The Kensington Hotel has discreetly been undergoing a renovation for the past several years, but we wouldn’t blame you for not noticing, the guests’ comfort is always key and renovations have been happening slowly and steadily so not to disturb the calm equilibrium the hotel manages to maintain.
We recently enjoyed the official opening of K Bar, the hotel’s main bar area. In a relaxed, sophisticated environment, guests and visitors can unwind, socialize and enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail, from late afternoon into the evening, in one of the comfortable corners of the bar.
Ben Manchester (of previous Hotel Du Vin fame) is the main man here, creating both classic and modern cocktails, using the finest spirits and ingredients. We enjoyed a variety of cocktails but a firm favourite was the Hemingway Daiquiri, a white-rum based drink with Maraschino liquer, grapefruit juice and fresh lime juice. Their champagne cocktails were also delicious including their flagship Kensington Champagne Cocktail, which contained Calvados apple brandy and Rhubarb bitters.
The interior of the bar is classic and opulent with dark paneled wood, plush, velvety furnishings, brass fixtures and low-hanging chandeliers dimly lighting the room. If the bar were a drink, it would be a dark & stormy; I imagine I’d find Richard Gere types drinking scotch on the rocks in a dark corner – it’s that kind of place.
I adore the hotel, it’s classically Kensington and fits its surroundings perfectly. The K Bar is the perfect compliment to the bright and airy lounge area, providing a more intimate, mature drinking space for the evenings. Don’t hesitate to chat to the expert bar team about the range of drinks on offer and be sure to check out their dessert cocktail menu while you’re there.
