City Name
Temperature

Cocktail couture: What are the best bars in Chelsea?

Looking for the perfect post-match hangout? A place to cheer and share stories with fellow sports enthusiasts? 

Or maybe you’re in the mood for something more refined – a place where cocktails aren’t just mixed but crafted, where each drink is a masterpiece in a glass. 

Whichever of these you prefer, our guide today is the answer. We take you beyond the ordinary, into the finest examples of Chelsea’s bar culture!

The Botanist

Media from thebotanistonsloanesquare

Location: 7 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EE, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7730 0077

Pricing: £££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Thursday – 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
  • Friday – 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM
  • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM

Website

What sets The Botanist apart is its cocktail menu. While they offer a range of classic cocktails, they truly shine with their signature drinks. Their best-seller and crowd favourite, “The Great Eastern”, is a masterpiece of mixology. 

It features Roku gin, known for its unique blend of Japanese botanicals, combined with the unusual addition of enoki mushroom and chamomile syrup. This is complemented by Suze liqueur, adding a bittersweet complexity, along with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. 

Bart’s Bar

Media from bartslondon

Location: Chelsea Cloisters, Sloane Ave, London SW3 3DW, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7581 3355

Pricing: £££

Opening hours:

  • Sunday to Monday – 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
  • Tuesday – 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  • Wednesday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  • Friday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM

Website

First off, the adventure begins with just trying to find the place. Nestled within the Chelsea Cloisters, Bart’s Bar is like a secret waiting to be discovered. The entrance is cleverly concealed in the building’s foyer, offering a bit of intrigue right from the start. 

Once you do find it and step inside, you’re transported into a world of whimsical charm. The interior of Bart’s Bar is a delightful hodgepodge of kitschy décor – think vintage memorabilia meets eccentric art.

While their entire cocktail menu is worth exploring, there are a few standout stars. Their signature drinks, often inspired by the speakeasy theme, tend to steal the show. Think classic cocktails with a twist, made with premium spirits and unexpected ingredients.

Beaufort House 

Media credit to beauforthousechelsea

Location: 354 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UZ, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7352 2828

Pricing: £££

Opening hours:

  • Sunday to Wednesday – 9:00 AM to 12:30 AM
  • Thursday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 1:30 AM

Website

Beaufort House is a trifecta of exclusivity and accessibility. Part member’s club, part brasserie, and part cocktail lounge offer a unique blend of experiences under one roof. 

For those who want to dial up the luxury, the champagne bar at Beaufort House is a must-visit. Imagine a moodily lit space, dripping in deep reds, with intimate booth seating that whispers of private conversations and clinking glasses.

Once you’re here, make sure to try “The Beaufort Blush”. It’s a signature cocktail that’s not just a drink but an experience. 

Tonteria

Media credit to tonterialondon 

Location: 7-12 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EG, United Kingdom

Contact:  +44 20 7881 5991

Pricing: £££

Opening hours:

  • Thursday – 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM
  • Friday to Saturday – 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM

Website

First off, the name ‘Tonteria’ gives you a pretty good hint of what to expect. In Spanish, it means ‘nonsense’, and oh boy, does this place live up to its name.

Tonteria takes ‘over-the-top’ to new heights. Picture this: luchador wrestlers performing WWE-style theatrics live, right before your eyes. Topless bartenders not just serve drinks, but put on wild bottle shows. 

People lost in music, covered in neon paint, dancing with unbridled passion. And yes, even fire spitters add a touch of danger and awe to the night. 

The Phene

Media from thephenesw3 

Location: 9 Phene St, London SW3 5NY, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7352 9898

Pricing: £££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  • Sunday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Website

The Phene is like that intriguing novel you can’t put down. With its clubhouse-style ambience, it effortlessly combines the charm of a traditional saloon bar with the elegance of a conservatory restaurant. 

And if you’re looking for a bit more privacy, the upstairs houses two enchanting private rooms, perfect for those special gatherings or intimate evenings.

Their wine list is thoughtful and extensive, catering to the connoisseur and the casual sipper alike. Beer-lovers rejoice, for their selection ranges from classic ales to crafty concoctions. 

Aqua Spirit

Media credit to lovelondon.m

Location: 5th Floor 240 Regent Street (Entrance, 30 Argyll St, London W1B 3BR, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7478 0540

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Thursday & Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Website

Elevate your night out, quite literally, at Aqua Spirit, Chelsea’s sky-high answer to the mundane. In a neighbourhood where rooftop bars are as rare as a quiet moment in Piccadilly Circus, Aqua Spirit shines as a beacon of style and substance. 

Perched atop its lofty heights are two distinct bars: Aqua Nueva and Aqua Kyoto. Feeling like a fiesta? Aqua Nueva will transport you to Spain with its tantalising tapas and vibrant drinks. 

More in a Zen mood? Aqua Kyoto offers a taste of Japan with exquisite appetisers and signature cocktails. 

Callooh Callay Chelsea

Media credit to calloohcallaychelsea

Location: 316-318 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UH, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7739 4781

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Website

Following the success of its elder sibling, Callooh Callay Chelsea takes the original concept and infuses it with a dash of Kensington charm. It’s a rabbit hole of wonders, where each nook and cranny is filled with mystery and delight.

Don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you. Here, cocktails are a craft, an art form that the bar staff pursues with the fervour of a mad hatter at tea time.

No 11 Pimlico Road

Media credit to wearetheaddress

Location: 11 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8NB, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7730 6784

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Wednesday – 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Thursday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website

Enter No 11 Pimlico Road, and you’re greeted by a space that’s as airy and welcoming as a sunny London day (a rarity, we know!). With its light-filled interiors and ample outside seating, it’s the perfect spot for everything from a leisurely brunch to a lively evening soiree. 

What sets No 11 Pimlico Road apart is its commitment to sustainable, scratch-cooked fare. Their menu is a journey through flavours, available from breakfast at 10 am to a three-course evening meal. 

Kona Kai

Media from konakai_london

Location: 515 Fulham Rd., London SW6 1HD, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7385 9991

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Tuesday – 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM
  • Wednesday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
  • Thursday – 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
  • Friday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  • Saturday – 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM

Website

Imagine stepping off the grey streets of London and onto the sun-kissed shores of the South Seas – that’s Kona Kai for you, a Polynesian paradise that’s just a hop, skip, and a hula dance away from Fulham Broadway station.

They also have sunshine party tunes that will have your feet tapping and your hips swaying in no time. It’s the kind of place where the music adds to the ambience without overpowering your conversations.

Aragon House

Media from aragonhouse

Location: 247 New Kings Rd, London SW6 4XG, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7731 7313

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Friday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM
  • Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
  • Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Website

Located just a stroll away from the Parson’s Green Station, Aragon House boasts a prime location that is both accessible and convenient. The proximity to the station makes it the ideal starting point for your evening adventures or a cosy retreat after a long day.

For those with four-legged companions, Aragon House is a welcoming retreat. The fully stocked bar proudly opens its doors to your furry friends, ensuring that your night out can include everyone in the family.

Embargo Republica

Media from embargorepublica

Location: 533b King’s Rd, London SW10 0TZ, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 3475 2653

Pricing: ££

Opening hours:

  • Tuesday – 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  • Wednesday – 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM

Website

One of the standout features of Embargo Republica is its spacious rooftop terrace. Here, you can soak up the London skyline while enjoying your favourite libations. It’s the ideal spot to unwind with friends, soak in the sun, or dance the night away under the stars. 

Every week, top DJs grace the stage, ensuring that the beats are always fresh and the dance floor is never empty. And with no less than 20 different bottles of rum vying for position on the shelves, the bar staff craft luscious cocktails that pay homage to this beloved spirit. 

Ted’s Place

Media from tedsplacelondon

Location: 305a North End Rd, London W14 9NS, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7385 9359

Pricing: £

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Tuesday & Friday – 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
  • Thursday & Sunday – 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Website

If you’re on the lookout for the best bars in London, Ted’s Place is where the party’s at. This cherished establishment has been the heartbeat of the LGBTQ+ community for over three decades, offering a safe, inclusive, and inviting space for everyone. 

One of the standout features of Ted’s Place is its reputation for hosting one of the friendliest crowds in the area. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’ll quickly become part of Ted’s family. 

Best Things To Do during Christmas in London

Previous Post

Tinsel tales: What are the best things to do in London during Christmas?

Next Post

Hoppily ever after: What are the best pubs in Fulham?

Best Pubs in Fulham