Welcome to the buzzing heart of London! If you find yourself near Hyde Park Corner Tube and in need of a tipple, you’re in for a treat. This area is a goldmine of top-notch bars and cosy pubs, perfect for everything from a casual pint to a swanky cocktail. With historic venues that ooze charm and modern spots offering chic vibes, there’s something for every taste. So, let’s raise a glass and explore the best watering holes around Hyde Park Corner!
The Library Bar
Address: The Lanesborough, 1 Lanesborough Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7TA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Library Bar is nestled within the luxurious Lanesborough Hotel at Hyde Park Corner, a prime location in central London. It offers easy access to iconic landmarks such as Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, making it an ideal retreat for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? The Library Bar exudes an air of classic elegance and sophistication. Its dark wood panelling, deep shades, and leather wing-back armchairs create a grand and intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a private club. The setting is further enhanced by its book-lined walls and Regency furniture, providing a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort.
What’s On Offer
- Outstanding Cognac Selection: The Library Bar is renowned for its extensive collection of cognacs, with bottles dating back to the 1770s. This “liquid museum” is a highlight for connoisseurs and was awarded the ‘Cognac Drinks List of the Year’ by Imbibe Magazine in 2016.
- Live Music: The bar hosts live acoustic sessions with a resident pianist and guest singers on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 8 pm to 11 pm.
- Unique Cocktails: Additionally, The Library Bar offers a unique cocktail menu, featuring creations like the ‘Noughts & Crosses’ cocktail, inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show, and classic favourites like Martini Sundays.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Library Bar is open daily. From Sunday to Thursday, it operates from 12 pm to midnight, and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 12 pm to 1 am. Last orders for drinks are taken 30 minutes before closing. It is highly recommended to make advance bookings, especially during peak times.
The Grenadier
Address: 18 Wilton Row, Belgravia, SW1X 7NR
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Grenadier is nestled in the affluent Belgravia area, a stone’s throw from Hyde Park Corner. It sits tucked away on Wilton Row, a charming and quiet mews that offers a sense of seclusion and historical charm.
- What’s the Vibe? The Grenadier exudes a quintessentially British atmosphere with its historic decor and intimate setting. Originally built as an officers’ mess for the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards in 1720, it later opened to the public in 1818. The pub’s interior is adorned with military memorabilia and antiques, giving it a unique character. The vibe is warm and inviting, with friendly staff and a mix of locals and visitors who appreciate the pub’s storied past and cosy ambiance.
What’s On Offer
- Seasonal Menu: The Grenadier offers a menu featuring fresh, seasonal dishes alongside classic British pub fare. Highlights include their renowned Beef Wellington, which is celebrated for its succulent flavours and perfect pastry. The menu is crafted by their Head Chef and changes regularly to incorporate the best of the season’s produce.
- Ghostly Legends: Adding to its charm, The Grenadier is reputed to be haunted. According to local legend, a young soldier named Cedric, caught cheating at cards, was beaten to death. His ghost is said to haunt the pub, with sightings and strange occurrences, particularly in September. This intriguing story adds a unique and eerie allure to the pub’s already rich history.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Smith & Whistle
Address: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly, W1J 7BX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Smith & Whistle is situated within the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane in Mayfair, just a short walk from Green Park station. This prime location places it in the heart of one of London’s most prestigious areas.
- What’s the Vibe? The bar boasts an elegant, retro style with copper-toned walls and herringbone parquet flooring, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for both casual drinks and more formal gatherings, featuring low bar tables, leather armchairs, and an inviting pavement terrace for people-watching.
What’s On Offer
The food menu offers a range of hearty pub favourites, including fish and chips, burgers, and lobster rolls. There’s also a special menu for dogs, featuring ‘dogtails’ like the Poochie Colada, making it a welcoming venue for pet owners.
- When Can You Visit? Smith & Whistle is open Monday from 16:00 to 23:30, Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 to 23:30, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 01:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 23:00.
The Rose & Crown
Address: 2 Old Park Lane, London, W1K 1QN
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Rose & Crown is located in the heart of London’s Mayfair, nestled between Hyde Park and Green Park, and in close proximity to Buckingham Palace. This prime location makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists exploring central London.
- What’s the Vibe? This traditional English pub boasts a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, enriched with over four centuries of history. Once the living quarters for Oliver Cromwell’s bodyguards, the pub offers a unique historical charm combined with modern comforts. Patrons can enjoy a classic pub experience with a touch of elegance, surrounded by historical memorabilia and a warm, inviting décor.
What’s On Offer
- Sumptuous Sunday Roast: A key highlight at The Rose & Crown is their celebrated Sunday roast. Diners can choose from 28-day aged sirloin of beef, roasted half chicken, or a nut roast Wellington, all served with traditional accompaniments. This offering is perfect for those looking to enjoy a quintessentially British meal in a historic setting.
- Live Sports: The pub is well-equipped for sports enthusiasts, featuring live broadcasts of major sporting events on TNT Sports and Sky Sports.
- Dog-Friendly: Additionally, The Rose & Crown prides itself on being dog-friendly, welcoming patrons to bring their furry friends along, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed outing with the entire family.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Rose & Crown is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
Revery Bar
Address: 22 Park Ln, London, W1K 1BE
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Revery Bar is located inside the London Hilton on Park Lane, in the upscale Mayfair district of London. This prime location makes it easily accessible and places it amidst a vibrant and affluent neighbourhood.
- What’s the Vibe? The bar exudes a blend of casual luxury and sophistication. By day, it’s a glamorous spot for artisanal coffee and pastries, while at night it transforms into a cosy, seductive space perfect for evening cocktails. The interior design follows an art-deco theme with modern twists, featuring plush red velvet stools, striking light sculptures, and beautiful floral displays, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
What’s On Offer
- Signature Cocktails: Revery Bar is renowned for its innovative cocktails. Highlights include the House Cup, made with Flor de Caña 12, Pimm’s No.1, orange sherbet, milk, and citrus, and the Majesty, which combines Bombay Sapphire berry-infused gin with citrus, elderflower cordial, hibiscus, and black pepper. These signature drinks are crafted by a skilled team of mixologists, ensuring a delightful experience for cocktail enthusiasts.
- All-Day Dining: The bar offers a diverse all-day dining menu. Breakfast options include dishes like porridge with caramelised banana and maple syrup, and a chilli cheese omelette with pickled green chillies. Throughout the day, you can enjoy a range of classic dishes such as crayfish and prawn cocktail, cornflake fried chicken with Revery gravy, and crab croquettes with sriracha and spring onions. This varied menu ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of the time of day.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday and Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Ready to Visit?
Nestled in the heart of London, the area around Hyde Park Corner is a vibrant hotspot teeming with excellent bars and cosy pubs. This locale, ideal for both locals and tourists, offers a mix of historic charm and modern sophistication. Among the highlights are The Library Bar, known for its extensive cognac selection and live music, and The Grenadier, famous for its historic decor and legendary ghost stories.
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