The best bars and cocktails of Knightsbridge

Blue Bar at The Berkeley


This sophisticated spot serves cocktails as striking as its David Collins-designed interior and Lutyens Blue colour scheme. Pick something from the Meta Menu of concoctions grouped by colour – green for fresh, blue for crisp, red for bold and gold for bubbly. Try the heady Shiso Mine (Jack Daniel’s single barrel, plum, red sandalwood, shiso and Martini Bitter) or the refreshing Nostalgia (Graham’s White Port, blueberry, pineapple and Helena Empirical Spirit). Bottoms up!


The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL; the-berkeley.co.uk

The Baccarat Bar at Harrods


Stepping into this speakeasy-style bar via its private entrance on Hans Crescent feels like entering another world: red velvet, chandeliers and leather banquettes serve as the perfect background for exquisitely crafted cocktails served in Baccarat crystal. Each of the bar’s signature cocktails has been designed to evoke a different emotion, including Mind Over Matter (Maestro Dobel blanco tequila, papaya vermouth, sencha tea, pine nut and gentian root) or the positivity-engendering Tryptophan Fix (Monkey 47 gin, soy cashew distillate, banana water, spinach cordial and soda water). Non-alcoholic versions are also available.


Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL; harrods.com

The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London


For a truly unique night, reserve the Omakase Cocktail Experience – conceived by bar director Pietro Rizzo – which is the first of its kind in London, taking guests on a two-hour personalised journey through Japanese spirits and inspired cocktail creation in a secret six-seater bar. Or simply choose from The Aubrey’s Yellow Book menu, named after the legendary literary periodical of which the bar’s namesake Aubrey Beardsley was art editor. True to its name, cocktails are inspired by works of literature or art including Salome, crafted from sake, rice shochu, Etsu Pacific Ocean Water gin, tomato liqueur and umami; and the Sotoki, made from Etsu Pacific Ocean gin, fig cordial, lime and carbonated salty pear juice.


Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA; theaubreycollection.com

The Library Bar at The Lanesborough


Billing itself as a “liquid museum” of spirits and home to cognacs that date back some 250 years, The Library Bar at The Lanesborough hotel is a temple to the art of cocktails. The Library Bar has plenty of traditional charm but under the leadership of bar manager Mickael Perron remains forward-looking in its cocktail shaking. Highlights include twists on classics such as the Gaspari Manhattan, made with The Balvenie 14-Year-Old Caribbean Cask stirred with Lanesborough vermouth blend, New Orleans bitters, and finished with flaming rosemary washed with Bénédictine. The serve is as impressive as the taste, with the flames from the burning rosemary contrasting with the ice ball in the glass below.


The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA; oetkercollection.com

Nolita Social at Bulgari Hotel


Tucked away beneath Sette Restaurant, Nolita Social offers a proper night out with DJs, live music and an atmosphere that seems transported directly from the Big Apple. Importantly, Nolita Social also serves great cocktails including a lot of fun and cheeky twists on the classics, such as the “Tini” To My Apple, made from Convite mezcal, apple cordial, Noilly Prat, and Tio Pepe sherry; and the Tequila Sunset, crafted from Volcan Blanco tequila, Cocchi vermouth, Campari and citrus.


Nolita Social, 4 Knightsbridge Green, SW1X 7QA; nolitasocial.co.uk

Caffè Concerto


Despite being known for its selection of high-class Italian cappuccinos and intricately detailed patisserie, the menu at Caffè Concerto doesn’t just stop at coffee and cake. Kitted with all the classics, such as Long Island iced tea and piña colada, as well as unique creations such as its Love Concerto Punch (a mixture of passion fruit purée, watermelon purée, rose syrup, lime, melon, sprite, vodka and triple sec), an extensive list of elaborate libations will have you spoilt for choice. Its list of mocktails is also treated with equal amounts of vibrance, featuring playful delights such as the Nada Colada and Pineapple Sunrise.


Caffè Concerto, 152 Brompton Road, SW3 1HX; caffeconcerto.co.uk

 The Pavilion


One of Knightsbridge’s most exclusive events venues, there’s never a dull moment at Pavilion Club. The private members’ club has a history of hosting parties for its exclusive members base and its cocktail selection is just as excellent. A team of in-house mixologists have concocted a refined menu of beverages suitable for all taste palates. For whisky lovers, The Avenue is a candied spiced cocktail with a botanical sweetness, made from Sazerac Rye apple brandy, passion fruit, jasmine and green tea foam.


Pavilion, 64 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JF; pavilion.club

Crystal Bar at The Wellesley Hotel


On the ground floor of one of Knightsbridge’s most lavish boutique hotels, is a crystal cavern that will transport you back to the smoky haze of 1920s old Hollywood glamour. The Crystal Bar at The Wellesley leads out onto a cigar terrace overlooking Hyde Park Corner and boasts ornate glassware, plush leather chairs and cabinets showcasing some of the finest bottles money can buy. On its menu you’ll find a deluxe selection of whisky, cognac and armagnac, as well as some extremely rare bottles dating all the way back to the 18th century. Cocktails of your choosing can also be made upon request by an attentive team of experienced bar staff providing an impeccable, five-star service. What’s more, Crystal Bar is home to the UK’s largest cigar humidor so you can enjoy a glass of smooth liquor with a cigar in hand – Tony Montana style.

Crystal Bar, 11 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LY; marriot.com

The Emory Rooftop Bar


Towering over the metropolis, The Emory Rooftop Bar is where you can enjoy a luscious cocktail with a panoramic view. Atop one of Knightsbridge’s most sought-after luxury hotels is an exclusive bar with modern interiors designed by architect and creative visionary Rémi Tessier. A robust drinks list and refined selection of gourmet bar bites is curated to satisfy whatever flavours you may desire, with a particular focus on agave spirits. Among the selection of signature cocktails is the Horizon, a punchy and zesty blend of Mijenta Reposado tequila, Amaro Santoni, Beesou aperitif and Fever-Tree pink grapefruit soda. Or opt for the Emoroni – a playful mix of Sapling gin, Amaro Santoni, Cocchi Americano and Visciolata del Cardinale – a complex palate bursting with spicy, fruity and bitter notes.

The Emory Old Barrack Yard, SW1X 7NP; the-emory.co.uk