Guide to the best bars in Kensington

Opened in 1954, Troubadour's is London's last remaining live music venue from the era. It's a bar and restaurant with live acts playing every day. There are ticketed events but you can also book a table for free weekly jazz nights. This unique setting has a huge choice of drinks and food.

Publiq is a modern bar in Kensington that serves natural wines, locally brewed beers, and creative cocktails in a sleek, sophisticated space. Seasonal sharing plates like suckling pig carnitas and wild mushrooms are the perfect accompaniment to the drinks. It's the ideal spot for casual drinks, catching up with friends or for a special occasion.

Opened in 2021, Amaro Bar has quickly made a name for itself on the cocktail scene. This upscale venue is slick but still relaxed. The dynamic bar staff make you feel at home whilst they craft imaginative cocktails and classics prepared with vintage spirits. European wines and light snacks are offered too.

If you love a night out with music, check out Piano. This intimate bar has comfortable spaces to enjoy a cocktail and listen to some of London's top live music acts. There's piano music every day, and lots of choice at the bar. Think signature cocktails, beer, wine, and luxury snacks.

Get a speakeasy-themed experience at Evans & Peel Detective Agency. Concealing itself as a private detective agency, you’ll have to convince the front desk you have an appointment. Then you’re let into an undercover cocktail world with drinks including an Old Fashioned that's rated the world’s best. There’s live music too.

Brasserie Balans Kensington is a cross between a café, restaurant and bar. The venue serves international dishes all day but you can visit just for a drink. Enjoy wine by the glass or bottle or classic and original cocktails and spritzes. This is a stylish destination with a cheeky character.

Designed to appeal to guests in their 20s and 30s, High Spirit Cocktail Bar has an upbeat and lively feel. Expect music, cocktails, and a buzzing atmosphere at this party spot. This stylish bar specialises in cocktails but there are non-alcoholic options and party shots too. It also features a food court.

Visit Ricco Lounge, an intimate art deco-inspired bar for drinks and live music. You can book the VIP area for the ultimate experience. This exclusive venue serves a full range of drinks and does bottle service. There's live music and DJs accompanied by live performers keeping the party going until late.

Cave Kitchen houses one of the oldest wine bars in London. There's also a restaurant in this cosy cave environment, specialising in Sri Lankan cuisine. The considerable wine list is chosen to complement the food here but you can come just for drinks. Luxurious fine wines are also served.

Part of Hux Hotel, Hux Bar is creative and cool, full of vibrant personality. The imaginative drinks on offer are the perfect match for this character-filled setting. Expect moody lighting, rich colours, and lush plants. As well as cocktails, the bar serves wine and champagne. Sushi is available for an elegant snack.

Stables Bar has a distinctive horce-racing theme and timeless decor with wood panelling and leather banquettes. Cocktails are the speciality, like the signature Milestone Smoking Old Fashioned that comes with a theatrical twist. Food is also served here, from light bites to more substantial meals like chicken pie or burgers.

The K Bar in South Kensington is a sophisticated hotspot for those who love a good cocktail. This chic hotel bar oozes elegance and offers an ever-changing menu of classic and creative drinks. Alongside its impressive cocktail selection, you'll find a curated list of wines, hot drinks, and tasty bar snacks, like potted salmon with toast or juicy beef sliders. They also offer a quintessential afternoon tea.