Dukes Bar lived up to expectations. My friends and I had a great experience. The martini service was excellent, and the drink itself was absolute perfection. I'm always searching for a great martini, and Dukes was one bar I could not pass up during my travels in London. They don't take reservations, so you may have to wait, but it's well worth it. Do yourself a favor and stop in for a martini. You'll be thanking yourself later! read more

Dukes Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

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A must if you enjoy cocktails and tradition. Martinis and cocktails start around £18-30. Tableside service. Velvet and cozy. Be mindful of dress code and aware that renovations for the hotel are underway. No reservations, best to come early. Gracious staff. read more

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This was the worst experience i had in London. I went there on 6/29 and had one gin martini. With in 45 min i was vomiting and it lasted 4 days. My girlfriend had 2 martinis and her vomiting started 4 hours later. We both got so sick and it has been 10 days later and I'm still feeling a head ache. Reading up on this it turns out the strength of the alcohol content is very strong. They don't use ice in a shaker to with the gin to get it cold. The gin comes out of the freezer. Its like drinking 5 martinis. They need to warn people. Terrible experience font go unless you are a serious drinker!! read more

Amazing drinks and amazing atmosphere. Our bartender was an artist with the martinis. There is a reason that they are famous for their martinis read more

They don't take reservations so after about 4:00 PM, expect to wait over an hour for a table. They will not let you leave the hotel while you wait either. read more

The service at Dukes was impecable! They bring the making of your martini to your table on a cart and make it in front of you. Everything is stored at -20c so it is cold and refreshing. It is a unique experience having them bring the making part of your cocktail to your table and learning about the martini's formulation is a great experience. A truly extraordinary bar to go to for an all around solid martini. read more

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Excellent martini bar hidden from the hubbub of Piccadilly Circus! Make sure to get a reservation if you don't want to miss out, but this is the best martini place on the market. My husband and I read about this fancy hidden nook and decided to see what it was all about. We took our chances and walked in on a Wednesday early evening, around 5. We waited in the hotel lobby for 5 minutes or so, but were quickly seated in the quaint and luscious lounge. It's quite the small venue and they had several tables that were reserved, so make sure to have a reservation if this is on your "must do" list. I ordered the gin martini and my husband ordered the Vesper martini. The tableside service was such a fun and personable touch. The martinis were served ice cold and were stunning. My gin martini was great, but the Vesper both blew us away- highly recommend getting this one. Overall this is quite a proper martini bar so if you're more into pubs or aren't a huge drinker, I may recommend to skip this place. This is definitely more of a refined cocktail bar and they ask for you to dress appropriately. It is more on the pricey side as well as the service and quality is outstanding, so we only had one for the experience. For us, it was worth it for one of the best martinis we've ever had! read more

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A great place to go if you want to feel like you're the server's peasants and you're paying them exorbitant tips to get a drink there. Yea it's a phenomenal martini. Yeah it's a phenomenal vibe. You'll pay £25 for the experience and they won't even bother to ask your name. The staff is exceedingly rude when you're ordering your drink too. Overall, yeah it's a good martini but make one at home! We go out for service and this is not it. read more

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Amazing experience! Can't wait to return for the great ambiance and martinis! Highly recommend.

So much yes. This is a proper martini bar we're they make you table side drinks to your specifications. I'm not an avid martini drinker and they took the time to explain the drink and tailored it to my pallet. The drinks are roughly $22 pounds but are stiff. They only allow 2 martinis per person which is fair. They also provide light snacks and you can buy water. I wasn't a guest at this hotel so came to the bar for open. I'd recommend doing the same or else it's a lengthy wait! read more

Dukes Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

You have to be really into this kind of thing with money to burn in order to make a pilgrimage here for a sophisticated adult beverage. If you are a non-drinker, miserly, or hate clubby, intimate spaces that will probably boot you out if you wear open toe shoes as a man, take a pass on this place. I read about the fame of this place regarding Ian Fleming and James Bond's affinity for a Vesper Martini. I prepped myself for a drink here by watching "Casino Royale" just to jog my memory. You can google all of this info to check out why this spot has some notoriety. Located in The Duke's Hotel, this is essentially the hotel bar. The Hotel itself is one of these hidden gems, listed as a great, independent hotel and steeped in historic London vibe. Getting there is a bit of a challenge since it is not on a main thoroughfare and the entrance is tucked into a smallish alleyway that you would never think would be an entry to a hotel. The bar opens at 3pm, unless it doesn't (see below). I would recommend getting there at 3 or even a little before because there are very limited seats in the bar, every other closet Bond-fan like you has the same idea, and it is a first-come, first-served list to get in with hotel guests taking priority. I arrived at 2:40p not knowing they were not open until 3. The hotel doorman had me take a seat in the lobby but I used the time to walk around the historic block and found many plaques on some of the row houses adjacent to the hotel proclaiming some famous persons that used to live in or use the buildings (Chopin and Churchill to name a few). I got back to the lobby around 2:55p and one of the barmen came out to announce to the doorman that they were not going to open at 3. No explanation was given but the information was passed along to me that it wasn't going to happen and they were unsure of when they would open but I could either wait or go. They didn't seem all that concerned about trying to keep me around and I got the sense that they would be happy if I left so that they didn't feel pressured. I decided to wait. I'm lucky that I did. Within 15 min, they decided that they could open after all and I was invited in as the first person on the list. They only allow you to sit at a table and all drinks are made table side which is part of their schtick. One turn-off happened when I was seated. The barman told me that "you will not be allowed to remain at the table after 5pm". It might have been the way he said it or it might have been me being overly sensitive because I was in the place as a single taking up a table for 2 but it came across as somehow he thought I was not worthy of taking up a table by myself. I got over it when I noticed he was saying the same thing to every party he sat. I suspect that all of this is because they need to prevent people from hanging out for hours on end but if that is the case, then say it or post it. But at least explain why. Otherwise it felt like he was either singling me out or they are unwelcoming and annoyed at having you in their bar. Other than that rocky start, I loved the proper British feel of the place. Very bespoke, library quiet, and smelled of historic royalty. But the drinks are the thing here and the menu is moderately large with housemade drinks and many individual rarer spirits and wines available on their own. Of course, I had to order a Vesper Martini since that is their thing and it was an impressive table side preparation with the barman explaining all of the things going into making it. Most impressive are the bottles of ultra-premium spirits kept nearly frozen so watching him pour a nearly gelatinous liquid into the glass in a quiet room while completely focused on making you a drink is kind of mesmerizing. As cool as that experience is, you will pay for it accordingly. The drink was a somewhat diminutive sized martini glass, filled to the brim. And yes, there is something to be said for it being made with premium liquor and hand made in front of your table off a cart. But it was also the most expensive cocktail I have ever paid for at £25 or almost $30 USD! Unless it is being made by an endangered Panda from spirits distilled by a blind monk in a secret monastery carved out of an inaccessible mountain, I can't say it was really worth the price. Was it good, yes, absolutely. Was the setting cool, yes. Would I do it again, no probably not unless I was taking someone else there to show them the place. For the money, once is enough. I'm glad I did it but I'm also just as happy to drink with the commoners down the street in a blue collar pub and go home with a few quid left in my pocket afterwards! So check this place out if you are a Bond fan, a Vesper fan, a Fleming fan, bored around 2:30p in London near St. James's Park, or so wealthy that you don't know how to spend your money fast enough. It is fun to say I've done it. Once. read more

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Many years ago, after enjoying myself at JJ Fox Cigars around the corner, I searched Yelp for a nearby bar. This one popped right up and it was practically around the corner! I came in and was immediately impressed by the intimate environment: small, cozy nooks surrounding a large fireplace and a VERY well-stocked bar. I learned that this was the very bar Ian Fleming would frequent, and that the Martini was the way to go! I ordered one without hesitation and it was poured ... not stirred or shaken, which must've been Fleming's inside joke regarding James Bond's preference! Well, I had three, and I might as well have had twenty ... THAT's how strong these are! And they *do* cut you off at three, thankfully! The years have moved on and the bar now features a fantastic cigar selection to be savored in the courtyard in the center of Dukes Hotel. But the quality of everything has remained steadfastly spectacular from the staff to the drink selections. Now Dukes Bar is an essential part of every visit I make to London. I'm sure you'll soon make it yours, too! read more

Dukes Bar - Cigars under the stars in the courtyard! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

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We stopped in for a post dinner drink. Great service and unique very well made drinks made at your table. There is a dress code and it's not a place to consider if the intent is to have loud conversations as the place is small and quaint. read more

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Delicious cocktails fun experience! We had 24 hours in London and tried to go to as many great spots as we could based on recommendations and reviews. This spot hit the mark! You should dress up a little to go here it's worth it. Service was top notch, we were seated right away and treated very to well! read more

The quintessential martini experience with a skilled and knowledgeable staff. Chilled bottles, chilled glasses, all served from a bar cart with a little bit of show. No shaking here. Just the ebb and flow of conversation. Vesper is a must read more

I brought a new suit for this place, because I was told dress code is strictly enforce. However, that was not the case. Very disappointing... Let's please keep it classy Dukes. Everything else were great. read more

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Show up early and be patient. Wear a proper dinner jacket, bespoke collared shirt and leave those lame Cole Haan sneakers for trade shows. Get the Dukes Martini and then the Vesper. "Once you've tasted it, that's all you want." Leave drunk. Take some selfies outside. read more

The birth place of the Vesper Martini and a must visit for all Ian Flemming fans. All drinks prepared table side at the very few available tables with priority given to guests sating at Dukes Hotel. There are no off nights with Sundays being closed. If $30-$40 per drink makes you nervous make your way to another classic The American Bar in the Stafford Hotel just steps away. read more

Just one work Classy! The drinks were nothing less than what I expected! The hotel the bar is located in, so is very beautiful. The Bar is small and classic. However, the drinks: dukes vesper and vodka martini were delicious. read more

They don't want black people visiting their establishment. Don't waste your time. Rude staff and very unpleasant and unprofessional. We arrived at 10:10 pm and they told us they can't serve us because it is after 10pm. No indication of this listed on their hours, it states that they close at 11pm. We then were yelled at for trying to get an Uber. The rude bar tender said get off your phone!! No phones allowed. No indication of this either. As a black American I don't recommend this dump. read more

Walked into Duke's around 5:30 pm in the hopes of getting a cocktail before heading to a private event at the National Gallery. There was plenty of available seating yet the host said the seating is for hotel guests and they are fully booked till then. I asked if I could make a res for the following evening and he said " no-same thing tomorrow - hotel guests." Why doesn't Duke's make that clear on website??? Other people walked in and were met with same somewhat dismissive attitude. I decided to take my business to another nicer bar in the area. Will not return. I'm guessing their$25 - $30 vesper is Nita's good the Ritz! read more

Brief experience at Duke's left an unpleasant aftertaste. When expectations do not match the experience it generally results in poor customer experience. This Bar inappropriately markets itself for the general public; but it is almost exclusively for hotel guests. My wife and I planned for a visit, expecting to wait for a table. But, we were rebuffed, not nastily, but with nothing more than basic civility. No suggestions for another time, no empathy, no alternatives. Just the explanation that all the 5 or more empty tables were for hotel guests. The bar has been shown as have thoughtful guest forward management - it does not. We were able to find superior service and atmosphere just around the corner at the Ritz. read more

Drink portions were too small, beer was warm and prices were high. Service was ok but surly when asked about drinks. Won't be back again.

Yelp, your app is advertising this business as located at 27 Old Compton Rd. This is incorrect. Beyond this error being a huge inconvenience, it is also an enormous disservice to a very reputable business establishment. Despite your misdirection we were able to find the actual location and enjoy a fabulous afternoon. read more

I went here with my girlfriend on my 30th birthday, and is still today the best evening in my entire life. I have seen luxurious and classy joints in different countries, but nothing comes close to what I felt while visiting Dukes. This is authentic and the real deal. This bar has true class, and is not shallow and fancy like other pricey establishments. This is where the Dry Martini was invented (ok, maybe not invented). I can almost see Ian Flemming sitter by a table here thinking about who James Bond is supposed to fight next, sipping the Vesper Martini of his own creation. Never have a experienced such professional staff and service and I talk about my evening here to my friend to this date. Do keep in mind the dresscode! I also strongly recommend the garden and to enjoy one of their cigars there. You will not be disappointed. read more

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Wonderful experience for an American visiting London! It truly is an experience. The presentation is beautiful and the atmosphere is cozy.

The first thing you should know about this bar is that it's uber pretentious ... and I don't say that because they don't allow athletic shoes or t-shirts, because I consider that a good thing. I once saw a 27 year old (ish) stop his friend before entering to tuck in his shirt which is sadly not something you are used to seeing at even fancy restaurants these days. I love the fact that you can't get into the bar looking like you just came from mowing your lawn. However, know that a table here is hard to get. If you aren't staying at the hotel or a regular, even if you are dressed to the 9's, if you come at a busy time, you'd have a better chance of heading to Kensington Palace and jumping in a pickup game of croquet with HRM than sitting down for a Vesper at this bar. Sometimes even when there are a couple open tables, you are told to wait in the lobby of the hotel until someone comes out in a half hour and says, "Okay ... now we are ready for you." and seats you at one of the tables that was open when you first walked in. There are three rooms ... a main little sitting room, a side sitting room and a back room behind the bar. Obviously, the more 'frontal' a room is ... the better your experience will be. There have been a long history of prissy Italian men who are in charge of this bar ... and though their eyes are captious indeed (not a single crisp white tuxedo blazer of the wait staff will be stained or creased at any point during your visit) when it comes to attention to detail ... they also get quite full of themselves in a 'no soup for you!' sort of way. The wait staff who seat you and make the drinks are all young Italian men in their early 20s. All of them are rail thin, dressed immaculately and polite with a slight tinge of arrogant machismo. The manager of the bar is an older rail thin immaculately dressed gentleman who glides through the room with his nose in the air waiting to be thanked for allowing you to be served a drink in these tiny rooms decorated like an English clubhouse. The Dukes Hotel is 'sort of' considered a 5 Star hotel ... maybe gliding by on the fact it always was. But compared to the Ritz, Savoy, Connaght or Dorchester it's very lacking in luxury and pomp ... outside of this bar. When you walk into the bar, you'll pass a cheap looking plastic framed and matted photo of Sean Connery as James Bond. This bar was after all supposedly where Ian Fleming came to suck down Martinis and write the famous pages of his secret agent creation, Bond ... James Bond. The Martinis here are thus famous ... including Fleming's creation from Casino Royal, the original Bond martini named The Vesper. The bar has since changed the recipe to include orange instead of lemon and instead of using a cheap gin and vodka, they use pretty good stuff. The secret of the Martinis here are they are not shaken with ice, thus diluting the spirits. The bottles are wheeled out to the tables on a cart covered in frosty ice because they are kept chilled in a freezer at a consistent lightly syrupy temperature. The result is a 3-ingredient martini with a slight orange peel garnish which will blow the doors off just about any other you'll try. Italians are known for simplicity in their cooking and the same is true with martinis or cocktails. No extra ingredients ... no hickory smoke infusion, foam made from hazelnut cream or for crying out loud bacon wrapped/stuffed anything. No shtick ... just a solid, handmade cocktail. So strong are the cocktails here that there is a strict limit of two. We saw a giant bearded Texan denied a third Martini. (props to the bar ... each Martini costs around $30 after the gbp conversion!) however one of the waiters acquiesced and offered the gentleman a Bloody Mary drink if he wanted a third. I will say, the first time I came here, one martini gave me a very comfortable buzz which had me floating out the door much, much happier than when I had come in. The second time I came here was after a lunch and maybe counter effected the alcohol's effects as I felt mildly buzzed but not carefree, like the first time. Certainly it's worth it to come for a drink or two. There is no pressure to constantly gulp down one's drink the way there is at other places and though small, the martinis pack quite a punch. Well worth the cost of the buzz, I'd say. If you can deal with the haughty attitude and possibly having to wait for an empty table to open, this is probably one of my favorite spots in London to get a martini ... maybe it's just the history but I've had martinis all over the world and these taste the best. read more

If you like uptight staff, this is the place for you. Personally, I don't. I do not recommend. They don't have a monopoly on good gin anyway. read more

Pleasant and relaxing. The drinks are nice, but won't blow your socks off. I did not find it as exciting as other reviewers here when compared to other lounges in London or the world, but it was certainly an enjoyable experience. read more

Dukes Bar - Rob Roy at Dukes, London. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Legendary. Returned with my wife this time and was able to get seated (we went early). How can you beat the vesper martini? You can't really. Other reviews mention the vibe or pretentiousness and there certainly is that. Fortunately it helps to not dilute what is simply a great place for a cocktail. Can't wait for the next time. read more

Have been going for years, but couldn't get a table this time. There were several tables empty, but we were told to wait in the lobby with a few other couples hoping to get a much coveted seat. After 45 minutes and no acknowledgement from the staff, we left. You cannot reserve a table unless you are a guest of the hotel. The night before we were turned away because we had walking shoes (sneakers) on. Now that it is listed in most of the London travel guidebooks, it has become too popular and the staff have become rather blaze about assisting you. read more

Take away all of the Ian Flemming and Bond lure and what you have is arguably the best martini I've ever had. Dukes is not a place if you are in hurry for a quick drink before dinner or show. Reservations for non-hotel guests are not available and seating is limited. Think the Ritz but more discrete. The maitre'd is an acquired taste, but his managing is impeccable and once you are seated he is quite lovely. The ambience takes you back to a more civilized time without distractions (there is little to no cell service) where good conversation rules the table. You get what you pay for and while the prices are high, the martinis are perfect with a nice little snack to accompany them. I ordered the Tanaka, the orange adding a nice light balance of fruit and bitter. The limit is two martinis per person but that's all you'll need to keep it civil. All and all, if you are a martini connoisseur and Bond fan, you will kick yourself for not going. read more

Best Gin Martini in the world, hands down! One of my favorite spots every time I am in London.

Lets not be hypnotized by the great vibe and feel of the bar. The Vodka Martini's here are really not that great. They are using some strange brand of Polish vodka that tastes like paint thinner. The Barman brings out the cart and does a great presentation as he crafts the drinks but a 20 pounds each these things should be stellar especially if they hang there hat on being a great Martini bar. The bar is great but they really need to up their game and use a to level vodka and get some glasses that don't look like they came from Ikea. read more

We went here for a vesper and it did not disappoint. 'Had to wait a bit to be seated (hotel guests get priority), but we were still treated very warmly by the charming manager. The setting is cozy and old school--you sit in velvet club chairs and the server wheels a bar cart up to your table and carefully prepares a delicious, ice-cold martini for you. The cocktails ain't cheap, but the price is absolutely worth the experience and setting. Good bar snacks too. read more

With a doubt the best prepared, crafted and tasting martinis with wide selection. Must do for cocktails in London.