From the glamour of Chelsea to the tranquil streets of Notting Hill, South West London may be one of the capital’s most quietly polished corners, but underneath lies a brilliant alternative for an evening indulging in a well-considered beverage. The neighbourhoods of this corner of the city offer establishments that can, and do, compete with any of those found within the famously eclectic centre of London and potentially, offer a more nuanced experience of the city’s nightlife.
Across leafy avenues and along the banks of the Thames, visitors can wander from place to place or settle on an establishment at which to spend the evening. Whether indulging in the finest cocktails, admiring whisky collections that have been curated like pieces of art, or lounging among the grandeur of the area's most polished brasseries and parlours, these are the finest establishments to visit when where one drinks is of equal importance as what one drinks.
No. Fifty Cheyne, Chelsea
No. Fifty Cheyne offers an impossibly romantic setting for drinks amongst the pretty and polished streets of Chelsea. Set behind Cheyne Walk and overlooking the Thames, the building was once a boathouse until its re-conception as a grand townhouse boasting crystal chandeliers and velvet banquettes. On cool and quiet evenings, candlelight and river mist combine to create a moody atmosphere of theatre-like quality, giving vibes of Old London’s glamorous past.
The bar menu leans heavily into classic cocktails but is not short of a few, well-placed twists. No. Fifty’s signature martini is made with English Chase gin and a rosemary brin, boosting its flavour profile significantly, while the Negroni is aged in oak barrels for added depth. The bar staff are particularly meticulous, from hand-chipped ice cubes to cut-glass tumblers polished rigorously. For those who enjoy a nibble or two with their drinks, bar bites feature the likes of truffle arancini or crab croquettes, ensuring drinkers remain well-catered for at almost every hour.
Amaro Bar, Kensington
Tucked down a discreet mews near High Street Kensington, as might be implied by its name, Amaro Bar is a love letter to Italian cocktail culture. With just 30 seats and a moody interior that pairs Art Deco lighting with sculpture-like bar stools and black-and-gold accents, Amaro is a low-key but deliciously appealing setting for an evening drink. Founded by former Savoy Hotel head mixologist, Elon Soddu, it brings a slice of Italian style and creativity to a quiet corner of West London.
With this being classic Italian cocktail culture, the way forward is served with vermouth, bittersweet aperitifs, and a ritual-like quality to assembling every beverage, including the careful selection and ornamentation of olives to massarano cherries. Not all additions to the menu remain so strong in taste, with wonderfully light options such as the mango bellini and the peach 76, providing some much-needed sweetness to the list. While walk-ins are sometimes possible, it is always best to book ahead lest anyone risk missing out on this charming spot.
Callooh Callay, Chelsea
Branching out from its original Shoreditch roots, Callooh Callay of the King’s Road in Chelsea brings a refreshing energy to South West London’s most lavish quarter. The bar indulges in the theatrical, from Lewis Carroll references to secret doors, but never goes too far with any of the decor choices. Visitors can expect jewel-tones, gilded mirrors and some eyebrow-raising taxidermy that walks the line between eccentric and elaborate.
However, the true creative outlet at Callooh Callay is reserved, of course, for its drinks list. Seasonal menus are presented in revolving concept form to add another dose of flair, whether it be as a passport, a comic book or even a deck of playing cards. Bold flavours combine in similarly ingenious ways. Mezcal married to coffee shrub and banana liqueur, gin paired with yuzu, white miso and dill – the technique and imagination involved in creating and serving these fantastic creations is nothing less than admirable. It’s a treat for cocktail lovers looking for real creativity and panache.
The Hari, Belgravia
The Hari is one of Belgravia’s most beautiful hotels and offers visitors the choice between two very different experiences. The expansive and atmospheric garden terrace or, the gilded Hari bar in the heart of the hotel, a low-lit retreat of marble, leather, and walnut panelling. Whilst the terrace will no doubt appeal to daytime visitors, and on summer evenings, the ambience of the Hari cannot be matched.
Scandi-inspired cocktails dominate the drinks list, with caraway, dill, lingonberry, and fennel making repeat appearances across a variety of mixes. The house negroni is infused with sea buckthorn, the ‘Nordic Mule’ swaps vodka for aquavit, adding blackcurrant and ginger. There’s also a Nordic-inspired snack menu that boasts gravlax sliders, smoked almonds and roasted cauliflower bites. It’s a well-thought-out, relaxed alternative to some of the more over-frequented establishments in the area, particularly for those wanting a quieter drink.
The Little Yellow Door, Notting Hill
Passing through the bright blue frontage via the canary coloured point of entrance on All Saints Road, The Little Yellow Door models itself on an up-market house party. Each room of the venue is designed like a lived-in residence, featuring bookshelves cluttered with half-finished novels, travel memorabilia and other ornaments, whilst sofas are arranged around oversized and worn coffee tables. Patrons may find themselves enjoying a drink in “the living room,” up against the bar in “the kitchen,” or squeezing into high tables in “the hallway,” but throughout the space, The Little Yellow Door offers a refreshing, Bohemian aesthetic to enjoy a drink with.
The drinks list is playfully crafted, but behind the humour are well-executed classics and clever originals such as the thematic “Flatmate's Negroni”, which uses fig-infused Campari and black walnut bitters. Meanwhile, “The Wrong Number” is a sour twist on a Manhattan with burnt orange and cherry. The vibe and atmosphere are never lost to full-blown revelry, maintaining the charm and appeal of this well-crafted cocktail bar that captures the mood of living in Notting Hill’s terraced apartments, nigh perfectly.
