch on weekends.
Website: Mezcalito Chelsea
Address: 119 Sydney St, London SW3 6NR
K Bar
K Bar Chelsea presents itself as a relaxed, local bar with a storied past. It occupies the site of what was once the Café des Artistes. A venue with musical heritage, associated in its day with visits from The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and London’s creative set. In its iteration as K Bar, it embraced a stylised social mix of art, music, fashion and nightlife. It aims to be a gathering spot for London’s creative industries. K Bar’s drink offerings lean toward classic cocktails.
Walking into K Bar, you’d expect an intimate, dimly lit interior. This is a space geared less for spectacle and more for social connection. Its identity has always been somewhat boutique and cultured, with a program of jazz nights, rotating art exhibitions, and fashion events. The ambition was to create a place where media, music, fashion and creative minds could converge, rather than a purely consumer nightlife venue.
As one of the best cocktail bars in Chelsea, K Bar stands out for its legacy and its intention. It may not have the theatrical flair of a speakeasy or the design polish of some newer bars. Instead, it offers a space where conversation, cultural collisions, and the city’s creative pulse could be felt.
Website: K Bar
Address: 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JA
ESQ Bar
ESQ Bar is located on the lower ground floor of 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel — a discreet, hotel-concealed cocktail bar. It positions itself as a space for drinkcraft and light dining, rather than a raucous club or loud lounge.
One of ESQ’s signature strengths is its house-infused spirits, crafted in-house by its mixologists. The cocktail programme is dynamic and creative. For example, its “Reiki Signature” menu leans on Asian and globally inspired ingredients and techniques. Cocktails like The Last Samurai (Asian whisky, Campari, vermouth, fernet, lavender) showcase layering. Drinks such as Exotic Bliss (Japanese vodka, raspberry/cranberry purée, lime) reflect the bar’s knack for balance and flair.
The food menu is focused on small plates, meant to complement rather than compete with the drinks. Dishes such as chicken karaage bao buns, green gyoza dumplings, and prawn tempura excel for their precise flavour and pairing with the cocktail lineup.
Walking down into ESQ feels like slipping into a hidden lounge. Because it’s part of a hotel, ESQ manages to feel private and accessible. It makes it ideal for a quieter cocktail interlude rather than a loud night out. Live music takes place regularly (Thursday to Saturday), adding just the right amount of atmosphere without overwhelming conversation. What makes ESQ one of the best cocktail bars in Chelsea is its unique blend of craftsmanship, curated small plates, and sophisticated intimacy.
Website: ESQ Bar
Address: 100 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5AG
