The Blurb
Upon arrival, my guest and I were greeted by the General Manager, Andrew Pike, who provided us with a brief history of The Milestone Hotel and The Stables Bar. The hotel once belonged to a series of aristocratic homes from the 17th century before undergoing its transformation into The Milestone Hotel in the early 1920s. Notably, The Stables Bar itself used to be a stable for horses and still incorporates elements of its original stable structure.
Later, we were introduced to the award-winning Mixologist and Bar Manager, Angelo Lo Greco. Born and raised in Sicily, Angelo has been living in London for ten years and has been with The Stables Bar since 2015.
The Style
The Stables Bar exudes a charming and sophisticated ambience. The space is cosy and intimate, offering a blend of classic elegance and contemporary comfort that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bar’s architecture retains elements of its 17th-century origins, providing a timeless backdrop to the experience.
The Drinks
Presented in a coupe-style glass, my first elixir, Keffir Southside, took me through an exploration of flavours. The Keffir-infused Broken Clock awakened my taste buds with its fruity and floral notes, while the lime, sugar and mint added just the right amount of sweetness and freshness I enjoy in a cocktail. Keffir Southside was a splendid opening act setting the scene for a tasteful evening ahead.
Beverage number two, Wild & Free. A fruity and spicy cocktail levelled out with the tartness from the lemons but also offering a secret ingredient of egg whites. The fluffiness from the egg whites formed a cloud-like foam on top of the drink. After a few sips, I felt as if I was drinking a liquid meringue. Would I order this drink again on a night out? Probably not, for the simple fact that I do not like meringue.
Two drinks in and I was already feeling merry. Luckily, the courteous team looking after us at The Stables Bar had a wonderful selection of finger foods for us to choose from. The tuna and beef tartare and pomegranate rocket salad kept us full before we commenced our third round.
Some may suggest that I have taken an unconscious liking to Broken Clock Vodka. Well, no need to suggest, it is very much a fact. Tipple number 3 was titled Rocking Horse and lived up to every bit of its name. The ingredients profile used to create this cocktail included passionfruit, lemon, ginger beer and yes, you guessed it, Broken Clock Vodka. This cocktail was very fulfilling. Multilayered with fruity, herby, and spicy notes complimented by the sweetness of the passionfruit and a slight kick to finish with the lemon. I thoroughly enjoyed this cocktail and would definitely order it again.
I concluded the evening with my fourth and final libation, a Crystal Margarita, mixed with El Recuerdo Mezcal, eucalyptus, lime acid and vetiver. The distinctive smoky flavour of the Mezcal, paired with the aromatic scent of eucalyptus took this cocktail to the next level. By far my favourite and would happily recommend to anyone with a bold, explorative pallet.
After thanking Angelo and his team for their outstanding service, I inquired about his talent and early passion for mixing. “As a child, I would combine my mum’s expensive perfumes to create my own scents. That’s when I realised I had a genuine love for creating.” – Angelo Lo Greco
In a Nutshell
For those who often visit the Kensington area or are seeking a new, cosy place to enjoy some cocktails, I highly recommend The Stables Bar, which serves expertly crafted cocktails with a theatrical presentation.
The Details
The Stables Bar is located at The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DL
