About This Pub
Oh, let me tell you about AMARO BAR – it's one of those hidden gems in Kensington that I've come to love for a proper cocktail evening. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the drinks are where they really shine; they're crafted with such care, like that Cucumber Collins that's got a real punch of fresh flavour without going overboard. The staff are an absolute delight, always up for a chat and making sure you're happy with your order, which makes the whole experience feel personal and fun. It's got that stylish, intimate atmosphere that's just right for catching up with mates or a date night, and with live music kicking in later, it adds a bit of extra magic. On the flip side, if you're hoping for cocktails that push the envelope in unexpected ways, it might not quite deliver that wow factor – they're more about perfecting the classics. Plus, with limited spots for booking and a no-cash policy, it's worth planning your visit. All in all, it's a solid choice for anyone in West London craving a sophisticated yet relaxed drink, and I'd say give it a go if you're in the area – you won't be disappointed, but keep those expectations balanced for the best time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The cocktails are absolutely spot on – think modern twists on classics with fresh, balanced flavours that really hit the mark.
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The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a cosy evening out in Kensington, with an intimate vibe that makes you feel right at home.
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Service is top-tier; the team is super friendly and attentive, always happy to tweak a drink to suit your taste without any fuss.
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They've got live music from 9pm and some tasty small plates to go with your drinks, adding a nice extra layer to the experience.
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It's a great neighbourhood spot with a selection of vintage spirits and even a special £20 vintage menu on Wednesdays – brilliant value!
Cons
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The cocktails, while excellent, might not surprise you with anything wildly innovative, so if you're after something totally out-there, it could feel a bit familiar.
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They only take card payments, which is handy for most, but if you're old-school with cash, you'll need to plan ahead.
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Reservations are limited, so you might end up waiting for a table if you don't book in advance or fancy a walk-in.
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It's strictly over 18s and has a casual dress code – no football shirts or fancy dress – which keeps things refined but might rule it out for some casual outings.
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Opening from the evening onwards means it's not ideal if you're looking for a daytime spot; you'll have to wait until after 5pm or so.
Contact Information
15 Kensington High St, London W8 5NP
+447745520816
Cocktail bar
Opens at 18:00
Opening Hours
Monday | 18:00 - 23:30 |
Tuesday | 18:00 - 00:30 |
Wednesday | 18:00 - 00:30 |
Thursday | 18:00 - 00:30 |
Friday | 18:00 - 00:30 |
Saturday (Today) | 18:00 - 00:30 |
Sunday | 17:00 - 00:00 |
Recent Reviews
The bar is very good - it has a great atmosphere, good service and the cocktails are nice too. It’s one of the best cocktail bars I’ve been to in London although the cocktails are maybe not the most unexpected. Cucumber Collins was interesting to try and really had a significant cucumber flavour in it. I’d probably not repeat it but no regrets and an interesting light one. Mango fizz was also light and nice, but the mango flavour was not quite prominent to me. Banana gimlet was really good, super flavourful and rich taste. Hummus was just okay, the focaccia was a bit underwhelming but their smoked almonds were just incredible! Unfortunately they don’t have tiramisu on the menu even some reviews mention it. They cook it on special occasions like Sundays or something. To me it’s a big miss and I’d really love to see some desserts in an Italian cocktail bar and tiramisu would be a great fit
I had the Dec's Martini and my friend had something with peach (completely forgot the name). I absolutely loved my martini, it's made in house with the ingredients infused / without shaking, poured straight out of the bottle into a chilled martini glass. Veryyy good
There’s a lot of thought and effort put into creating ingredients and well-balanced cocktails without any hint of pretension. Their service is excellent. Very importantly: it doesn’t seem like they take it personally when something doesn’t match your palate; they’re mainly concerned with finding a better match.
The bar itself looks great and is comfortable to be in. I think all of these things make it a great bar to go to regardless of whether it’s to meet up with someone or go alone.
Amazing neighbourhood bar that focuses on leaving their guests with the best experience possible. World class cocktails with minimalistic presentations, crafted to perfection. They have a great selection of vintage spirits and cocktails and also a special £20 Vintage menu every Wednesday. Me and my friends tried a big variety of unique amari and the staff was beyond professional in answering all of our questions and entertaining us with interesting conversations. These guys always make sure to make you feel at home and that’s why we go back! You have also the opportunity to take some bar bites and snacks along with your drinks. Could not recommend it enough! 10/10 experience
Intimate and stylish cocktail bar. Love the atmosphere in here and the waiters are all super friendly.
The menu offers a variety of classic cocktails as well as new and exclusive recipes.
They also serve food and there’s live music from 9pm onwards.
I really loved I and the cocktails were delicious, I’ll definitely be back.
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