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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.

4.3

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
  • Environment icon 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.
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The New York Bar location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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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.

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