3 Cromwell

Bar/Kitchen
South Kensington

March 2013 saw the launch of hip new hideout 3 Cromwell Road, a three storey Georgian townhouse proudly overlooking the grounds of the Natural History Museum in South Kensington.

The new bar/restaurant/club prides itself on a lively history (it was the first London venue in which Jimi Hendrix played a live performance, and has been a regular hangout for numerous A list celebrities over the past sixty years), but having been accustomed to the bright lights of London for many years, we weren’t concerned with all that nonsense. We wanted to know if this was a place where we would like to hang out, so on opening night, we headed down for a sneaky peek.

In simple terms, we were wowed. The vibe of the venue, even before we had walked in the front door was that of cool, edgy style – combining glamour with sophistication without seeming like it was trying too hard to impress. High ceilings are lit with an assortment of  chandeliers - both modern and traditional, large mirrors shield the tall walls - some with the etchings of neon handwritten quotes scrawled across the glass (almost as if an impatient lover has marked their presence), and racy pop-culture inspired paintings overlook a combination of modern and vintage furniture stitched with deep shades of suave-looking velvets and thick leathers. This was a place we definitely wanted to spend our time in.

3 Cromwell (which can house a sizeable capacity of up to 300 people) is divided into three key areas; The Back Room: the downstairs cocktail bar regularly showcasing a mix of DJs and live performances and boasting a courtyard and garden to the rear; The Drawing Room: the first floor restaurant where mixologists prepare drinks from an impressive cocktail list and staff can be found sporting tweed and flat caps, serving steak frites with a choice of salads and dressings; and The Basement: the downstairs club featuring graffitied wallpaper, dance podiums and padded walls, where DJs perform each night and is available for private hire.

This remarkable venue is a place where your pocket change won’t go very far, but if you are in the mood for some high-calibre cocktails, simple food and sophisticated backdrop, we highly recommend 3 Cromwell .

3 Cromwell Road, SW7 2HR

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