The Milestone Hotel & Residences London, England

Posted in Projects on 15 October, 2025

Refurbished and extended Stables Bar shines new light on fabulous cocktails in a plush setting.

Words by Karen Bamford.

A woman walks into a bar… it’s not a joke and it isn’t always an easy thing to do, particularly when you can’t see into the room you’re about to enter. So, when I tell you I felt instantly relaxed and able to appreciate my surroundings and excellent drinks at The Milestone’s refurbished Stables Bar that’s the highest compliment I could give.

Tucked into the heart of the historic boutique hotel, which is located directly opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, the bar is a hidden gem in London’s vibrant cocktail scene. Its elegant makeover and expansion honour its heritage as the original stables of the 19th century mansion house, but with the plush feel of a classic bar. Think dark wood-panelled walls, racing-green leather banquettes, low-light brass table lamps and cosy corner booths.

The Milestone Stables Bar main bar space

Stables Bar conservatory and The Hideaway

Equestrian nods are notable throughout the bar’s décor, design and artwork, including a substantial collection of original pieces by acclaimed Belgian artist Elie Lambert such as ‘A Picnic at the Races’, ‘Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace’, ‘July course, Newmarket’ and ‘The Hack – The Champ and the Leaders’.

Tartan touches in the form of dinky lampshades and stools were a welcome reminder that I was staying overnight at The Milestone before catching a train to Edinburgh the following day to visit the hotel’s youngest sibling in the Red Carnation family. At 100 Princes Street I would see more of the bespoke tartans and be treated again to the indulgent chocolate cake that welcomes guests in their rooms. These subtle links deepen a sense of belonging and trust in the hotel group.

Cheneston’s Restaurant

I’d arrived at The Milestone earlier in the evening, stepping into a lobby that was both sophisticated and welcoming. The friendly staff showed me to the bar, which stretches into the space that was once the hotel’s conservatory. Daylight pouring through the glass ceiling of this new area lifts the mood, while the windowless walls contribute to a cosy atmosphere. The new horseshoe bar allows a more interactive and personalised service from Bar Manager Angelo Lo Greco and his engaging team. I took a seat at the bar to watch the award-winning Angelo in action. Suave without being condescending he recommended a few of his signature cocktails. I took a Cloud & Crackle – cacao nibs infused Broken Clock vodka, tonka syrup and a Guinness foam – which resembled an ice cream sundae and tasted sublime.

The Park Lounge

Other unusual creations on the cocktail menu include the Society of Exploration, comprising Desi Daru Alphonso Mango Vodka, lemon and dragonfruit, and the Olympia made with Nuet Aquavit, clarified tzatziki, lemon juice and mastiha. Classic cocktails include the Milestone Smoking Old Fashioned and the Cucumber and Black Pepper Pisco. Dishes of freshly picked herbs sit on the bar waiting to be added to drinks and Angelo gave me a behind-the-scenes peak at his neat herb garden, which opens directly off the bar. The refurbishment also incorporates the new Hideaway – a space for private dining, meetings or intimate events, offering the same understated and stylish ambience of the Stables Bar alongside the modern luxuries of a bespoke meeting space.

Hideaway – a space for private dining, meetings or intimate events.

Surprised at how comfortable I felt in the relaxed Stables Bar, I ate my dinner of succulent crab and scallop fishcakes at a marble-topped table there rather than moving to the hotel’s Cheneston’s Restaurant, which is steeped in Victorian charm.

The Milestone comprises 43 guestrooms, 13 individually designed suites and six residences –each containing a treasure trove of plush décor, antique furnishings and original works of art. I stayed in one of the three Park Facing Junior Suites, the Ruhlmann. Inspired by the iconic French Art Deco artist Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, the suite offered an instant wow as I walked in and looked over a balustrade to the bedroom a few steps below. The suite is a bold statement in black, cream and chrome. With lacquered walnut, brushed brass and intricate inlays, it showcases handcrafted Art Deco furnishings and original artwork by Erté. Its centrepiece is a striking Joan Roslyn Hathaway Lucite screen, set behind a king-sized bed, all framed by stunning views over Kensington Gardens.

Clockwise from top left: The Ruhlmann Junior Suite; Venetian Suite; Hermes Suite; The Noel Coward

As I writer, I could have stayed here for months, working at the enormous desk set at the end of the bed, gazing out the windows for inspiration and popping to the bar for a snifter. Agatha Christie would have felt at home here, I’m sure. And that’s the nub – home. From its marble-clad bathroom to its expertly chosen artworks, The Milestone is pure elegance, but it’s also homely thanks to is cosy comforts and a classic bar.