Janets Bar, South Kensington, London

Really good fun any night of the week and the prices are really reasonable for south kensington. This bar attracts people of all ages and backgrounds. What I particularly like about this bar is that everyone is treated the same whether they are a professional, student, celebrity or royalty. Everyone is made to feel welcome by employees and other customers alike and I never go home without making a couple of new friends! I’m a huge fan of the cocktails, particularly the White Russians. They also have a new selection of red wines which I highly recommend. My male friends are kept occupied by the large selctions of whiskeys and ‘male cocktails’ like the ‘Old Fashioned’ or Manhattan. The owner (Janet, of course!) is an ex-lawyer from New York and has a hilarious sense of humour and takes no nonsense! Would definitely recommend this place to anyone. My friends and I all work in the City so this place is perfect for being put in a good mood after a stressful day at work!

http://youtu.be/EJc3Aqp2o4U

Check out the 10 clips taken at Janet’s Bar NYE party, and see for yourself what a great fun bar this still is, 20 years on.

If you decide to try it out for the first time, having seen these videos, say to the barman, Sir Hughie’s you tube’s videos attracted me to visit the bar and to ask for two drinks for the price of one.

The £7 white wine I had last night was insipid and I was not shown the label as they poured it out of the bottle. What cheapo wine was it? I feel hard done by.

Dear Janet, try charging £4 a large glass and stock NZ and Australian whites, and I might buy another glass next time I visit to take pictures to help promote your bar until so many will return, until you have to turn guest away for being full every night. Going into an empty bar will not get returns, so passing trade are lost for good. To make the bar great again, you need return visits, to build up a community who are free to chat to each other.

Your staff may be letting you down.

Hugh Thompson

If you’re looking for a bar to recommend to someone you don’t like – where the staff are rude, the cocktails really don’t get much worse and prices are extortionate, this is your place.
I’ve travelled a decent amount, done my fair share of drinking and eating out in a fair few countries and I’ve never written a review online, but this place resulted in enough firsts that I figured it was time to pop that cherry too and share them.
* Before this, never had I been to a bar where the staff take payment before they’ve even checked if they have what you want, let alone making it.
* Before this, never had I been to a dive bar where the drink prices were so disproportionately high when compared to the surroundings, quality of service and quality of beverages – £4.75 for a 275ml bottle of kronenbourg (yes 275ml) and £10 for a mojito in a small tumbler which tasted like sweetened carbonated water and the lime wasn’t fresh to put it politely.
* Before this, never had I been approached by member of bar staff to ask if I knew there was a £3 minimum charge because I didn’t have a drink.
I had been there not 10 minutes and was stood chatting amongst 4 other friends who all had drinks and had another friend at the bar buying me a drink. When I told the bar maid the latter she replied “oh really, who?!” Left speechless I went to find my friend queueing at the bar to say “forget the drinks we’re leaving”. At that point I worked out why they take your money first.
When I first walked in to this place I was perplexed by the hundreds of photos plastered all over the walls of people having fun. It felt like a poor mans facebook photo collection, all too personal for a public space filled with strangers but “hey ho”, I thought “each to their own”. Now I see that like a person with a complex about the quality of their social life, this place has to prove people have a good time there. If they do it’s certainly not because of the service, prices, decor or quality of cocktails.
I can only assume the reason people come here is the same reason we did – it’s the only bar, within walking distance, open at that time. It’s full of tourists who are staying in a hotel nearby (of which there are many) and haven’t yet been in the wonderful city of London long enough to know better.

Really dreadful. That, unfortunately is the only way to describe this place. Hugely over priced, Janet is as mad as a bag of overly Botoxed frogs and will just randomly refuse to serve you. The overbearing owner unfortunately saps any possibility of atmosphere and enjoyment out of this postage stamp sized bar. It’s almost like the woman doesn’t want to make money. Ever heard of customer retention Janet ? It’s a wonderful thing – you should try it sometime!

Unfortunately this place has absolutely nothing going for it and it certainly has not earned the right to do that ‘surly staff’ thing that some trendy London clubs and pubs can afford to do. There are bars in London that really are ‘must experience’ places. This is certainly not one of them.

Mega-unfriendly and expensive for what it is (a tiny, unimpressive, rudely-staffed bar)... spend your money and enjoy doing so elsewhere!

DON'T GIVE IT A MISS.
Seriously, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for drinks in the area. As people below have mentioned, the atmosphere is great- chilled, quirky, really relaxed, and it's not trying to be anything it's not. The bar staff are experienced and always on hand to take your order or offer you free snacks. They don't keep you waiting around or twiddling your thumbs at the bar. It's bustling until late, because it closes long after all the other venues in South Ken. The crowd is always sparkling, enjoying the live music and delicious cocktails. The prices are good considering it's in such an upmarket area, and the quality is amazing too. I go there pretty much every weekend with my friends, and sometimes on a weeknight for a few drinks before Boujis. Overall, the standards of service, beverages, and entertainment is incomparable. I'd urge you to check it out and defy you not to enjoy every second of it!

This place is almost cool but proves to be more style than substance. Purporting to be a live music / cocktail bar, they manage to do neither very well with below-par musicians and REALLY bad drinks. It's also very expensive, even for this part of London.

Give it a miss.

Absolutely LOVE Janet's Bar. It's intimate, lively and brimming with character. Everything about the place from its drinks menus to the interior- walls covered with photographs of customers, magazine articles, posters, and other souvenirs from parties past- is personal and fun. The choice of drinks is extensive and all generously priced; you definitely get your money's worth with the colourful, delicious cocktails! There is also a selection of wine, beer, cider and soft drinks available. The crowd is varied too- a well-dressed but laid-back bunch, from stylish young people hanging out before going on to Boujis to those having a few drinks after work. There's live music too- different musicians playing popular covers at a reasonable volume so you don't have to yell to make yourself heard. It really sets Janet's Bar apart from other places I've been, both in and outside of South Kensington. Furthermore, it's open far longer.
The service is amazing, I'm always stunned! You never have to wait to have your order taken or your drinks served. My friends and I love sitting outside on the little terrace, but there are also places to sit inside at tables or at the bar. Last time I went, the bartenders were giving out free hot dogs and sandwiches and popcorn! If you're lucky you'll get to meet Janet herself who is always ready to make new acquaintances and have a chat or a drink with you. She's an energetic, quirky New Yorker with a great sense of humour.
I could go on, but in short I'll just say that I love this place. It's everything you could want in a bar, a definite breath of fresh air, a lovely little gem in the heart of South Kensington. I urge you to go there immediately.

The only positive thing about this place is its convenient location, a stone throw away from South Kensington tube. Aside from that, it has to be one of the worst places I've ever been to.

The small size of the place could have made for a very intimate and warm bar - perish the thought... Previous reviews describe the place as overpriced, I can only agree: £4.50 for a standard bottled beer feels like you're drinking in Kensington Roof Gardens, except you're not.

This could actually be survivable if it wasn't for the owner's attitude, that can only be described as "not particularly friendly" at the best of times. I have witnessed a bizarre situation, where Janet would actually tell customers to take a hike if they didn't have any money to spend (I can't actually use the swear word she employed at the time in this review). I suppose it sets things into context, you're only welcome here if you can make a significant contribution to Janet's business, eg by splashing out cash like there's no tomorrow.

The crowd itself can be described as a mix of wannabes who just inherited a significant amount of money, as well as middled aged women looking for a bit of attention. I guess both these categories of people don't mind too much the pricey drinks.

The guitar player who was there when I went is actually ok, but asking the audience for money when you just spent your mortgage on a round of drinks has got to be slightly pushing things.

In short, avoid at all costs.

If anything, the loyal regulars at Janet's Bar speak for themselves. Just like me, if you go there once you'll just keep going back! I had such a brilliant night the first time I accidentally stumbled upon this little gem of a place that it has been my favourite haunt ever since.

The interior is fun, unpretentious and personal. The walls are papered with photographs, articles and newspaper clippings featuring the bar or Janet herself, and other well-loved nick-knacks which all goes to show that it doesn't take itself too seriously and has been the backdrop of hundreds of great parties, from birthdays to public holidays to saints days. There's live music on every night from three different singers so you're pretty spoilt for choice.

The crowd is always lively and fashionable. It's the perfect place for an after-work drink, and has also recently become the preferred watering hole of twenty-somethings all dressed up to go to Boujis- the famous nightclub just over the road. Janet has started drinks deals on Boujis nights, like £3 shooters of a yummy vodka-liquor mixture.

She's also started some new offers recently, like the daytime coffee-and-muffin special for £2.50. The free popcorn and free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are perfect for when the munchies hit!

Janet herself is a real character. You'll know her the moment she comes in. She's a gregarious New Yorker and amazingly friendly- she's always willing to chat and get to know new faces at her bar.

Janet's Bar is definitely worth going to. The drinks are good value for the location, the atmosphere is buzzing, and there is never a dull moment.

I can only assume that the 4 & 5 star reviews of this place were written by people who are friends of the owner.

The bar itself is cute and quirky but the drinks are incredibly overpriced and are actually on par with 5 star hotels such as the Landmark in Marylebone.

Some reviewers have suggested that the drinks are 'shockingly cheap' for the area and that only intelligent people' who 'get it' should go. This is complete rubbish. I live in the area and there are far better options.

In my opinion this place is best left to pretentious kids with trust funds. I only gave it one star as qype won't let me give it a zero!!

To start, this bar does not deserve the one star that I had to give it. I just returned home after visiting this hole-in-the-wall bar with disgust. I went there on a misguided recommendation from my friend. The drinks are outrageously overpriced for such a revolting place, especially since it is the size of a postage stamp and decorated as an homage to the self-absorbed owner.

I will remember this place forever, not because of the drinks but because of how the owner Janet screamed at us as we left the bar because one of the four of us had not ordered a drink. Not only this, she also demanded that each person not drinking pay a 3 pound cover charge, a ridiculous price for a tiny bar in a run-down hotel.

As someone has previously stated, the drink prices are not posted. For legal purposes, I'm sure, Janet claims the prices are displayed behind the bar, but if this is even true, it must be on transparent paper behind the drinks. My drink was 9.50, crazy since it was mostly coke. Also, don't go here looking to get a beer. They have none on draft, and charge 4.50 for a miniscule beer.

I could go on about the musician demanding tips after his performance or the cramped and uncomfortable atmosphere, but I will spare those reading this. In short, this experience was one for the ages. I do not recommend going to this bar for a drink, but if you want a confrontation that will result in infinite entertainment I strongly suggest visiting this place, not ordering a drink, and talking to the hideous owner, Janet, while there.

Oh, and I would not recommend the "complimentary" food. The hot dogs she offers to guests are the ones sitting on the bar for hours, and the other hors d'oerves are hours old, unsanitary, and dried. And the "outdoor seating" she claims is available consists of 2 tables that can each seat 2 people maximum, just FYI.

Also, I would not recommend reading the 5 star reviews. They are undoubtedly written by Janet herself as they are dripping with self-absorption, much like the collagen In Janet's face.

came across Janet’s Bar by accident. This turned out great-my crew and I had an absolute blast.
We did not find it expensive. In fact, we thought it reasonable for the area and for what you get. There is no cover charge (unless you choose to pay it instead of purchasing a drink).
We met really friendly staff- a Brazilian who makes great capairinhas and a gorgeous man who was on his gap year and very chatty.
We now go to Janet’s before we go clubbing-great place to meet and sometimes we decide to stay at Janet’s instead of going clubbing because we are having so much fun.

Drinks prices are stunningly expensive - expect to pay double South Kensington prices for drinks in a plastic glass. There is music.. with a £3 cover charge. If even one of your party isn’t drinking you will all be asked to leave.

A very unfriendly place, not surprising that its often quite empty.

Great fan of Janet’s Bar.!
Original! Cool! But only go there if you are intelligent enough to “get it!”
Packed with characters. Lots of banter.

We had a fab spontaneous party on Easter weekend. Lots of friends from school and uni. Janet even provided Easter sweeties and a free birthday cocktail!
Excellent live music and VERY COOL cd’s from well known American hip hop singers and rock bands..WE LOVE THIS BAR MORE AND MORE!!!!
Definitely worth paying a little extra for this special treasure of a bar!

It’s been said so I won’t harp on about it, but Janet’s would be one of those unique little places that you’d love to have as a secret place to go to - that you couldn’t help but tell your friends about - if it weren’t for the crazy prices. And judging from other reviews, they would have made a lot less money out of all of us if they’d just scooched the prices down a bit - and we’d all undoubtedly be returning customers. But alas it’s now somewhere I probably would not go back to.

Its quirkiness lies in the fact that it looks like it was decorated by an 80 year-old granny with an affinity for fluff. It’s marinading in uber-kitsch decor which gives it some charm but alas, charm doesn’t cover the drinks bill…

I used to love going to Janet’s Bar because the regulars get to know each other and provide community that you don’t usually find in London cocktail bars. However, the prices are a bit much. I prefer my local now instead. For example, when you order a vodka + red bull, you don’t even get the whole can. That’s tight. Apart from that, the kitsch decor and photos and bar reviews everywhere make it unique and the musicians are pretty good, too. Usually I’d give 4 stars but I took away 1 for the prices.

When we first stumbled on this place I thought we might have found a cracking little gem of a bar that would go straight in my little black book… and if you’re not paying for the drinks then that’s exactly what you get at Janet’s, however they mug themselves when it comes to drink prices.

I know we’re in monied South Kensington here, but nearly a fiver for a bottle of beer?! Sorry, but you need to be wearing a mask and striped jumper to get that off me, free hotdogs or no free hotdogs.

Janet’s Bar is small, fun, and oddball. I really like the atmosphere in this sort of place: wacky, cluttered, doesn’t take itself seriously, small. The walls are covered with news items about the place, funny pictures, fuzzy animals, etc. It’s friendly in a cheeky sort of way (Janet offered us complimentary hot dogs with our drinks!). They’ve only got one or two bottles of beer available, but lots of wine and dozens of cocktails. Fun.

However: I can’t believe the prices. I know this is a pricey part of town, but £4.50 for a 330ml beer? £9 for a very ordinary cocktail? You’re having a laugh. It’s a real shame, because this is the sort of place I’d like to hang out in.