The top cocktail bars in Kensington

Step back in time to the 1929 prohibition era when you walk through the doors of Barts, the apartment-turned-cocktail bar. The old paintings and antique lights create a relaxing atmosphere but don’t be surprised when you see stuffed animal heads and trinkets scattered around.

You can see their modern twist on a historical era through their cocktail menu. Barts revamps timeless cocktails like their ‘Leading Lady’ (gin, peach liqueur, lemon and aloe vera juice) and ‘G & Team Time’ (gin, bergamot liqueur, earl grey tea, lemon and orange marmalade).

From intimate parties to large gatherings, Barts is open for private hire for up to 80 guests looking for a quirky space for their next special event. For a fun speakeasy venue to bring your friends and family, check out Barts on Sloane Avenue.

Conveniently located near the South Kensington tube station is ESQ, a fun cocktail bar on the lower ground floor of the Queen’s Gate Hotel.

The warm tones of this venue make it feel cosy and inviting while enjoying a drink with friends or meeting a coworker for post-work cocktails. The large bar has an impressive collection of alcohol for whatever drink you want.

Whether you’re a guest at the hotel or not, you’re welcome to check out ESQ’s extensive drink menu. They stick with the classics, whilst the bartenders use home-infused spirits in the cocktails to make the flavours shine through in the drinks.

Drinks worth checking out include the Aperol Spritz or their take on a Tequila Sunrise.

Tired Londoners and tourists, stop by Publiq for a place to sit. The dark blue exterior and cosy outdoor seating with a sign listing the food and drink specials provide a welcoming environment for a place to eat, drink and rest.

Once you open the doors to Publiq, you’re welcomed by different shades of blue and picnic-style tables. The big windows facing the street give off lots of great natural light while you enjoy your meal and cocktail.

Speaking of cocktails – their drink menu offers seasonal cocktails, natural wines and local beers. From a brown butter martini (vodka, cultured butter, aquavit, and martini blanco) to a Cosmo Milk Punch (vodka, cranberry, orange, kaffir, bay, spring green tea and goat’s milk), they have flavours for every taste.

This place is great for a private event with seasonal drinks, cute blue decor, and cosy outdoor seating. Publiq is available for exclusive events for up to 80 guests or smaller gatherings.

If you’re looking for a fun place to bring your friends and family, look no further. This French-inspired restaurant is known for serving delicious drinks and tasty dishes.

This swanky and modern joint is located near High Street Kensington tube station and right around the corner from the Natural History Museum and Royal Albert Hall. So, pop in after a long day of walking around and exploring the historical landmarks in the area.

The colourful dishes and cocktails compliment Aubaine’s simple decor and intimate vibe. The airy feel with the bright windows facing the street gives the right amount of natural lighting as you enjoy a cocktail.

Speaking of cocktails, they’ve got plenty of classic and speciality drinks to choose from. Try their Mediterranean (gin, cucumber &yuzu, and rosemary) or the Purple Rose (raspberry gin, Indian tonic, raspberry and mint).

Aubaine is also open for private events if you’re looking for a space to host business dinners, engagement parties or anniversary parties, with space for up to 110 standing guests.

Offering an escape from the busy streets of Kensington is The Botanist Sloane Square

When you walk into this venue, you’ll find dark round tables and beautiful chandeliers providing soft lighting that sets the scene as you dine with friends and family. Along the wall are hand-painted Sloane’s Caribbean illustrations that you can look at while you check out the modern European menu items.

As expected, this venue serves up botanical cocktails. We suggest you try the drinks from their speciality cocktail list: ‘The Sloane’ (vodka, coconut, rum, vanilla syrup, coconut puree, and fresh coconut) and ‘The Botanist’ (vodka, passionfruit syrup, lime juice, and champagne).

With such a large venue, The Botanist can seat up to 120 guests and 200 standing guests. They also offer private hire if you’re looking to hire a place for a business get-together, cocktail and canapé reception, or intimate dinner.

All-occasion venues are few and far between but this restaurant and bar seem to have this covered. For a charming restaurant that hits the spot almost any time of the day, head to Balans Kensington near the High Street Kensington Station tube. This venue serves up classic modern comfort food in a cosy atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a good deal, Balans offers Sparking Thursdays every week from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., where they serve their famous champagne and sparkling wine at half the price.

Not feeling the wine vibe, you can also try one of their classic cocktails, like a mojito or a dark ‘n’ storm. Or try one of their speciality cocktails, the Early Riser (gin, peach, cranberry and cinnamon) or the Evening Sparkle (tequila, grapefruit, apple and soda).

Bring your friends to Balans Kensington and enjoy the cosy atmosphere and delicious drinks. If you’re looking to host a private event for any occasion, Balans has space available for up to 80 guests.

Three stories of fun with food, drinks and entertainment, that’s Chelsea Funhouse. From the cocktail and martini bar to the restaurant and outdoor terrace, there’s a lot to discover.

Located on King’s Road, Chelsea Funhouse is the opposite of subtle. When you walk into the 19th-century Renaissance Revival building, the first thing you notice is the green-tiled bar at the centre of the room.

Once you sit down, your eyes will be drawn to the unicorn head in the middle of the wall, behind the bar. If that doesn’t catch your attention, maybe the busy wallpaper or feather ceiling piece will.

The quirky atmosphere shines through in the drinks too. Try the ‘Pink Fun’ (vodka, hibiscus, lime and ginger beer) or head to the martini bar to try one of the many espresso martini variations.

For private events, Chelsea Funhouse offers private rooms upstairs for cosy parties with a private bar for all types of events.

This exotic Latin American restaurant is a hidden gem located on Kensington High Street and within walking distance from Kensington Palace.

You won’t be disappointed by the decor at this place. The fun black and white floors and lush green plants highlight the elegant marble-topped bar as you walk up the stairs. Alongside Zuaya’s sophisticated atmosphere, is a carefully curated Latin American-inspired menu with sharing-style dishes.

Zuaya’s Latin influence doesn’t stop with their food. Be transported by their sweet, tropical and fruity cocktails. We suggest you try: the Coco Loco (rum, vodka, tequila, coconut cream) or the Black Forest (tequila, wild berries, apple, lychee, and grenadine).

Whether you need a canapé reception, buffet, or intimate dinner, this venue can hold up to 120 standing guests.

Located near the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Palace, sits this sophisticated cocktail bar, The Ivy Kensington.

Right when you walk into the venue, you’re met with The Ivy’s eccentric art on the walls.

The rustic decor and colourful artwork provide a backdrop for the array of dishes offered on the menu. From traditional British dishes to Asian-inspired cuisine, Ivy offers food for every palate.

Don’t forget to look at their collection of fun drinks too. From a Mango Colada (rum mango, coconut and lime) to Candy Floss Fizz (prosecco, rose petal liqueur, lychee, ginger, and rum), your sugary cocktail craving will be satisfied.

Looking to host an intimate, semi-private event? Hire the Ivy for a special celebration that seats up to 12 people.

Follow the chequered floors and lit-up entrance to Percy’s. Once you enter the cocktail bar, you’re welcomed by loud music, colourful lights and funky furniture.

The green couches and high-top tables border the edge of the room, allowing the dance floor to take centre stage to dance with your friends. The dark lighting and colourful spotlights make this a great spot for a night out.

There is a fair choice of cocktails to try throughout the night. You can stick with the classics and order a Margarita or Strawberry Mojito or branch out and try our pick: Percy’s Mango Negroni (vodka, Aperol and mango liqueur).

For private hire, Percy’s offers all types of private events, parties, music performances, work events, and exhibitions, with room for up to 350 standing guests. For good company and even better drinks, head to Percy’s.