The Best Cocktail Bars in Knightsbridge
The best cocktail bars in Knightsbridge are almost all inside its grand hotels, and that is no bad thing: they mix serious drinks, open late and are a few minutes' walk from each other. Below are six worth knowing, from a glamorous catwalk bar on Knightsbridge itself to a Japanese izakaya, a bar built from a single walnut tree and a library of antique spirits. Most take walk-ins, but weekend evenings fill fast, so arrive early or book where you can.
The Mandarin Bar
Inside Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Mandarin Bar is built around a rectangular, catwalk style bar under suspended copper and glass lights, with a gold patterned frosted glass wall behind. Order cocktails or Champagne with something from the dedicated caviar menu or the bar snacks. It opens from 5pm on weekdays and from noon at weekends; check the Mandarin Bar page for current hours. The address is 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA, a short walk from Knightsbridge station.
The Aubrey
Also at Mandarin Oriental, The Aubrey is a late night bar and Japanese restaurant inspired by an evening out in Tokyo's Ginza, its rooms hung with more than 250 pieces of Japonistic art. The cocktail list sits alongside a sake and wine list and izakaya dishes, and the bar also offers a paired experience of five cocktails and dishes guided by a mixologist. It stays open until 1am through the week and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, making it the latest finish on this list. Find it at 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA.
The Berkeley Bar and Terrace
The interior of The Berkeley Bar is finished in timber from the Fulbeck Walnut, a tree around 400 years old that fell in the Great Storm of 2007. Its current cocktail list is a toast to Belgravia's neighbours, with ten drinks inspired by local names, served alongside seasonal small plates and bar classics. There is a terrace for warmer evenings and The Snug, a private corner with its own sound system, for groups. The bar runs a no reservations policy. It is at The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL, between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner stations.
The Library Bar at The Lanesborough
For a slower, more clubby drink, The Library Bar at The Lanesborough pairs a private club atmosphere with award winning mixologists. Its collection of cognacs and whiskies includes bottles dating back as far as 1770, and guests are invited to taste that history rather than simply admire it. Rizzoli art books line the room, and there are regular piano evenings. Book a table if you can. The hotel is at Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA, by Hyde Park Corner station.
Nolita Social at Bulgari Hotel
If you want energy rather than hush, Nolita Social at the Bulgari Hotel London sets out to bring a New York night to Knightsbridge, with crafted cocktails, live music and DJs. It sits downstairs from the hotel's Italian restaurant, Sette, with its entrance at 4 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QA, moments from Knightsbridge station. The space is also hired out for private events, so it is sometimes closed to the public; check opening hours before you set off.
Sir Frank's Bar
At the Sloane Street end of Knightsbridge, Sir Frank's Bar at Beaverbrook Town House is named after the hotel's creative director, Sir Frank Lowe. Expect glossy lacquered walls, stained glass, raspberry pink seats, leather booths and a collection of 19th century Japanese woodblock prints. The cocktails are inventive, and the bartenders will mix a favourite on request. It is walk-in only, with a terrace on Sloane Street. Find it at 115 to 116 Sloane Street, SW1X 9PJ, between Knightsbridge and Sloane Square stations.
Good to know: smart casual is the safe choice for all six, and prices reflect the postcode. Children are welcome in The Berkeley Bar until 7pm with an adult. For a seventh option with a view, Brooklands Bar on the eighth floor of The Peninsula London at Hyde Park Corner is a rooftop cocktail bar that also takes no reservations.
