Apéro

Apéro sits beneath the Victorian cellar arches of the Ampersand Hotel, directly across from South Kensington station. It works as an all day Mediterranean brasserie and bar, drawing locals and hotel guests from breakfast through to a late aperitivo. The setting, all exposed brick, leather snugs and Spanish tiled floors, gives it more character than most hotel bars.

This is a bar for the aperitivo hour, the drink that bridges a museum afternoon and dinner. The location, steps from the V&A and the Natural History Museum, makes it a natural reset point. If you want a destination cocktail den, this is not quite that. If you want an easy, elegant drink in a great spot, it fits perfectly.

The room sits below street level under arched brick ceilings, with leather snugs and Spanish tiles giving it a warm, low slung feel. Square Meal describes it as where South Kensington chic meets Mediterranean ease, and the vaulted setting backs that up. It is intimate without being cramped, and the bar is the natural place to perch for a drink.

The location does a lot of the work. Apero sits directly opposite South Kensington station and within a few minutes of the V and A, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, which makes it one of the most useful pre or post museum drinks in the city. The all day format suits an early coffee, a late aperitivo or anything between, and the vaulted room stays comfortable across all of them. Few central London bars combine that location, that history and an aperitivo list this confident under one vaulted roof.

The signature cocktails are the talking point, since the bar builds them around the nearby Victoria and Albert Museum collection. Alongside them sits a strong wine list and the aperitivo serves that give the place its name. The food leans Mediterranean sharing plates, ideal with a drink. Lead with a signature cocktail or a spritz and you will be in the right register.

South Kensington locals and Ampersand guests share the room, with the museums sending a steady daytime flow. It gathers most through the early evening aperitivo hour and weekend brunch. The dress is relaxed and the mood is unhurried.

Plan more with our London cocktail bars guide and the London bar guide. For a wider evening, pair Apéro with Dukes Bar in St James's, the Connaught Bar in Mayfair, or Artesian in Marylebone. On the move, try our cocktail bars near me hub.