That’s the coffee stop and food sorted, but what about the most important part? Yes, it’s true that Fashion Week is awash with free booze (why do you think all the reviews are so good?!), but it’s also a sad fact that not every drink you consume will be a complimentary one. And anyway, sometimes you fancy something a little stronger than a glass of bubbly… Here’s our top 3 pubs and bars in South Ken – all stumbling distance from the tents!
Hoop and Toy
34 Thurloe Place, SW7 2HQ
It’s not glamorous (boy, it really, really isn’t glamorous) but it is the nearest pub to the tents -- and that’s a scientific fact, I’ve stumbled it myself. If you just want a good old fashioned pint, an honestly priced (read: cheap) burger, and somewhere to bitch about that woman with the kids on the front row, safe in the knowledge that there will be absolutely no fashion folk around; the Hoop and Toy is your place. Distinctly fashion-free, but maybe that’s why we love it.
Janet’s Bar
30 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3DL
From the kitschy sign, to its location above a Mexican restaurant, Janet’s sure isn’t your run of the mill fashion joint. The bar is decked out in all manner of lovingly amassed tat -- fairy lights, vintage neon signs, a mirror made of sunglasses -- but it’s the tat that makes the place.
A staggering array of spirits, cocktails and beer, this tiny bar is a real neighbourhood joint. The slightly steep prices are the only clue that you’re not in downtown Manhattan -- guaranteed good times, with refreshingly non-pretentious staff, and off-duty models galore.
Zetland Arms
2 Bute Street, SW7 3EX
Got international buyers to amuse? Out of towner wanting to immerse yourself in local life? The Zetland Arms might just be the answer to your prayers. A suitably traditional London pub, complete with hanging baskets, leather armchairs and beer-soaked carpet. Really great gastro-pub food, good selection of wine and beers, and super friendly staff. The perfect place for your quintessential British pub experience, but smartened up to a suitably South Kensington standard. Fun fact to impress/bore your friends; the Zetland was once owned by Charlie Chaplin’s brother. Fact-tastic!
Rachael Gibson
