If you’re seeking a special venue in the capital for a date night to remember, look no further than a cocktail bar in Chelsea. We’ve put together nine of the most romantic cocktail joints London has to offer, all of which can be found on or within a stone’s throw of the ever-fashionable King’s Road and Sloane Square. Whether it's an exciting first date, a romantic date night with your other half, or a night out with your bestie, the only trouble you may have is choosing just one. If this is the case, why not plan to visit a few? Any excuse for an extra cocktail or two as far as we’re concerned!

Our favourite cocktail bars in Chelsea

The Lost Hours 

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Located on the buzzing King’s Road – Chelsea’s most famous thoroughfare – The Lost Hours is a vibrant venue for a post-work weeknight date, or to visit on a Saturday when you have more time to spare. From brunch right through to pizza for supper and beyond, The Lost Hours serves up elegant cocktails alongside a carefully selected range of beers, wines and spirits. This welcoming neighbourhood bar can serve the precise purpose you want it to, whether that’s mingling with the locals or an intimate conversation in a quiet corner.With wooden floors, buttoned-back sofas and a rustic outside space, The Lost Hours is open for food and drinks from Wednesday to Sunday.  

Barts London

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If you’re intrigued by America’s Prohibition era, step back to the late 1920s at Barts. One of Chelsea’s best-kept secrets, this is the place to give that vintage flapper dress an airing, although Thoroughly Modern Millies are of course every bit as welcome.The bar is run by expert mixologists with an enviable and encylopaedic knowledge of mixed drinks. Whatever your tastes they will find the cocktail for you – whether that’s sweet, dry, creamy, classic or contemporary.Both the Secret Garden and the interior are crammed with fascinating art deco details and original 20s pieces, adding to the overall vibe of taking a trip back in time. 

Sloane Place

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Tucked away close to Sloane Square and the King’s Road, Sloane Place is not only one of the best Chelsea cocktail bars, it’s also a boutique hotel. This means you can easily slip upstairs to a room of your own should you decide to make an overnight stay of it.The Hideaway is a relative newcomer to the scene, but has already become a favourite with the local smart set. This subterranean spot has a gloriously secluded and intimate feel, and specialises in gin. Here, you can nibble on complimentary canapes while live music serenades the two of you. 

The Botanist, Sloane Square 

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It’s all about the botanicals these days, so where better to sample the latest flavour combinations than The Botanist? Positioned on lively Sloane Square, this stylish bar is at the heart of the West London social scene. Champagne is for many de rigeur, whether expertly mixed to make an elegant cocktail or served as it is in a sparkling flute. Inside, art deco flourishes complement contemporary details to create an irresistibly cosy atmosphere that’s perfect for date night.  Whether you opt for something colourful or classic, berry, citrus and flower garnished cocktails provide plenty of Insta-worthy and intimate moments.

Beaufort House

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Located on a King’s Road corner, Beaufort House offers all day dining and drinking options in the heart of Chelsea. Start off in the cocktail bar on the ground floor and you might well end up wanting to join their private member’s club that occupies three floors.The plush interior is stylish and smart, yet teal velvet, wood panelling and lots of scatter cushions ensure the vibe is as laid-back as it is luxurious. Whether you fancy dinner à deux or want to work your way through the cocktail list, find a snug corner at Beaufort House and you could well end up spending the entire day there. 

Coolah Callay

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Giving guests a truly memorable evening is Coolah Callay’s raison d'etre. As one of the best cocktail bars in Chelsea, this cool haunt was opened following on from the success of its award-winning sister bar in hip Shoreditch. The owners also have bars in Dalston and Islington.Cocktails range from the sophisticated to the downright whimsical, some with playful monikers such as ‘Looking Glass’, ‘Ears and Whiskers’, ‘Temper Temper’ and ‘Pussy Galore’. There are wines and beers to choose from too, and spirits can also be bought by the bottle if you feel like lingering for a little longer.  

The Bletchley

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With a World War II theme, The Bletchley prides itself on the fact that no two drinks mixed on the premises are ever the same. The location is pretty notable too, as this out-there bar can be found at the Chelsea Funhouse, a space dedicated to food, fun, drinks and entertainment. Booking is advisable if you want to take advantage of the signature ‘full cryptic experience’, and this includes just under two hours in the ‘cocktail bunker’. At this venue it’s as much about the immersive experience as it is the drinks – think show-stopping theatre and a full-on sensory experience as much as delectable, quaffable concoctions. 

The Fifth Floor Bar

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It’s worth the short wander up to Knightsbridge to sample The Fifth Floor Bar, housed inside iconic department store Harvey Nichols. Whether it’s for a quick after-work date or a cocktail masterclass, this place is set to impress.The cocktail list is imaginative, and the bar stocks a superlative range of fine wines and Champagne, some of which boast a most sought-after vintage stamp. If you love to swoon over the twinkling city skyline while sipping a combination to die for, the Fifth Floor Bar is one of the hottest date venues in town.

Bluebird

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Also along the King’s Road is Bluebird, a contemporary European style eatery and cocktail bar with a spacious yet cosy lounge area and smart outdoor terraces. The drinks menu is as generously sized as the venue itself, with dozens of gins, tequilas, rums, vodkas and whiskies to choose from as well as the signature cocktails, fine wines and craft beers. Can you resist ‘Falling In Love’ with a heavenly combination of Taittinger, rose syrup, lemon juice and Cointreau? 

If you’re planning a date night in Chelsea, then why not book a mobile make-up appointment or blow dry at home so you can look and feel your best? We’re getting really busy for Christmas, so book in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.