The New York Bar — The Rubens at The Palace
A polished hotel lounge opposite Buckingham Palace — handcrafted cocktails, tasting events and piano-accompanied afternoons in plush, traditional surroundings.
Set within The Rubens at The Palace opposite Buckingham Palace, The New York Bar is a plush, classic lounge-style cocktail bar serving handcrafted cocktails, afternoon tea, small plates and tasting experiences in a red-velvet, piano-accompanied setting. Its polished dark-wood interior, resident pianist and curated drinks list make it a refined stop for pre-theatre drinks, intimate dates or a relaxed evening in central London.
A brief summary to The New York Bar
- 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London, SW1W 0PS, GB
- +442078346600
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
- Friday 8 am-11 pm
- Saturday 8 am-11 pm
- Sunday 8 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Reservations are recommended for early evening and weekend times to secure seating; ask about tasting packages when booking.
- Try the bar’s tasting experiences (whisky or gin flights) for a guided sampling; these are usually arranged by staff and often paired with small plates.
- If you prefer a quieter visit, aim for mid-afternoon cream tea service when the room is brighter and less busy.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The New York Bar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The New York Bar
A storied lounge beside royal sights
The New York Bar occupies an interior space of The Rubens at The Palace, where ornate woodwork, low lighting and upholstered seating combine to create a traditional hotel-bar atmosphere. The room’s palette leans to deep reds and warm browns; mahogany fittings, brass detailing and leather or velvet chairs frame small tables that invite lingering conversation. A grand piano often supplies soft live music, giving the room a gently theatrical air that complements the bar’s location opposite one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.Drinks, theatrical service and tasting events
The bar’s focus is on expertly mixed cocktails alongside curated tasting experiences: whiskey flights, gin sampling and occasional champagne rituals such as sabrage feature on the events calendar. Classic cocktails appear alongside contemporary creations and occasional off-menu theatrical presentations—think served-in-shape glassware or tableside mixing—and a concise wine list supports the menu. Beverage presentation is a considered part of the experience, with attention to glassware, garnishes and temperature.Small plates, cream tea and seasonal offerings
Food at The New York Bar is designed to accompany drinks rather than replace a full meal. Expect a menu of small plates and indulgent snacks—crispy bites, sliders, sandwiches and comfort-led dishes—plus a traditional cream tea service during daytime hours. Menus shift with the seasons and special experiences appear periodically: tasting packages and paired small-plate combinations are presented as event-style options for groups or couples.Character and atmosphere
The bar balances old-world refinement with approachable hospitality: the lighting and acoustic level favour intimate conversation, while leather and velvet seating creates a cosy enclosure from the bustle outside. Background piano and discreet service lend the room a relaxed, slightly formal rhythm—well suited to quiet afternoons, pre-theatre gatherings and evening drinks. The design choices emphasise comfort and tradition rather than minimalist trendiness.Notable touches and sensory details
On arrival you’ll notice a warm scent of polished wood and citrus oils from freshly zested cocktails. The clink of ice, the quiet flourish of a napkin and the timed swell of piano chords punctuate the soundscape. Presentation details—a swan-shaped glass for a signature serve or a sabrage demonstration—add moments of surprise that guests often remember. Natural light softens the space during the day, while after dusk the room glows under lamps and recessed fittings.Why visitors linger here
The New York Bar functions as an urban respite: close to major central attractions yet sufficiently removed by its interior styling to feel private. It offers a versatile program—daytime cream tea and coffee, early-evening cocktails and later tasting events—so it works across several occasions. Whether you come for a carefully crafted Negroni, a whiskey tasting flight or a relaxed cream tea beside live piano, the bar presents a consistent, refined hospitality that emphasises drink craftsmanship and a comfortable, hotel-lounge atmosphere.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic Houses
0.0 km
Explore the heart of Britain's heritage through Historic Houses, a gateway to centuries-old castles, gardens, and stately homes across the UK.
Little Ben Clock
0.2 km
Discover Little Ben, London’s charming miniature clock tower echoing Big Ben’s grandeur and symbolizing enduring Franco-British friendship.
Wellington Arch
0.7 km
Discover Wellington Arch, London's majestic neoclassical triumphal arch with rich history, stunning views, and iconic Quadriga sculpture.
Machine Gun Corps Memorial
0.7 km
A striking WWI memorial at Hyde Park Corner, blending classical art and the harsh realities of mechanized warfare to honor the Machine Gun Corps’ sacrifice.
Royal Artillery Memorial
0.8 km
A powerful and realistic tribute to the Royal Artillery’s sacrifice, featuring a monumental stone howitzer and evocative bronze figures at Hyde Park Corner.
Equestrian Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.8 km
Historic bronze statue honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military triumphs and contributions to London’s cityscape, unveiled in 1844.
St. James's Palace
0.8 km
Discover the Tudor grandeur and royal ceremonies at London’s oldest palace, the enduring heart of British monarchy.
Cockpit Steps
0.9 km
Discover Cockpit Steps, a hidden historic passage in Westminster where London’s royal cockfighting past meets ghostly legend and quiet charm.
Republic of Texas Plaque
0.9 km
A hidden brass plaque marking where the Republic of Texas once sought recognition from the British Crown.
Pickering Pl
0.9 km
Discover Pickering Place, London's smallest square, a hidden Georgian courtyard steeped in duels, diplomacy, and timeless charm.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother Memorial
1.0 km
A dignified London memorial honoring King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, through iconic bronze statues and historic symbolism.
Charles De Gaulle Statue
1.0 km
Explore the Charles De Gaulle Statue in London, a monument celebrating Franco-British relations and the legacy of a legendary leader amidst serene gardens.
His Majesty's Treasury
1.1 km
The historic and strategic heart of the UK government’s economic policy, located in the iconic government district of Westminster, London.
Churchill War Rooms
1.1 km
Discover the Churchill War Rooms, an iconic historical museum revealing the secrets of wartime Britain and Winston Churchill's leadership during WWII.
Clive Steps
1.1 km
A Grade II-listed bronze statue commemorating the controversial architect of British imperial power in India.
Unmissable attractions to see
The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
0.2 km
Explore centuries of royal art and history in the elegant King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace, home to the Royal Collection’s rotating masterpieces.
Cardinal Place
0.2 km
Urban shopping oasis blending retail buzz, rooftop serenity, and innovative design over London's Underground in vibrant Victoria.
The State Rooms
0.2 km
Step inside Buckingham Palace’s magnificent State Rooms to experience the grandeur and history of the British monarchy’s ceremonial heart.
Apollo Victoria Theatre
0.3 km
Experience the magic of West End theatre at Apollo Victoria, home to the spectacular musical Wicked and a landmark of London’s performing arts scene.
Wicked The Musical
0.3 km
Experience the magical, award-winning West End musical that redefines the witches of Oz with spectacular music and stunning stagecraft.
Buckingham Palace
0.4 km
Experience the grandeur and timeless traditions of Buckingham Palace, the iconic heart of British royalty in London.
Westminster Cathedral
0.4 km
Discover Westminster Cathedral’s stunning neo-Byzantine architecture, vibrant mosaics, and serene spiritual atmosphere in the heart of London’s Victoria district.
Buckingham Palace Rd
0.4 km
Historic street linking Buckingham Palace to Chelsea, blending royal heritage with vibrant London life and key transport hubs.
Queen Victoria Memorial
0.4 km
A majestic tribute to Queen Victoria, blending imperial grandeur with artistic symbolism at the heart of London’s royal landscape.
Constitution Hill
0.5 km
A historic royal route in London linking Hyde Park Corner with Buckingham Palace, rich in heritage and scenic charm.
Canada Gate
0.5 km
Discover the elegance and historical significance of Canada Gate, a stunning landmark in London's Green Park, celebrating the bond between Canada and the UK.
Canada Memorial
0.5 km
A serene and symbolic tribute in Green Park honoring Canadian soldiers’ sacrifices and the enduring bond with the United Kingdom.
Big Bus Tours London
0.5 km
Explore London’s iconic landmarks at your own pace with Big Bus Tours’ flexible hop-on hop-off routes and panoramic open-top buses.
Horse & Groom
0.5 km
A charming historic pub tucked away in Belgravia’s cobbled mews, blending traditional hospitality with rich celebrity and cultural heritage.
The Guards Museum
0.5 km
Explore centuries of British military history through the iconic Foot Guards’ uniforms, artifacts, and stories at Wellington Barracks’ Guards Museum.
Essential places to dine
The English Grill
0.0 km
Classic British dining perfected with expertly grilled steaks and seasonal delights in a refined, elegant setting near London’s iconic theatres.
Bill's Victoria Restaurant
0.2 km
A vibrant British eatery near Victoria Station offering hearty classics, sharing plates, and plant-based dishes in a cozy, casual setting.
Chez Antoinette Victoria
0.6 km
Authentic French bistro in London’s Victoria offering classic Lyonnais and Parisian dishes in a cozy, Parisian-style setting.
Colosseo Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s Victoria at Colosseo Restaurant.
Caxton Grill
0.7 km
Refined British grill cuisine with fresh rooftop garden produce in a relaxed Westminster setting inside St Ermin’s Hotel.
Mio Restaurant & Bar
0.7 km
Authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality await you in this cozy central London gem with generous portions and great value.
The Pem
0.8 km
Elegant modern British dining in Westminster, honoring heritage with exquisite seasonal menus and refined ambiance.
Great British Restaurant
0.8 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
The Grenadier
0.9 km
Discover The Grenadier, a historic and haunted London pub steeped in military legacy and timeless charm in the heart of Belgravia.
HIDE
0.9 km
Discover refined Modern European cuisine with panoramic Green Park views at HIDE, a Michelin-starred gem blending innovation and elegance in Mayfair.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.9 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
Ma La Sichuan
0.9 km
Experience authentic, boldly spiced Sichuan cuisine in the heart of Westminster with vibrant flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
0.9 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
Golden Lion
1.0 km
Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Osteria dell'Angolo
1.1 km
Classic Italian flavors and fresh pasta in a warm, elegant Westminster setting with attentive service and a visible kitchen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cool Britannia
0.0 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and vintage photography moments just steps from Buckingham Palace in a lively and welcoming shop.
Buckingham Palace Shop
0.1 km
Official royal souvenirs at the palace gates: chinaware, gifts, and memorabilia that bring Buckingham Palace's grandeur home with you. (162 characters)
The Queen's Shop
0.2 km
Exclusive royal gifts and British heritage souvenirs steps from Buckingham Palace, blending luxury, tradition, and timeless elegance in a charming London boutique.
Hard Rock London Rock Shop
0.7 km
Discover exclusive rock ’n’ roll merchandise and iconic memorabilia at London’s legendary Hard Rock Rock Shop on Old Park Lane.
John Lobb St. James
0.9 km
Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
Shepherd Market
1.0 km
A Georgian village hidden in Mayfair's heart, where independent shops, art galleries and historic pubs preserve timeless London charm.
Westminster Abbey Shop
1.0 km
Discover exclusive Abbey-inspired gifts and souvenirs that support Westminster Abbey’s heritage and conservation efforts.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
1.1 km
Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
Sloane St
1.1 km
Experience London’s luxury shopping and elegant lifestyle along iconic Sloane Street, home to world-class fashion, fine dining, and prestigious residences.
Piccadilly Arcade
1.1 km
Discover Edwardian elegance and bespoke luxury in Piccadilly Arcade, a historic shopping gem linking Piccadilly and Jermyn Street in London.
Pop London - Sustainable Fashion Boutique
1.1 km
Discover stylish, affordable sustainable fashion at Pop London, a boutique blending ethical design with community spirit in the heart of London.
Burlington Arcade
1.2 km
Discover a luxurious shopping experience at Burlington Arcade, where timeless elegance meets exquisite craftsmanship in the heart of London.
Fortnum & Mason
1.2 km
Historic luxury food hall and iconic London emporium offering gourmet delights, royal hampers, and timeless British tradition since 1707.
Harvey Nichols
1.2 km
Discover timeless luxury and cutting-edge fashion at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge’s iconic department store since 1831.
Floris London
1.2 km
Experience nearly three centuries of British fragrance heritage at Floris London’s historic boutique on iconic Jermyn Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The New York Bar
0.0 km
A polished hotel lounge opposite Buckingham Palace — handcrafted cocktails, tasting events and piano-accompanied afternoons in plush, traditional surroundings.
Bbar
0.0 km
Chic Victoria cocktail bar beneath a living wall, blending South African zest with inventive drinks, hearty bites, and unforgettable afternoon teas near Buckingham Palace.
All Bar One Victoria
0.5 km
Sophisticated wines, global bites, and lively vibes on Victoria Street – London's go-to for stylish drinks and casual feasts near Westminster's heart.
Adam & Eve
0.6 km
Classic Westminster pub pouring real ales and hearty grub amid historic streets—a cozy haven near Parliament and the Abbey for authentic London pints.
Blue Boar Pub
0.8 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty British classics in a cozy, historic setting near Abbey and Parliament—perfect for ales, roasts, and relaxed evenings.
Two Chairmen
0.9 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty pies, fresh ales, and classic British cheer just steps from St. James's Park and Parliament.
Below
0.9 km
Discover Below at HIDE, a hidden Mayfair cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks and rare spirits beneath a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Westminster Arms
1.0 km
Historic Westminster pub with parliamentary division bell, Shepherd Neame ales, and cozy alcoves steps from Abbey and Parliament—timeless British charm in political heart.
The White Ferry, Victoria (PUBLOVE)
1.1 km
Affordable hostel living meets classic British pub culture in the heart of Pimlico, steps from Victoria Station and London’s iconic sights.
The Red Lion, Mayfair
1.2 km
Historic Victorian pub in Mayfair famed for its political heritage and classic London charm, steps from Downing Street.
The Red Lion, Parliament Street
1.3 km
A venerable Westminster corner pub — late‑Victorian fittings, political atmosphere and a long history beside Downing Street and Parliament.
Morpeth Arms
1.4 km
Historic Thameside pub with cask ales, hearty fare, haunted cellars, and MI6 views— a Westminster gem blending Victorian ghosts and modern cheer.
The Spy Bar
1.4 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
Old Shades
1.5 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
All Bar One Leicester Square
1.6 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Tabu London
1.1 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
1.1 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
The Scotch of St James
1.1 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
The Cuckoo Club
1.3 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
TSQ Club
1.4 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Tiger Tiger London
1.5 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Luxe Club
1.5 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Café de Paris
1.6 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
1.6 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.6 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
The Penthouse London
1.7 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Heaven
1.7 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Sophisticats Soho
1.7 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
1.7 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
1.7 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Teen Friendly