Last year, I came across some news about a new boutique hotel in Kensington called Ellen’s Kensignton, which was set to launch a cigar-friendly sampling terrace in September 2024. The terrace was to be a part of their on-site venue, Ellen’s Bar.
Additionally, I learned that Smoking Jacket held a cigar event with Hunters & Frankau at this location in October 2024.
From the pictures I’d seen, their outdoor terrace looked like a fantastic spot to sample a cigar.
From their social media, it seems like they’re very welcoming to cigar aficionados.
Background
Ellen Kensington is an exquisite boutique hotel nestled in the lively heart of Earl’s Court, London. Housed within five interconnected Victorian townhouses at 18–26 Barkston Gardens, this property has been meticulously transformed from its previous incarnation as The Burns Hotel.
Named after Dame Ellen Terry, one of Britain’s most celebrated stage actresses from the Victorian era, the hotel honours her legacy. At the peak of her career, Dame Ellen resided at 22 Barkston Gardens, a fact commemorated by a prestigious English Heritage Blue Plaque. The hotel embodies her spirit of timeless elegance while celebrating the rich cultural and artistic heritage associated with her name.
Ellen Kensington also showcases the creative vision of the KOP Group, known for its impressive projects, including the award-winning Ten Trinity Square in London. This ambitious redevelopment transformed the former Port of London Authority building into a world-class destination featuring a Four Seasons hotel, private residences, a spa, and fine dining— all within a historic Grade II* listed structure. If you’ve been following this blog, you might recall my post from last year about visiting the cigar sampling lounge at Ten Trinity Square — one of the first private members’ clubs I have had the chance to experience.
With 105 elegantly designed rooms and suites, many offering views of the serene Barkston Gardens, Ellen Kensington provides a stylish escape. The hotel boasts a chic bar, a pan-Asian restaurant complete with a private cigar terrace, wellness treatment rooms, and all the modern amenities guests could wish for.
Just a stone’s throw from Earl’s Court Underground and conveniently located near Kensington Gardens, the V&A Museum, and the upscale shops of Knightsbridge, Ellen Kensington is set to become one of London’s most unique new destinations.
My experience
Last month it was my birthday—and since I’ve already visited most of the usual cigar spots across London (see here), I thought I’d give this new place a shot!
The staff at Ellen’s Kensington weren’t super responsive over email, so I decided to call the hotel directly to ask about reserving a spot on the terrace for the next day. They told me a reservation wasn’t necessary, I asked whether they could book me into the restaurant for 3 PM. I explained that I wasn’t planning to eat — just wanted to sample a cigar and a drink.
The nearest station to the venue is Earls Court tube station, which is just a quick 5 to 10-minute walk away.
As you make your way to the venue, you’ll pass by a wonderful cigar shop called The Smoking Jacket—it’s definitely worth stopping in to grab some cigars. I was very impressed with their selection of cigars.
When I arrived at Ellen’s Kensington, I made my way to reception.
I let them know I was there for a cigar at Ellen’s Bar, and they escorted me through the hotel to the outside terrace.
I found out they were out of cigars.
Luckily, I always have a backup – a very special custom roll I picked up on my recent travels to Cuba.
The terrace itself is quite small and very intimate, with only about 12 seats across 5 tables.
There’s also a giant monkey head – and a mirror that makes the space feel a bit larger. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re in someone’s cosy backyard, offering a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of London streets.
The cocktail menu features the usual suspects found in most London spots—I opted for an Old Fashioned, which set me back around £17, but that’s fairly typical for hotel bar prices in London.
The service was very good, the staff kept popping outside to see if I wanted anything else.
I cut the cap and lit my cigar, settling in for a relaxing smoke.
I ended up spending about an hour and twenty minutes there before settling the bill and heading off across London to continue the birthday celebrations.
My rating: 6.5 out of 10
The setting has a lovely, intimate atmosphere, though given how small the space is (its very very small), I can imagine it feeling quite crowded once it fills up.
The decor has a distinctly feminine touch to it, making it a particularly nice spot to bring a lady friend along.
Since the humidor was empty, bringing your own cigar was an option—something I know will appeal to certain cigar enthusiasts. Prices add up quickly—even though I only had drinks, a service charge pushed the bill higher than expected.
If you’re already in the area, it’s worth stopping by for a quick cigar. It’s a convenient place to enjoy a cigar from the Smoking Jacket, but not necessarily a destination worth going out of your way for.
Interested in visiting?
Ellen Kensington,
18-26 Barkston Gardens,
Kensington & Chelsea,
SW5 0EN
View on Google Maps
Telephone: +44 20 7866 0551
Email: restaurant@ellenkensington.com
Social media: instagram.com/ellenkensingtonlondon/
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