My Picks for the Best Bars in Kensington

The Gore Hotel / Bar 190

Bar 190 has a unique rock n’ roll history, having hosted the launch party for the Rolling Stones’ 1968 album Beggars Banquet. The bar retains its original Victorian-era wood paneling and furnishings, creating an intimate old-world atmosphere. 

Now, hotel bars don’t usually strike my fancy as most of the restaurant and bars I’ve been to were a bit too posh for my tastes, but I was extremely delighted to step in here with and experience their informal and welcoming vibe. The signature drinks menu pays homage to the history of The Gore Hotel and puts a playful spin on classic cocktails.

Great For: Couples, Groups of Friends

📍190 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5EX, United Kingdom

Nam Long / The Opium Den

The Opium Den has a decadent, mysterious atmosphere with velvet banquettes, traditional artwork, and dim lighting reminiscent of an old, you guessed it, opium den. The Opium Den is known for its extensive cocktail menu including the signature speciality Ferrari cocktail. Extensive cocktail menu including their signature flaming Ferrari cocktail that is set on fire. Also known for creative cocktails like the Jade, Pearisco, and Mr Thai.

What’s cool about this slick bar, and what makes it draw in a young and fashionable crowd, is that it’s also a restaurant, making it a great addition to the cocktail scene with their amazing pan-Asian Vietnamese-inspired grub and small plates and other asian dishes.  

Great For: Couples, Catching up with Friends, Close Friends

📍159 Old Brompton Rd, London SW5 0LJ, United Kingdom

K Bar

K Bar benefits from its prime location inside The Kensington Hotel in South Kensington, surrounded by museums and close to the Royal Albert Hall. K Bar is known for its extensive list of premium wines, spirits, and creative cocktails expertly made by skilled bartenders. Their bar serves quality ingredients and put care into their mixology, with both classic and contemporary drinks on offer.
First time I went here was actually because of a free-stay at the hotel for a seminar.

While looking for other places to drink in the ground floor, I thought to myself of just trying out this hotel bar since it was late-night and I wanted to get some sleep, and boy was I delighted! The great drinking scene inside reminded me of an affluent gentleman’s club and every concoction they made was just absolutely delicious. Suffice to say, I missed that seminar.

Great For: Catching up with Friends, Close Friends

📍109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JA, United Kingdom

Percy’s

 

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Percy’s hosts DJs, live music, themed nights, and entertainment to create a lively, relaxed atmosphere and has quickly made a name as one of the most sought-after privately hired venues among the other bars in Kensington. For good reason though, this bar has an inviting, homely atmosphere with a unique townhouse design aesthetic. The interior combines vintage furnishings like antique cabinets and table lamps with contemporary accents, creating an eclectic, lived-in vibe reminiscent of a private member’s club

Aside from their delectable sharing plates, they also has a great drinking menu of visually appealing cocktails that make you want to order more; and more cocktails means more dance moves on the dance floor! 

Great For: Groups of Friends

📍2a Kensington High St, London W8 4PT, United Kingdom

Amaro

Amaro is what I consider as Kensington’s neighborhood bar. Starting with the design, Amaro is a cosy marble-topped bar with fine wines being displayed behind the counter giving this swanky and stylish vibe. What makes this a neighborhood bar to me, is because of their exceptional service with many of their staff having customer service experience at top hotels and bars in London. Everyone is so attentive and quick on their feet and almost everyone you meet there is probably a regular. 

They also have a super long list of drinks of around 100 spirits, all led by renowned mixologist Elon Soddu. Their specialty cocktails and wine lists also change seasonally which guarantee you are only sipping on the freshest drinks in the market! 

Great For: Groups of Friends, Couples

📍2a Kensington High St, London W8 4PT, United Kingdom

Nocturne

 

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Nocturne bar has a stylish prohibition-era speakeasy vibe with dim lighting, wood panelling, leather furnishings, and antique decor that transports guests back to the 1920s. The intimate, interconnected rooms feature original details like restored bread ovens used as fireplaces, a drinks trolley, and a piano. Out of all the Kensington bars I’ve visited for this article, this is definitely one of the most interesting interior designs I’ve came across. 

The vibe with is kind of like you’re in a secret speakeasy, and if you’re lucky you could catch live blues or jazz that add to the overall atmosphere. They also have great attention to detail regarding history as their best cocktails are made with ingredients that are accurate to their era. An example of this is their Isle of Man 1860s – made with Aperol, pisco, Cinzano Bianco, tomato juice, celery and peach bitters. And yes, their drinks are labelled with the year they were made and divided into pre-prohibition and post-prohibition sections. 

Great For: Groups of Friends, Couples, Close Friends

📍A3218, London SW5 0BA, United Kingdom

Freud

The bar is located in a basement cellar with low lighting and attracts a relaxed blend of locals looking to unwind over drinks. Freud is a bar and restaurant located on Kensington High Street. It has a lavish Art Deco interior inspired by the work of Sigmund Freud. I just want to highlight that this bar has been open since 1986, and is considered as one of London’s first ever cafe-bars, and has stood the test of time. 

Though Freud is mostly known for their cocktails in Kensington as being strong and well-made, they also have a a selection of craft beer and local beers and a bunch of bar snacks to go along with their drinks.

Great For: Close Friends, Solo

📍198 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8JL, United Kingdom

Evans & Peel Detective Agency

 

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Evans & Peel is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar concealed behind a private detective agency storefront on Earls Court Road in Kensington. Patrons need to book appointments and give case details to enter the hidden bar. The decor includes old books, typewriters, case files, and other detective paraphernalia that contribute to the mysterious atmosphere.

I consider this place as one of the best bars I’ve ever been to, simply because of their secret bookcase entrance, which was insanely cool for some reason and when they say that “Kensington bars have something to impress you with” I always think of this one. Evans & Peel is known for its extensive cocktail menu including 12 creatively named signature options like the “G-Minus” and “Sheer Fashion”. Speakeasies don’t get much better than this unique spot! 

Great For: Groups of Friends

📍Evans & Peel Detective Agency, 310c Earls Ct Rd, London SW5 9BA, United Kingdom

Publiq

Publiq has a close and homey vibe and super serene terrace on the outside that allows everyone to enjoy comfort food like their seasonal dishes like pan-fried duck, tapas, and fish dishes. They also have award-winning seasonal cocktails like the Publiq Winter Bramble with gin, blackcurrant, and creole bitters.

Dishes are meant to be shared and bring people together over eclectic flavors making it the perfect spot for families or small gatherings. You would expect the award they’ve gathered means that they have a super busy spot, but the reality is the atmosphere was actually super relaxing. I think it’s because of their cozy drinks and food, but nonetheless, it’s a great escape away from the publiq. 

Great For: Couples, Close Friends

📍1d Palace Gate, South Kensington, London W8 5LS, United Kingdom

Balans

Balans is a hard one to describe, it could be a lounge bar, a delectable brunch café, or a classic British pub. It’s also got this cheeky and artsy vibe because of their decor, for example they have a large melted candle sculpture, a white painted tree, and unusual art that adorn the walls.  From the outside this spot might seem just like any other chic Kensington cocktail bar but it quickly became our go-to for some after-work drinks. 

Signature cocktails include the Soho Spritz with gin, creme de mure, and champagne. Don’t let the ingredients of the Soho Spiritz fool you though, their prices are incredibly reasonable with most dishes only costing around 10 pounds! 

Great For: Groups of Friends, Catching up with Friends

📍187 Kensington High St, London W8 6SH, United Kingdom

Looking for More Guides?

Aside from the amazing bars, South Kensington has so much more to offer. Good thing we came prepared and have a bunch of guides on how to navigate this lively area!

Everything from cafes, restaurants, and things to do in not just Kensington but throughout London, so head on over and have a read on some of our other articles!