Guide to the best bars in Knightsbridge

Styled in the opulent ambience of the 1920s, The Franklin Bar is a sophisticated hotel bar showcasing an array of original cocktail creations meticulously crafted with distinctive ingredients. The bespoke cocktail selection was crafted by one of the country's top bartenders and takes patrons on a virtual tour of Italy. Delectable light snacks and heftier dishes are available as well.

The Baccarat Bar, located on the lower ground floor of Harrods, offers a sultry and refined atmosphere with its deep red and black colour scheme, shimmering chandeliers, and plush velvet and leather seating. Showcasing the craftsmanship of Baccarat fine crystal, the bar serves expertly crafted cocktails using their signature glassware, complemented by a selection of the world's finest wines and spirits.

Located at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel, this Knightsbridge bar is styled as a unique izakaya-style bar with its own speakeasy. The menu highlight is the first-ever omakase cocktail experience in the city, a two-hour event where up to six guests at a time can sample innovative cocktails showcasing Japanese flavours and Asian ingredients. Signature seasonal cocktails are also available, as are tasty dishes and live DJ music.

The five-star Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge is home to the striking Blue Bar, a sophisticated cocktail bar distinguished by its Lutyens Blue colour scheme. The upscale bar was designed by acclaimed interior designer David Collins and features accentuating touches such as a white onyx bar and black crocodile-print leather floors. The cocktail list is designed as a colourful flavour map, guiding you towards the right creative drink for you.

Styled as an upmarket living room, The Hari Bar at the eponymous five-star hotel offers a pleasant setting for lunches, meetings, or drinks with a touch of elegance. Experience the exquisite charm of The Hari while indulging in their exceptional house gin, renowned as one of the best in the world. You can enjoy it alongside an amuse-bouche or savour their unique cocktails inspired by art masterpieces. An all-day dining menu is available as well.

This sophisticated bar at the prestigious Mandarin Oriental hotel is a trendy and modern destination for drinks, attracting a fashionable late-night clientele. Designed by renowned luxury hospitality designer Adam Tihany, Mandarin Bar boasts a central bar resembling a catwalk, captivating copper glass light fixtures suspended above, and a backdrop of frosted glass with a gold geometric pattern, creating a glamorous ambiance. Classic and signature cocktails and fine spirits are accompanied by upscale snacks, including caviar.

The deluxe Moët & Chandon champagne brand operates its grandest standalone bar in Europe within the prestigious Harrods department store. The luxurious ground-floor venue is dominated by a magnificent chandelier and serves Moët & Chandon's acclaimed champagnes, either by the glass or by the bottle. Champagne-infused cocktails and elegant snacks are available as well.

Among Knightsbridge's many stylish hotel bars, The Capital Bar stands out with its intriguing moonlight concept, reflected in the decor adorned with moon imagery and a serene colour palette. The elegant bar serves a variety of signature and timeless cocktails crafted from their carefully curated assortment of artisanal spirits, fine wines and flavourful bar snacks such as charcuterie or arancini.

The Hyde Bar, located within The Park Tower Knightsbridge Hotel, is a captivating and elegant establishment known for its exquisite whisky collection and refined atmosphere. Designed to cater to a discerning clientele, it also offers an intimate terrace where guests can indulge in al fresco drinks and culinary delights such as a gold-coated Wagyu burger.

A renowned cocktail bar at the luxurious Lanesborough Hotel in Knightsbridge, The Library Bar boasts an exceptional collection of spirits, including cognacs dating back to the 18th century. The sophisticated bar has a private club feel to it, with live music on weekly. Skilled mixologists prepare various creative cocktails, and you can also indulge in a cocktail cream tea.

The Grenadier is notorious for its ghost story about a soldier who met a tragic end after cheating at cards, with patrons attempting to appease his spirit by hanging money from the ceiling to pay his debt. Aside from the ghostly legends, the pub is renowned for its Beef Wellington and a menu featuring classic pub fare, complemented by an extensive wine list and a nostalgic interior reminiscent of its origins as an officers' mess.

The first London outpost by Michelin-starred Swedish chef Björn Frantzén usually makes the headlines on account of its culinary offerings, but the sophisticated venue at the top of Harrods is a drinking destination in its own right as well. Studio Frantzén features not one but two bars, including a rooftop terrace with excellent views of the London skyline. You can enjoy one of their signature cocktails, or peruse the lengthy international wine list.

Perched on the fifth floor of the prestigious Harvey Nichols department store in Knightsbridge, this bar offers unparalleled vistas of the London skyline and the affluent neighbourhood. While soaking in the picturesque views and unwinding, you can indulge in a selection of imaginative cocktails, fine wines, spirits, champagne, and delectable light bar snacks. The Fifth Floor Bar also hosts cocktail masterclasses.

Traditional and elegant, yet not too formal, the high-end Japanese restaurant Zuma in Knightsbridge features a cocktail bar in its sleek, sophisticated setting. Boasting more than 40 different varieties of sake, the bar offers an extensive range of creative cocktails using fresh juices, sake, and spirits. Sit at the counter and soak up the bustle of the surrounding restaurant as you enjoy your drink.