Home to some of London's best museums (think Science, V&A and Natural History), landmarks and shopping districts, it's no surprise that this sought-after, affluent area also has a great drinking scene. Whether you want a fun night painting the High Street red, or relaxed drinks in one of the many swanky craft beer establishments, these Kensington bars have something for you.
A Grade II landmark in Olympia, Pillar Hall packs in several incredible venues. Alongside elegant event spaces and the beautiful modern British restaurant Idalia, is the stunning Pepperbird speakeasy.
Channeling the area's 60s and 70s heyday, its serves up plenty to keep you entertained. We're talking precision crafted cocktails, sophisticated spirits and a packed calendar of live jazz and rock.
Sleek decor, fine wines and premium steaks... this bar and kitchen is knocking it out the park when it comes to drinking and dining in Kensington. Nestled along Old Brompton Road, The Duke of Clarence is a fail-safe option for an evening with friends.
Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Kensington High Street is The Builders Arms, a traditional pub in West London. Along with vibrant furnishings and an outdoor terrace, you'll find a bar stocked with craft brews and artisanal spirits.
Located in the elegant Royal Borough of Kensington, Hux Bar is a brilliant gem that effortlessly blends sophistication with an exciting edge. Step inside and be transported to a world of dreamlike decadence, where every detail from the lush interiors to the beautifully crafted cocktails has been designed to impress.
Whether you're stopping by for a casual evening drink or a full night out, Hux offers a refined yet vibrant atmosphere that's perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a romantic date. The bar's curated wine list and innovative cocktails elevate the experience, making it a standout among Kensington's finest.
Set in a gorgeous old dining room, Scoff & Banter is a quintessentially British restaurant and bar near the Natural History Museum. Alongside hearty plates of comfort food, they also offer up an impressive menu of wines and quirky cocktails, including watermelon mules and pisco eldersours.
The Owl & Monkey is without a doubt one of the best bars in South Kensington. Make your way over to this intimate haunt for plush seating, vibrant wallpaper and low lighting, not to mention some seriously stellar cocktails and bar snacks.
Whatever your favourite tipple, Arbour has got your back. This epic food hall and bar in the heart of Olympia serves up everything from coffee and cocktails to delicious draught beers and carefully selected wines and spirits.
If you're feeling peckish, you're in luck. Here you can tuck into fresh salads, knockout burgers, crispy fried chicken and plenty more besides.
Get epic views of the city and a taste of Mexico at Bar Arriba. High above Olympia, this place serves up delicious bites and all kinds of tasty tipple.
The drinks list is well and truly extensive, from the premium spirits, beers and wines to casa cocktails that bring the heat. If you're feeling peckish, take your pick of salads, grilled plates, tacos, tostadas and quesadillas.
Looking for an alfresco tipple? Get on over to Lillie's.
A stunning rooftop wine bar and restaurant, this place serves up English sparkling wines, seasonal British small plates and afternoon tea in the heart of Olympia. As you sip fantastic fizz, you can tuck into the likes of Devon crab salad, Suffolk ham hock and an epic seafood tower packing in lobster rolls, smoked eel and Maldon Essex oysters.
Looking for the best places to drink in Kensington? The Franklin Hotel will transport you to the 1920s with its elegant interiors, featuring plush velvet seating and Venetian mirrors. Head along to the swish space to indulge in sophisticated cocktails or Champagne.
Head to The Gore Hotel, where Bar 190 offers an intimate atmosphere for drinking and dining, with ornate ceilings, wooden panelling and plush seating. Here, you'll find a delicious lineup of expertly crafted cocktails alongside burgers, pasta and more.
Thursdays at Paloma Chelsea are all about getting ahead of the weekend without waiting for Friday. The Thursday Edit offers a curated midweek escape with smooth beats, elevated cocktails, and a relaxed-but-stylish crowd. Tickets start from just £11, making it an easy way to slide into the weekend early.
It's low-key enough to keep things sophisticated but lively enough to get your night started with a buzz. Think soft lighting, sleek interiors, and music that sets the perfect tone.
Up there as one of the best bars in South Kensington, The Queen's Arms is a fantastic, chilled-out spot to relax with a few drinks, from craft beers to wicked wines. And if you fancy a bite to eat? There's a menu of British classics to dive into.
Located opposite Hyde Park and Kensington Palace, The Milestone Hotel and Residences is a gorgeous bar and place to stay fronting individually designed rooms. The Stables Bar is the perfect place for a drink, lined with dark wooden panelling and oozing sophistication, with paintings from Belgian sporting artist Elie Lambert on the walls.
The drinks menu includes creative signatures like a Caribbean Ritual or the vodka-based Roses and Leather, as well as a large selection of wine. And if you're hungry, they serve everything from dry-aged smash burgers to seared yellowfin tuna tostada and tempura wild mushrooms.
Take a liquid tour through London's notorious past with a trip to Hereford Arms. Nowadays you'll find a cosy pub serving up classic grub and cold pints, but back in the day it used to be known as the infamous drinking spot of Jack the Ripper.
Following a philosophy of 'too much of a good thing is a good thing', Balans Soho Society is bringing debauchery and a big dose of fun to Kensington's drinking scene. Expect a cheeky atmosphere, strong cocktails and a raucous evening.
Bringing all the secrecy of the speakeasy to South Kensington, Barts channels a 1920s apartment. Knock on the unassuming door, give the password at the hatch and you'll step back in time to the glory days of prohibition.
Split across two spaces, you can settle into the low lights and tufted seating of the living room or make your way to the falling foliage of the secret garden. Wherever you pull up a pew, expect master mixologists to craft classic cocktails and signatures served in teapots and set ablaze.
If it's an EVE night, it's a good; scratch that, it's a great night. Every Friday, immerse yourself in the upbeat rhythm of the resident DJ's fire beats while downing a couple of salty margaritas or low-intervention wines. There's something for everyone.
Former head mixologist for The Savoy's bars, Elon Soddu, is bringing high-level hotel sophistication to the Kensington High Street. Expect perfectly crafted classic cocktails alongside experimental signature serves.
There's plenty here to turn heads, from the Amaro Penicillin to the Sesame Sour. Whatever tipple takes your fancy, the bar's low lighting, gleaming glass and minimalist decor is the perfect backdrop for sipping and savouring.
Aubaine is an intimate haunt designed for all your dinner party needs. Combining Parisian charm with classic interiors and a menu packed with delectable dishes, this French gem also has a number of wines, Champagne and classic cocktails available.
Glamarama Green, nestled near the Natural History and V&A Museums in South Kensington, is the ultimate spot for an Aussie brunch after a day of sightseeing. Inspired by Sydney's Tamarama Beach and the Victoria & Albert Museum, the stylish space boasts an outdoor terrace and a collection of 25 striking portraits of fashion icons by illustrator Rose Blake.
Feast on Daisy Green's renowned sweetcorn fritters or award-winning banana bread filled with fresh berries and mascarpone cream, paired with margaritas, spicy mandarin sours, and blueberry, lemon, and elderflower spritzes. Just a short walk from both the Design Museum and Kensington High Street, you'll also find the sister location, Holland Park Cafe by Daisy Green, offering a similar laid-back vibe.
Looking for a luxurious drinking and dining experience in London? Sophisticated, decadent, and oh-so-delicious, K Bar At The Kensington offers everything you could ever want from a lavish restaurant experience. Their reflections cocktail menu is the real showstopper, promising a stunning presentation as fabulous as the cocktails themselves. Serving 16 unique concoctions inspired by different eras, countries, cultures, and customs, the drinks include masterpieces like the Koh I Noor, Babylon, and Shibuya.
