Guide to the best bars in South Kensington

Guide to the best bars in South Kensington

Tucked away amidst world-renowned museums, historic buildings, and leafy garden squares, South Kensington offers some of the finest bars in the city. Among the various bars South Kensington calls its own, you'll find beautiful traditional pubs, classy cocktail bars, prohibition-style speakeasies, and other watering holes. Read our guide to the best bars in South Kensington to get a sip of the various cool bars available in this illustrious West London area.

In this guide
  1. Cool bars in South Kensington
    1. Humphrey's Bar – Upscale South Kensington gastropub
    2. ESQ – Laid-back cocktail lounge
    3. The K Bar – Timeless cocktail destination
    4. Nam Long – Pan-Asian celebrity haunt
    5. Publiq – Sustainable and caring
    6. Kosmopol – Cocktails Swedish-style
    7. Bar 190 – Lavish South Kensington drinking spot
    8. The Champagne Bar – Modern champagne bar
    9. Apero – An intimate Mediterranean retreat
    10. Restaurant Ours – Feel at home in The Living Room
    11. The Hunter's Moon – Considered the best pub in South Kensington by many
    12. Duke of Clarence – One of the best sports bars in South Kensington

Cool bars in South Kensington

Humphrey's Bar

Upscale South Kensington gastropub

Humphrey's Bar combines a gastropub with an upscale hotel bar in South Kensington. There's a relaxed atmosphere and a traditional interior. Sample cocktails, beer, and wine, as well as classic pub food. Food is available throughout the day, with diverse options ranging from sandwiches, burgers, and pizza, to authentic Indian curries.

ESQ

Laid-back cocktail lounge

Relax with a drink at ESQ. This laid-back venue is upscale and sumptuous. This environment is an ideal setting to kick back whilst you enjoy a cocktail and check out live music from renowned performers. A curated selection of global small plates are also available if you get hungry.

The K Bar

Timeless cocktail destination

Hotel bar The K Bar is a top destination for cocktails in South Kensington. This intimate space has a timeless feel and serves original and classic cocktails, plus wine and hot drinks. The offering changes frequently. You can also enjoy afternoon tea here, plus upscale snacks like potted salmon with toast.

Nam Long

Pan-Asian celebrity haunt

A Pan-Asian restaurant and cocktail bar in South Kensington, Nam Long Le Shaker is popular with the A-listers. Open since the 1980s, you'll find rich surroundings with art and Buddha statues. In this buzzy environment, try classic or imaginative house cocktails. If you're hungry, there are plenty of favourite Asian dishes to choose from.

Publiq – Bars in South Kensington
Publiq
Publiq – Bars in South Kensington
Publiq
Publiq – Bars in South Kensington
Publiq
Publiq – Bars in South Kensington
Publiq
Publiq – Bars in South Kensington
Publiq
Publiq – Bars in South Kensington
Publiq
Publiq – Bars in South Kensington
Publiq
Publiq – Bars in South Kensington
Publiq
Publiq – Bars in South Kensington
Publiq
Publiq – Bars in South Kensington
Publiq

Publiq

Sustainable and caring

Bar and restaurant Publiq is committed to sustainability and strives to serve the local community. The South Kensington venue has a polished look, with eye-catching art on the walls. The drinks list features local beers and natural wine, and the seasonal food here is intended for sharing. A set lunch menu is available too.

Kosmopol

Cocktails Swedish-style

Enjoy cocktails with a Swedish touch at Kosmopol. Opened in 2002, this award-winning bar has a stylish Scandinavian design, with a relaxed cocktail bar and buzzing basement club for the weekends. You can try classic cocktails here and get a hot dog or toastie if you need a late-night snack. And though it describes itself as being in the heart of Chelsea, it's definitely firmly in the “bars near South Kensington” category.

Bar 190

Lavish South Kensington drinking spot

Bar 190 feels luxurious and is a popular venue for classic and original cocktails. Expect a stylish space with wood panelling and iconic prints on the walls. There's a lengthy choice of wine and champagne in addition to cocktails, and food is served too. Choose from refined options like risotto or soup.

The Champagne Bar

Modern champagne bar

If you're visiting the Royal Albert Hall, treat yourself to a glass of bubbly at The Champagne Bar on-site. This modern bar has a regal purple and cream colour scheme, with a selection of fine champagnes to choose from. Asian-inspired sharing snacks like sashimi are also on the menu.

Apero

An intimate Mediterranean retreat

Apero offers breezy Mediterranean food and cocktails in an atmospheric cellar going back to Victorian times. The South Kensington bar and restaurant is furnished with Spanish tiles, exposed bricks, and a buzzy atmosphere. Head to the bar area for a pre-dinner aperitivo, including signature cocktails and fine wines, then tuck into the all-day menu of Mediterranean classics such as pasta and mezze.

Restaurant Ours

Feel at home in The Living Room

Restaurant Ours is a laidback spot with a lush and lively setting decked out with neon signs and foliage. It serves a contemporary menu of Med-inspired fine dining, but if you're just after a drink, head upstairs to The Living Room. Open late, this is a great place to go for cocktails in South Kensington. The elegant bar serves seasonal concoctions in a floral environment, along with an assortment of sharing snacks.

The Hunter's Moon

Considered the best pub in South Kensington by many

Combining the old and the new in a beautiful space with vintage tiles, comfortable banquettes, and intimate lighting, The Hunter's Moon is a welcoming countryside pub right in the heart of the affluent area. Cosy up with premium spirits, wines, and other drinks in the front pub area, or head to the skylit dining room for a changing menu of contemporary European dishes.

Duke of Clarence

One of the best sports bars in South Kensington

Thanks in part to its proximity to Chelsea FC's home ground, Stamford Bridge, the Duke of Clarence is top of the list among sports bars South Kensington football fans flock to on match day. This traditional gastropub is fitted with multiple HD TVs, ensuring you won't miss any of the action regardless of where you're sitting. The menu features seasonal takes on classic pub fare, including Sunday roasts.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.