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Known as the Royal Borough, Kensington is a go-to place when looking for a night out. Below is a list of the best cocktail bars in Kensington which we are sure you won’t be disappointed by.
Cubanista
Inside the new and glamorous Paloma Club, Cubanista is a cocktail lounge that feels like a secret worth keeping. While Paloma is known for its high-octane dance floor, Cubanista offers a more intimate, Latin-inspired escape — making it one of the most exciting new cocktail bars in Kensington.
The design sets the mood immediately: warm lighting, plush seating, and a sultry atmosphere that contrasts with the club’s bold main room. It’s a space for lingering, whether over a first drink of the evening or a late-night toast with friends. The bar is stocked for indulgence, with a cocktail menu that balances classics with inventive signatures. Expect crisp Mojitos and expertly shaken Daiquiris, along with creative twists that incorporate premium spirits, fresh fruits, and subtle spice notes reminiscent of Havana’s golden era. Champagne is also a house favourite, flowing freely for those who want to celebrate in style.
What makes Cubanista shine is the way it blends exclusivity with comfort. You still feel part of Paloma’s glamorous energy, yet the setting is ideal for conversation and crafted cocktails.
Website: Cubanista
Address: 92a Old Brompton Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3LQ
Alberts
Launched in September 2016 in London’s prestigious nightlife scene, is Alberts. Based on Old Brompton Road and usually a private member-only club, it’s recently opened its doors for a limited amount of time to non-members too. Also known as The Royals’ favourite members’ club and a hotspot for countless celebrities, Albert aims to revive the atmosphere of Kensington’s once-famed old world glamour. Extending over three floors, the club offers various services. On the first floor, there is an all-day restaurant and bar. On the second floor, find a private events room, and on the third floor, a penthouse champagne bar is situated, perfect for any occasion. The atmosphere flourishes between English charm and Italian passion, characterised by a flood of geometric patterns, deep velvets, and brass tones.
Whether it be for a glass of bubbly, a deep aromatic red wine or a classic, well mastered cocktail this dime is worth visiting whilst you can and certainly one of the best cocktail bars in Kensington. If you’d like to raise the bar, the shots and ‘to the point’ selection is one to keep an eye out for. Ranging from, Tequila Smile, The Godfather, Chow Chow, to even Cheese Cake, Apple Pie and a shot called Oaxaca Rocket…the list is beyond belief.
Website: Alberts
Address: 354 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UZ
Bar 190
Famous for being the location of the Rollings stones ‘Beggars Banquet’ album cover in 1968, the luxurious Bar 190 in the heart of London is the place to sit back and enjoy a nice cocktail whilst paying tribute to the rock ‘n’ roll vibes of the Rolling Stones. Situated in the The Gore London – Starhotels Collezione, the lavish furniture and original wooden boudoir décor stand out in the bar, all surrounded by memorabilia and prints on the walls from the night itself.
Not only does the bar have a notably large range of spirits, whiskies and rums, but the creative cocktail dominates the scene with its large variety, ranging from classics to botanical and citrus infusions. There are also special cocktails named after the famous stars and artists linked to the musicians, such as Purple Rain, Sympathy with the Devil, Guns N’ Roses and One Night in Marrakech. You can also purchase some tasty snacks from the bar food menu. The octopus, potatoes and paprika are one of our favourites!
Website: Bar 190
Address: 190 Queen’s Gate, London, United Kingdom
Chelsea Prayer Room
On Fulham Road, hidden away behind a secret door in the Italian Restaurant ‘Goat Chelsea’, is the small and intimate members-only bar, Chelsea Prayer Room. From Thursday to Saturday, the doors open to both men and women seeking a classy, dimly lit setting for a late-night drink. In the den, you’ll find the cosy, confidential atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. The booze-filled lookalike study reminds me of a Victorian guilty secret with dark brown leather Chesterfield sofas, oak bookcases filled with various spirits and a back wall of a stunning, scenic mural, not forgetting a jazzy soundtrack to complement the latter.
Within this hidden gem, the first thing you’ll notice is that most of the spirits come in vintage medical bottles, adding to the attractive style. The cocktail menu is a variety of traditional classics with exceptional twists and intoxicating names. For whiskey lovers, “The Gentleman’s Sour” is a popular choice. With a blend of whisky, Tennessee honey, apricot, lemon and egg white, this signature drink served with crushed ice is a must try at what we consider one of the best cocktail bars in Kensington!
Website: Chelsea Prayer Room
Address: 333 Fulham Road, London SW10 9QL
Dirty Bones
Launched initially as a gourmet hot-dog hangout in 2014, Dirty Bones off Sloane Square has gradually evolved its reputation to being an existing restaurant, one of the best cocktail bars in Kensington and a private lounge. Open seven days a week, including happy hour running, the entertainment thrives with pinball machines and a converted photo booth, completed with a live DJ scene giving the environment a quirky and fun retro feel. The atmosphere is so inviting, and waiters add to the ambience by being cheerful and engaging, too. This New York inspired haven aims to bring the best of The Big Apple over to our very own London!
If you are not tempted by a juicy gourmet burger, homemade mac and cheese or even the famous chicken and waffles, I’m sure that one of Dirty Bones’ inventive and playful cocktails will take your fancy. The never-ending drinks menu offers a diverse selection of cocktails, complemented by low-alcoholic options as well. Served in a rocks glass, ‘Mutt’s Nuts’, consisting of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, apple, cinnamon, infused maple syrup and Angostura bitters. It is like drinking up America all in one. If this doesn’t float your boat, the ‘Uptown Spritz’has gin, Aperol, Campari, lemon, grapefruit bitters, and ginger ale. It will surely add that tang that is missing.
Website: Dirty Bones
Address: 14 Denman Street, London W1D 7HJ
Evans & Peel Detective Agency
With a name like Evans & Peel Detective Agency, you might be thinking what the…? Detective Agency? Yes, on the skirts of Kensington lies arguably the most interesting bar of them all. The secretive and discrete bar has a decorative interior, creating a Sherlock Holmes impression. Customers feel like they are in a game of Cluedo with bookcases in every corner, old glass cabinets, original brick walls and wooden furniture to add to the scene. When entering the premises, guests receive a menu which reminds me of a detective case load. They call it the ‘Gentleman’s code.’
There’s a food and snacks menu. However, the tipping point for this phenomenal bar is in the drinks. Each beverage falls into one of three sections. Moonshiners (illegal distillers), Bootleggers (smugglers and distributors), or Special Cases (rare vintage). Adding to this suspense, there is the Case (name of the drink), Bounty (price), Profile (key elements), and Notes (detailing the exact spirits used in the drink itself). The whole atmosphere feels like a surreal fantasy. It is worth seeking a night out for, especially if you are looking to have some mystery fun!
Website: Evans & Peel Detective Agency
Address: 310c Earls Court road London SW5 9BA
K-Bar
Located in The Kensington Hotel and greeted by the inviting sounds of a lively atmosphere where people are having fun, K-Bar is one of the best cocktail bars in Kensington. The venue was launched in 2016 and was inspired by the atmosphere of a gentlemen’s club. This warm and inviting space is known for serving the finest luxury cocktails within the Royal Borough. Whether it be early evening or returning from a night out, this top-notch venue is the right place to go to.
Guests are welcomed by quality hotel customer service, with the addition of the impressive bar front interior. Deep-grained oak lines the space, which is nicely complemented by royal blue and racing green upholstery. You can find dimmed lighting and a modern, polished brass back bar display. The high standards are set with a deluxe, expertly mixed cultural cocktail menu. It ranges from the likes of Italy, Spain, France, Germany and many more. The ‘Foot of the Mountain’ is one to try. Made up from Amaro Di Angostura, Ketel One, La Penca, Rose and Hazelnut, this cocktail imparts a tart cherry, tannin, dried flowered infused delight.
Website: K-Bar
Address: The Kensington109 -113 Queen’s GateLondonSW7 5LP
Ricco Lounge
In the heart of Kensington lies Ricco Lounge and club. Open four days a week, this stylish Art Deco is an inspired space for the cultured and creative. Here, they can stay up until 3 am. The venue is gorgeous, and the service by the staff is very accommodating, too. A unique and classy layout of jade and reddish coloured sofas greets guests. Find dimmed lighting and blacked-out walls, giving a jazzy feel. Adding to the elegant interior, there is a stage to watch live music and a house DJ. He surely brings the vibes of the evening.
Moving on to the drinks, Ricco’s skilled mixologists have learnt to embrace classic cocktails. He does so while adding a sense of unique Ricco spirit too. Depending on what takes your fancy, there is no doubt that the drinks menu will fulfil your desires. Make sure you try, ‘Black Ricco.’ The unique combination of Whisky, Crème de Cassis, bramble jam, various fruits and flowers, not forgetting cracked black pepper, is just one of many too good to be true.
Website: Ricco Lounge
Address: 11 Russell Gardens, London W14 8EZ
The Botanist
The Botanist is an iconic bar and restaurant based in Sloane Square. The venue serves a modern European menu. They have also become a firm favourite for champagne, masterful mixology and signature botanical cocktails. The seven-day-a-week, busy hotspot is a good environment to start your night. Here, customers can watch their drinks being made. With a colourful, flowery exterior and an interior adorned with various hand-painted Sloane’s Caribbean illustrations, not forgetting the breathtaking pewter bar, this near-ideal setting is a perfect retreat for a long-overdue catch-up with friends or family.
If you’re a fan of a good quality Mojito, ‘You Say Sage I Say Mojito’ is one to die for. Consisting of Pampero Blanco, Wray and Nephew, Lime, and a hint of fresh pineapple, this refreshing, fruity option is just one of many! There is also the ‘Piscochio Manazana Sour’. It is an aromatic blend of La Diablada Pisco, Green Chartreuse, Manzana Verde, lemon juice, pistachio syrup, and egg white. An adventurous treat that is bespoke, that’s for sure! If cocktails aren’t your cup of tea, there is also a variety of aged rums and whiskey to try.
Website: The Botanist
Address: 7 Sloane Square, London SW1
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