Guide to the best bars in Kensington

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.