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Hours
Mon
3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tue
3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wed
3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thu
3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Fri
3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sat
3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
Meals
Late Night, Drinks
FEATURES
Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Is this restaurant romantic?
Details
About
The DUKES Bar martinis are legendary and as quoted by the New York Times, ‘one of the world’s best.’ If the walls of this intimate space could tell a thousand stories… Every Martini or personalised cocktail served at the internationally acclaimed bar is an occasion, with our world class bartender team at the helm. Whether visiting for the first time or more, a special rendezvous with friends, a romantic meeting with a lover or a relaxing moment after a meeting, DUKES Bar provides the setting for an unforgettable experience. From here, retire to the Drawing Room or the Cognac and Cigar Garden for the final finesse of a perfect Mayfair evening. The DUKES Bar team look forward to welcoming you for your very own DUKES Martini Experience on your next visit.
Meals
Late Night, Drinks
FEATURES
Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
526 reviews
Excellent
359
Very good
81
Average
23
Poor
22
Terrible
41
jimgthornton
Edingley580 contributions
Mar 2022 • couples
Ian Fleming may have thought up the Vesper martini - vodka, gin & Kina Lilet vermouth, "shaken not stirred" - in this very bar. Earlier in the day we had seen "The Duke" (Jim Broadbent & Helen Mirren), had popped into the National Gallery to see the Goya painting of the Duke of Wellington that had been nicked in the film, & finished our "day of Dukes" here. The famous martini was superb. All ingredients seriously cold, big pours, & a massive twist of orange peel. Sue had something else equally large & good. Couldn't afford a second, but no matter. We were already legless. Highly recommended.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pedtravel
Düsseldorf662 contributions
Aug 2023 • solo
I saw the bar by Phill Netflix tour and was curious to visit this London good old days bar for the one and only vesper martini ! A rainy day arrives hotel entry with gentle greeting enter the Bar left side and asking for a seat got a cosy nice corner one and the barkeeper roll and prepare the vesper !very surprising taste and I have to say it makes my rwdt of the day very relaxing ! Thanks, Dukes team and Sir Fleming!
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart W
Leicestershire87 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
Whilst staying at Dukes Hotel, we popped in for pre-dinner cocktails on 2 separate occasions. The bar is in keeping with the rest of the hotel and sticks with its traditions impeccably. The staff are formally dressed in white and work efficiently throughout the 3 areas of Dukes Bar. If you select a Martini from the extensive menu, as I did, it is prepared at your table in a way that Dukes Bar only know how to make it an enjoyable experience. This bar is very popular so I would suggest that you reserve a table!
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denton Hurst
London6 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
Joined work colleagues for the famous Duke's Martinis there last week. What used to be an elegant and cozy corner of St James's is now akin to dining in an NHS cafeteria. There are taped arrows everywhere on the floor across the lobby, no doorman present to greet or help. Upon arrival immediately shouted at to put a mask on before crossing the lobby. Disconcerting to say the least. Once a table had been secured, paper copies of track and trace form presented in a classless manner with a Bic pen. Martinis no longer made at the table, harsh lighting, and waiters in very threatening black masks reduced what had previously been a convivial and enjoyable experience into something that was simply to be endured. Given the price point, (our tab was over 200GBP) Sadly, I would avoid this hideous and classless charade at all costs. My sympathies for the bar staff forced to work under such gruesome conditions. In a word, AVOID.
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vindhler
Scottish Borders7 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
Very disappointed. We decided to sample the bar following the review on “Everybody Feed Phil” food critic TVShow. I appreciate we didn’t pre-book but initially, after being told by a junior member of staff they had no immediate availability and that we would have to wait, Alessandro stepped in and found a table for us that was marked “reserved.” He made a joke about the misunderstanding and we were made to feel very welcome. We were seated in the corner of a quite cramped room and handed the menu. We chose what was supposed to be the legendary dry martini which was really quite unpleasant to drink. I have enjoyed gin elsewhere at a fraction of the price, much more. I would never return, which is more than I can say for many bars I have visited in my time. I walked away feeling deflated. £50 for 2 x gin martinis in a cramped room, served by an inexperienced barman. Sadly it did not do justice to the James Bond’s IanFleming connection. You judge whether you feel it is money well spent but I will never go again. VP Scotland.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trail595699
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • couples
Only go to this bar if you want to feel like a second class citizen. We enquired about a table and were advised to wait in the lobby where who I presume the lead bar man looked us up and down and advised us to leave. Being completely honest the bar looked dated and had no atmosphere whatsoever. Very stuck up. Plenty of fun bars in London where you will not be judged by an old fashioned, unpleasant man.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Metropole
London21 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
The unpleasant arrogance of the bar manager has gone too far.
We were told by Reception that there were 3 empty tables and the wait time would be less than 5 minutes.
20 minutes of waiting later, we said we would leave. The Reception Manager took on the bar manager, pointed out the empty tables. Grudgingly the bar manager gave us one.
But then he got his revenge by refusing to serve us. For another 20 minutes we waited whilst he pointedly turned his back to us. We spoke again to Reception and told them we were giving up. We went next door to the Stafford and had a brilliant evening.
I’ve been going to Duke’s for 28 years. But no more. I am sure that there enough tourists to keep Duke’s Bar full, but the locals are going elsewhere. God. I miss Gilberto!
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alberto Cambus
Dear valued guest
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback on Trip Advisor, we are truly saddened to read your review following your recent visit at the bar.
We always strive to make our guest feel welcomed and comfortable, clearly with little success on this occasion, and we are more than sorry for that.
Having investigated this particular instance, we would also like to apologize for failing in communicating the appropriate waiting time.
We really do hope that this was just one-off unfortunate episode in 28 years of loyalty and we would love to have the opportunity to recover during your next visit.
my kindest regards
Alberto Cambus
Written May 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kate J
London7 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
Fondest memories of this place as I got engaged here - a recent visit left me astounded- the rudest service . We ended up leaving - there is no reason to make customers waiting with no time frame when there are plenty of tables available. What gives ?
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henry B
Harrogate21 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
We arrived early. We arrived before anyone else was waiting to get into Dukes bar opened at 15:00. From 14:40 were guided to a table to wait. Three members of staff told us that we could be seated and we were first in the queue. We specifically asked "is there a quering system" and we were assured we would be all fine and we were first here. The queue from the front of the door to Dukes bar built up. We spoke to a further member of staff who acknowledged we had been their for the longest time and they would get us a table and everything would be fine and dandy.
The lobby begins to fill at 5 to 3.
15:00 comes.
The doors open, the public flood in. We leisurely get up from our table in the foyer to be told they are all completely full.
The staff members who told us we would have a table had fled.
No-one would take ownership.
The bar staff didn't care and just shrugged until we left.
Absolute travesty of customer service.
Written October 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann
Stockholm2 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
TOO POSH FOR IT’S OWN GOD!
On March 31, 2023, we went to Dukes bar. My husband wanted to treat me, his wife, and his young son 25 to a nice Dry Martini. It was full and we were guided to the reception to wait for a table. Other people were also waiting there. I can assure you, we all looked decent. In charge was an upstaged man with a white jacket. He made frequent visits to scrutinize us all. My son was wearing designer jeans and took off his jacket while waiting. The white jacketed man went straight for my son. He leaned down a fraction and declared in a voice that was more than audible to everyone ” IF you get a table, you cant’nt go in like that!” It was the rudest, most impolite dress-code-order I’ve ever heard! If this man had adressed my husband, I’m sure he would have said something like :”I’m sorry Sir but it is my duty to inform you that you need to put your jacket on when entering the bar”. This is indred not the place where this rudeness should occur ! ”No Riff Raff!”, Basil Fawlty wrote in his advertisment for the Gourmet Evening at Fawlty Towers. Dont go to Dukes bar unless you are prepaired to be insulted by his little brother.
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Turner S
1502 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
They don’t do reservations unless you are staying at the hotel. Guests make reservations which means space is limited in prime time. It opens at 3pm, so if you get there before 5pm you have a good chance at being seated immediately. If not, you will wait in the lobby for possibly an hour. We arrived at 530pm and waited an hour. We passed the time talking to the other people waiting, all of whom were long time customers. Almost as much fun as the bar. When you get a seat, enjoy yourself. The drinks are great. The martini is legendary. It’s fun. The negative reviews come from people shocked at having to wait. Don’t be surprised by that, be patient, and enjoy. One pro tip, the doorman can predict wait times better than the bar staff. Bar told us 30 mins, door man said 45-60mins. The doorman was right.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick G
Maldon390 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
We met some friends in London and wanted to treat them to the real, traditional cocktail experience. We had been before, this time I phoned to see if we could reserve a table as I know it is popular, however it is first come, first served.
We arrived, found some tables were reserved but on enquiry found that reservations were only for hotel residents. Not a problem, understood and we sat in the hotel lobby to wait for possibly a good while.
However the senior bar manager came over and advised we could have a seat immediately but would have to vacate in around 45 minutes due to a reservation.
Great .. we were sat down, ordered our cocktails and let our friends indulge in their new experience !
The only disappointment was we couldn’t stay longer to sample another, different cocktail ... but we always try to pop in when we’re in London, so we will be back!
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stafford M
Paris2 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
Duke’s opens at 3 pm. Be there by 2:45 because there is limited seating in the lounge and there are often a lot of people queued to enter. While known for their martinis other cocktails are available. The martinis are a full glass of gin or vodka with a twist of lemon and made from a cart right at your table. May break the bank but worth it.
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A S
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • solo
Sexist - I arrived on a Saturday in a designer sun dress & rain coat with my designer hand bag alone. In front of me was a male dressed in jeans. The host took down the single male’s name in front of me; & said it will be about an hour wait. Then me, a female executive, he didn’t even make eye contact with; & told me I had to come back at 8pm when it was less busy. Discrimination!
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt N
Annapolis4 contributions
May 2024 • couples
This is where James Bond was born. Absolutely worth the wait for the experience! Sophisticated and posh, we sat comfortably in our royal blue lounge chairs as our bartender took our orders and then wheeled out the bar cart with our requested ingredients. Our hefty martinis were explained and built to perfection in front of us. No shaking or stirring needed. The wife had the Vesper and I discovered my new favorite, the Dirty Vodka Martini made with Snow Queen Vodka(near impossible to find in the U.S.). Highly recommended if visiting London!
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Perennially fashionable since the days of Henry VIII, the aristocratic “Clubland” of St James's is a premier destination for high end craft and bespoke design. Here you’ll lose count of the Royal Warrants (which indicate that the Royal Family patronizes the establishment) seen in shop front windows, even during a short stroll to bordering Green Park or St James’s Park. With the brightly lit and constantly buzzing junction of Piccadilly Circus at its northeast corner and none of Central London too far away, this is an surprisingly central and accessible part of town, especially given its prosperous demeanor.
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