About This Pub
Ah, Kensington Garden Bar, tucked away at the iconic Royal Albert Hall – it's one of those places that just feels like a breath of fresh air after a busy day in London. I have to say, the atmosphere is spot on; it's all warm glows and inviting nooks that make you want to settle in for a chat and a drink. The staff really shine through too – think friendly faces like Chloe, Teddy, and Callum who go the extra mile to make your evening special, especially if you're gearing up for a show. And the drinks? Well, they're a highlight; that Birds and Bees cocktail sounds like a proper delight, presented with a bit of flair that adds to the fun. But, let's keep it real, it's not all smooth sailing. There have been a few grumbles about the rules around ordering – you might find yourself stuck with just beer or wine if you're not up for food, which feels a tad restrictive when the bar's quiet. Plus, if you pop in without booking, you could end up scrambling for a seat or feeling like you're not quite getting the full attention. Overall, it's a solid choice for a pre-event tipple, but I'd suggest planning ahead to avoid any frustrations and make the most of what this spot has to offer. It's got that classic pub charm with a touch of elegance, and as long as you're prepared, you're in for a treat.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-
The ambiance is absolutely charming and inviting, making it a perfect spot to unwind before a show at the Royal Albert Hall.
-
The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, with some standout service that really enhances the experience.
-
They serve up some cracking drinks, like the Birds and Bees cocktail, which folks have raved about as a fun treat.
Cons
-
There are restrictions on what you can order; for instance, you might not get a cocktail without buying food, even if the place isn't busy.
-
Walk-ins without reservations can face challenges, like limited seating or feeling a bit overlooked.
-
A few experiences suggest inconsistencies in treatment, which could leave a sour note for some visitors.
Contact Information
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
+442075898212
Bar
Opens at 17:30
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | 17:30 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 17:30 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 17:30 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 17:30 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 17:30 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 17:30 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 17:30 - 23:00 |
Recent Reviews
Big shout out to Chloe L
I recently visited royal Albert hall in Kensington gardens bar on a Saturday evening, and I must say, it was a delightful experience the bar has a charming and inviting ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a long week.
As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the warm glow of dim lighting and rustic decor that gives it a cozy, yet trendy vibe.
The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive.
Overall, I had a wonderful experience at the Kensington gardens bar would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great night out. I can’t wait to return and sample more of their drink offerings!
Great service and drinks. Loved the Birds and Bees cocktail presentation. What a fun treat. Thank you Teddy and Callum for taking care of us before the show and during interval.
It was an ok experience. “You can have a drink but not table service (we just had afternoon tea so we didn’t want food, just a drink before the concert)”. “However, you can’t get a cocktail without getting food”…even though the place was empty. We were told only beer and wine. “And you can’t sit on the bar ledge with your drink as it may fill-up and you may not get another drink”. Phew…confused?! We were too. 😆 After much discussion, we COULD get a cocktail and we were served the cocktail even though we didn’t get any food. I may need two though after that bit of a headache. Cool place though!
My wife and i (gay cuple) went to see the amazing London Community gospel choir yesterday and were really excited to get some pre show drinks and a quick bite.
Came into this bar without reservation so was happy to manage a seat at the counter, we were told because we didnt have a reservation we COUNDNT ORDER ANY FOOD, just olives or pack of crisps... We found this extremely odd but hey we ordered drinks.
5 min later a friendly couple sat right next to us and started ordering food, for our utter surprise they didnt have a reservation just like us, we asked them and told them we were refused food due to no reservation and being seated at the counter like they were,... The couple were APPAULLED by this and offer to order some food for us, very kind but we thank them but refused the offer and we just left.
Disgusting double standards, made up rules, just felt discriminated and extremely unwelcomed, we were never made feel like this before and certainly wasnt expecting to feel like this at a venue like The Royal Albert Hall.
The Choir performance though was incredible and lifted our spirits up again.
I recently visited a fantastic restaurant and cocktail bar right at the Royal Albert Hall with a friend, and it was a perfect start to our evening. The atmosphere was cosy and welcoming, with attentive and friendly staff who made the experience even better. We were especially impressed by their signature cocktails—each one was exclusive and absolutely delicious, crafted with a great balance of flavours. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a drink and relax before catching a show. Highly recommend a visit if you’re heading to the Hall!
Nearby Pubs - Perfect Pub Crawl
Discover the 5 closest pubs to this location for an ideal pub crawl experience.
190 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5EX
87/100
0.2mi
Imperial College Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2BX
83/100
0.2mi
30 Queen's Gate Mews, South Kensington, London SW7 5QL
88/100
0.3mi
34 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4RB
84/100
0.5mi
34 Thurloe Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2HQ
88/100
0.5mi