Kensington is known as a bit of a fancy area – it's even home to a royal residence, Kensington Palace. There's loads going on and that includes lots of cool places to enjoy a drink in stylish surroundings, with plenty of upmarket destinations. There's tons of choice, ranging from fun cocktail bars and mysterious speakeasies to high-class hotel bars for when you deserve a treat. Don't miss out on the exciting bars in this part of West London – check out our guide to the best bars in Kensington.
Guide to the best bars in Kensington
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The best bars in Kensington
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1Piano A bar for music lovers
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2Evans & Peel Detective Agency Secret speakeasy
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3Troubadour Musical hotspot since 1954
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4The Kensington Wine Rooms Bustling local wine bar
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5Balans All-day brasserie and bar
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6High Spirit Cocktail Bar Youthful and glamorous
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7Ricco Lounge Luxury bar with music
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8Percy's Sleek late-night bar and club
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9Cave Kitchen Sophisticated wine lists
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10Hux Bar Vibrant place for cocktails
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11Amaro Bar Rising star among cocktail bars
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12Stables Bar Equestrian-themed cocktail bar
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The best bars in Kensington
A bar for music lovers
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.
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Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, Kensington
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Website
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Piano Kensington
020-736 119 77 - Read more on Thatsup
Secret speakeasy
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.
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310C Earl's Court Road, Kensington
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Website
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Evans & Peel Detective Agency
020-737 053 78 - Read more on Thatsup
Musical hotspot since 1954
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.
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265-267 Old Brompton Road, Kensington
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Website
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Troubadour
020-734 163 33 - Read more on Thatsup
Bustling local wine bar
Local wine drinkers will appreciate The Kensington Wine Rooms. Opened in 2009, this friendly bar has more than 150 vintages to choose from, plus around 40 to sample by the glass. The bar area serves tapas whilst the restaurant offers British and European comfort food, with a wine to match every dish.
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127-129 Kensington Church Street, Kensington
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Website
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The Kensington Wine Rooms
020-772 781 42 - Read more on Thatsup
All-day brasserie and bar
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.
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187 Kensington High Street, Kensington
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Website
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Balans Kensington
020-737 601 15 - Read more on Thatsup
Youthful and glamorous
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.
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62 Kensington High Street, Kensington
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Website
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High Spirit Cocktail Bar
020-793 827 31 - Read more on Thatsup
Luxury bar with music
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.
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11 Russell Gardens, Kensington
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Website
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Ricco Lounge
020-746 001 03 - Read more on Thatsup
Sleek late-night bar and club
Try Percy's for a stylish night out. This slick bar and club is fun and freeing, with DJs and events on regularly. You can also hire the venue for your own event. The drinks list is eclectic with cocktails, craft beer, and bottle service available downstairs in the club.
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2A Kensington High Street, Kensington
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Website
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Percy's
020-300 468 06 - Read more on Thatsup
Sophisticated wine lists
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.
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22-24 Hogarth Place, Kensington
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Website
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Cave Kitchen
020-737 361 80 - Read more on Thatsup
Vibrant place for cocktails
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.
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7-9 Kensington High Street, Kensington
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Website
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Hux Bar
020-760 020 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Rising star among cocktail bars
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.
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15 Kensington High Street, Kensington
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Equestrian-themed cocktail bar
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.
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1-3 Kensington Court, Kensington
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Website
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Stables Bar
020-791 710 00 - Read more on Thatsup