Would not give a rating to rude people, worst place ever with overpriced drinks (even for London). Pass your way the owner has lost the plot!

I have not been to this bar yet. I was checking out the reviews. If anything puts me off it's the kind of people leaving reviews and the bitchy 'i'm more attractive than you' comments. HOW VERY PATHETIC. I do hope the crowd has changed, otherwise I shan't be staying too long. I want to meet Janet... she sounds cool... chucking out badly behaved drunk tarts who lower the tone!

I have been to Janet's bar several times in the last two years.

First the positives:

- Its unique
- Is small but has a nice feel to it. Has lots of newspaper cuttings outside and other interesting and unusual wall coverings, things hanging from the ceilings and stools at the bar and tables and seats at a lower level that create a really nice effect / atmosphere/
- Unlike some of the reviewers, I have always found the staff really nice, pleasant and friendly though I dop note that every time I am in there are new staff and there's also a note on the entrance wall advertising for new staff so I suspect there may well be a high staff turnover, which in any bar or restaurant or any business for that matter is often not a good sign.

Now the negatives:

- Janet!! She is a most interesting person who would appear to say the least have multiple personalities. On different nights I have seen her totally relaxed, exceedingly friendly and a brilliant host. At other times I have heard her shout at people in the bar, treat staff like they were little children with no brains and be plain rude to customers. I have heard her scream at people to not go outside or make too much noise because she doesn't want to lose her licence almost to a paranoid level. When she is in good form the bar is probably one of the best late night bars in London. When she is in bad form or someone or something has annoyed her then the bar atmosphere decreases significantly.

In summary, Janet's is a late night bar full of paradoxes. It is both probably one of the best late night bars in London and also can be one of the worse, which appears to echo a lot of the "real reviews" here. Overall though the bad atmosphere nights I have seen relative to the brilliant nights means I can only regrettably give Janets a one star.

I live locally so I go to Janet's a few times a week! It has a great atmosphere- everyone is so friendly, lively and unpretentious. What I also like is that it suits every occasion- one can go for a first date; for a night out with friends; for your birthday; or even by yourself. No matter what you are always made to feel welcome by the staff and other customers. Janet even got everyone to sing 'happy birthday' to me when it was my special day! They also do free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which are great for sobering up after a few drinks!

If you're looking for a bar to recommend to someone you don't like - where the staff are rude, the cocktails really don't get much worse and prices are extortionate, this is your place.

I've travelled a decent amount, done my fair share of drinking and eating out in a fair few countries and I've never written a review online, but this place resulted in enough firsts that I figured it was time to pop that cherry too and share them.

* Before this, never had I been to a bar where the staff take payment before they've even checked if they have what you want, let alone making it.

* Before this, never had I been to a dive bar where the drink prices were so disproportionately high when compared to the surroundings, quality of service and quality of beverages - £4.75 for a 275ml bottle of kronenbourg (yes 275ml) and £10 for a mojito in a small tumbler which tasted like sweetened carbonated water and the lime wasn't fresh to put it politely.

* Before this, never had I been approached by member of bar staff to ask if I knew there was a £3 minimum charge because I didn't have a drink.

I had been there not 10 minutes and was stood chatting amongst 4 other friends who all had drinks and had another friend at the bar buying me a drink. When I told the bar maid the latter she replied "oh really, who?!" Left speechless I went to find my friend queueing at the bar to say "forget the drinks we're leaving". At that point I worked out why they take your money first.

When I first walked in to this place I was perplexed by the hundreds of photos plastered all over the walls of people having fun. It felt like a poor mans facebook photo collection, all too personal for a public space filled with strangers but "hey ho", I thought "each to their own". Now I see that like a person with a complex about the quality of their social life, this place has to prove people have a good time there. If they do it's certainly not because of the service, prices, decor or quality of cockt

I really don't know why people are being so ridiculously (and wrongly) critical of Janet’s Bar. I’ve had countless exciting nights there with mates, having drinks, meeting new people, listening to the live music and meeting Janet herself, who is gregarious, welcoming, and absolutely nothing like the people below have portrayed her. It’s a rare find in London- an American style bar with an easy-going atmosphere, great clientele, delicious drinks (with a vast menu) and free popcorn/hot-dogs! Janet's is always busy, especially on weekends and late at night as it stays open til the little hours. The service is the best of anywhere I’ve been before. You don't have to wait around and so many pretentious venues in London just ignore their customers and keep you standing at the bar for hours. As for prices, I suggest you go look at other Ken and Chelsea drinks menus! There's a reason Janet has tonnes of loyal customers and regulars. The cocktails, beers and wines always hit the spot, you can feel laid-back and respected, you can sit outside on the terrace and listen to a good music,, and you're offered free snacks! I urge you to disregard what other reviewers are on about. Janet's Bar is ace.

A rather lovely looking bar with a heart of stone and its eye on the cash register. Don't let appearances fool you: Janet's Bar is cynical and ruthless. It looks welcoming enough, rather like an upscale Brooklyn 'dive' bar from the 1990s - fairly lights, photomontages of customers on the walls, free popcorn on the bar. But then you get hit by the price of their drinks - £7 for a gin and tonic for example. These are almost Ritz Hotel uber prices, but the drinks at Janet's are nothing remotely special, and the bar staff (some of whom are charming - others just rude) are very far from being trained mixologists. The music when we went was particularly horrid. Trashy, loud, dated 'Italio-rave' music (think a rubbish Ibiza club circa 1995) quite at odds with the carefully low-slung ambience. However useful it is to have a local bar open this late, the cash flow rules here. Like its owner, Janet's is dead behind the eyes.

I've been to this bar a couple of times and in the past have had pretty mediocre evenings there - its always been okay but nothing special. It's always a last resort kind of bar. However I went last night and can quite categorically say I have never received such poor customer service before in my life.

Myself and four friends were quite happily chatting on the tiny terrace, one of the lads had been out all day and decided he'd had enough, one of the girls helped him into a cab (to be fair he was drunk but was not causing any trouble - you know the kind of drunk where you can't really be bothered to talk anymore!) Meanwhile an American woman came over to the rest of us and rudely said our girlfriend could not come back in because she's had too much to drink. At this juncture I should point out she wasn't drunk and had been drinking water for over an hour! The aforementioned American then came back over and shoved a tray of stale jam sandwiches under our noses and proceeded to insist we eat them because "we needed them".

Now, I don't know about you, but I personally I don't go to a bar to have my friends wrongly accused of something, patronised and force fed bad food and all courtesy of a bar that is vastly overpriced and nothing to shout about.

I completely understand they have to retain some level of decorum and obviously have to protect their license but I have never experienced such poor judgment from a licensee. She actually seemed nervous of people having a good time just in case it got out of hand and this really sapped the whole bar of any atmosphere.

There are bars and pub in the area that are trendy and can afford the surly bar staff because they are places 'to be seen' Unfortunately, Janet's Bar, is not one of them.

A friend of mine was in the South Ken area for a night and Janet's seemed an easy enough place to meet up and have a drink. Having had mixed experiences in the past, I was prepared to put these aside and see if the place has improved since my last visit.
The sad answer is no. It was quite a busy night but a rude bar girl was being unnecessarily hostile to some tourists. Although we received adequate service, my friend was left with the impression that we got off lucky by being served by the nicer waitress, possibly nice because she was new? This may also have explained why the drinks were so terrible. It can't be advanced bar knowledge that a Cuba Libre is served with Lime rather than Lemon? Or maybe they had ran out of Lime - either way, it was a scary thought to confront Janet about this so we paid our inappropriately expensive bill and left quietly. Other events that topped off the night included a musician who told me I was 'cheap' for only giving him £1 and a suited gent in the bathroom who was clearly up to shady activities.
If you're reading this review thinking 'Why are there such mixed reviews?'... firstly, most of the good comments are written by Janet or her staff and secondly, I'm sure the place CAN be a good night, but leave it as a place you only visit occasionally, otherwise you'll notice the cracks and it WILL let you down.

The WORST bar experience my friend and I had in London! I AM an American, and there was no reason for her to be such a bitch. Her place is small, nothing unique, and if she thinks by being American that gives her clout, it doesn't. By telling me I looked "drunk" before I even ordered, and to say I was "cut-off"? Nice...you will get a lot of great reviews, that way! We told everyone we met, how rude you were and by you telling me I couldn't get served...didn't stop me from getting drinks....you see Janet, I'm much more attractive than you, and men bought them for me, anyway.

great place, great staff, great fun. If you're in a bar and not ordering anything then likelihood is you will be moved on wherever you are. Nobody likes 5 Italians shouting at each other over one cafe latte. I agree that maybe some of the more complex cocktails could be upped in quality but then again if you want complex swanky cocktails then there are plenty of other places to go. however there is nowhere to my knowledge that is like Janet's in london which is why its great. And in South Ken no less so you dont have to trek all the way to muggersville or stonedhippytown. xx

I have absolutely no idea why some reviews claim that Janet's Bar provides anything less than an upbeat, warm and uniquely fun atmosphere. The bar staff are so far from unfriendly that it's ridiculous. They're always welcoming and incredibly efficient, which is often more important to punters than disposition! Every time my friends and I go to Janet's Bar, we have the greatest time. We feel appreciated by the staff and by the owner herself, who is ready and willing to chat as though she's known you her whole life! The drinks are lovingly prepared and delicious. The choice is vast, from cocktails to beers to wine to soft drinks. To those who complain about prices, you won't find anywhere dirt cheap in the area, and the overall experience- drinks, ambience and entertainment- is well worth what's on your receipt.
There's live music, which is rare for many bars, especially those in Kensington and Chelsea. There's an outdoor seating area which proves very popular. One of the best things about Janet's Bar is the fact that it's open late. When all the other venues have closed, you can sit for a long time at Janet's until the night is over.
I thoroughly recommend Janet's to anyone and everyone. You are likely to also get free snacks like popcorn and hot dogs with your drinks. It has an authentic all American vibe you won't find anywhere else. Ever since my first visit I've been going back frequently, and I assure you that you will want to do the same.

Words cannot describe how terrible the staff are in this bar - namely their ring leader, Janet herself. Don't expect to find a night she isn't there - be assured she keeps her stern eyes over everything that goes on. Every millimetre of spirit poured, every pound coin paid and every comment made is regulated to a disgusting degree.

She is a rude, pushy, money-orientated woman who doesn't understand the term 'customer satisfaction' and doesn't let anything slip. Most of the staff hate her and can't wait to leave, and the customers secretly laugh at her behind her back. She is a case-in-point of how flawed the American mentality can sometimes be, and its an unfortunate case, as under different ownership this bar would flourish and be removed of its bad reputation.

Easily one of the worst bars in London, thoroughly rude bar staff who create a very unwelcoming atmosphere. I would advise you not to take to long choosing your drinks as they will immediately ask you for a three pound standing charge rather aggressively. The cocktails are absolutely dire and tasted like they had been made by a three year old wearing a blind fold, while others have complained about the prices which are admittedly over the top i would have no problem paying for quality but that is not what Janet's is about.

The fact that the sheer amount of negative reviews are met by a splattering of 5 star reviews is deeply suspicious and I would suggest Janet's friends and family perhaps mix it up a bit and throw in some three stars.

Definitely avoid this place, absolutely awful.

Worst bar I have ever been to, period.

Myself and about 6 mates were thrown out because one or two of them didn't have a drink. When I asked if they could stay, Janet had a go at me and insulted me right there infront of everyone! After leaving massively infuriated, I talked to some of the guys outside the bar who were travelling from Europe. They told me similar experiences. Also, in a pub somewhere near, I came across more people who had bad experiences at the bar!

Unbelievable!

I haven't even mentioned prices and such but its already been talked about at length by the other reviewers.

Like a previous reviewer mentioned, avoid like the bloody plague.

From the point of view of a London student, Janet's Bar is a fantastic, vibrant place to go with friends, whether we just want a few drinks or want to throw a proper party. The atmosphere is really chilled and fun, not intimidating like so many central London venues. It's always brimming with stylish but friendly people but never so stuffed that you can't move freely. There's even a little terrace, which is the perfect place to sit on warmer evenings. The owner herself, Janet, is hilarious. She works behind the bar some nights, yet always ready to mingle with the crowd. Inside it looks like a proper all-American dive bar, with pictures and decorations papering the walls. There are live musicians every night playing popular songs. I'm a big cocktail drinker and have scoured London looking for somewhere that serves better creations than Janet does- I haven't found anywhere! The drinks are incomparably tasty and there's a massive selection. There are also bottled beers, an extensive wine list, and a variety of spirits to pick from. The bartenders even mix exciting shots at good prices. That's another thing- the prices are amazing considering the bar is right at the heart of Kensington & Chelsea. Each time we go there we get offered hot dogs on the house, popcorn and other snacks. I know the bar is open during the day for drinks, coffee and nibbles, but it's best to go in the evenings because it stays open until late. All the other venues in the area close up but Janet's is constantly buzzing. My friends and I like to have pre-drinks there before going to Boujis. I highly recommend this place. Like me, you'll go once and just keep going back.

I love Janet's Bar and couldn't really picture a weekend without it. I think anyone who criticises the bar so vehemently is looking for somewhere pretentious, and looking for that at Janet's is always going to be an exercise in futility. The bar doesn't try to be something it's not. It's always filled up until late with cheerful, relaxed people. The cocktails are delicious and we always have fun picking the next one to order. I have to comment on the service, as well. We're never kept waiting. So many bartenders at different places just ignore you but those at Janet's keep coming round asking if they can take another order or offering us free snacks (we've had popcorn and hot dogs). There's live music pretty much every night, which is popular with me and my friends. Sometimes Janet comes in and she always fills the place with character. You don't have to be worried about being booted out into the cold too early either, because the bar stays open until well after midnight. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a place to drink in the area. It's not full of snobbish types, just people looking to kick back and enjoy themselves without any pretenses. I'd also strongly recommend any of Janet's original cocktails.

Really bad. Janet's is the nearest bar to where I live and I have been there a couple of times, mainly through lack of other late night options. Staff are always rude and the drinks are filthy overpriced. Avoid like the plague.

AWFUL!

Janet's Bar is trying to be a cool, quirky cocktail bar with live music but it fails dismally on both counts.

The musicians are about as talented as my little brother and come begging for tips after! How rude!

The worst thing though is the drinks... Since I am a city banker living in South Kensington, it's fair to say that money is not an issue when it comes to getting a round in, however, this place really takes the proverbial. Bought a round of 3 cocktails and a beer and it came to nearly £40! Now, although clearly expensive even by South Ken standards, this wouldn't bother me particularly if the quality justified the price but they were arguably the worst cocktails I've ever tasted and the lager was at room temperature.

Oh, and the toilets were horrendous.

This place really needs to buck up its act and it might stand half a chance of bceoming an interesting place.

My friends and I were looking for somewhere to have a drink or two in South Ken when we stumbled upon Janet's Bar. It was one of the best nights we'd ever had, and 'a drink or two' turned into many more! The cocktails were colourful, lovingly prepared and absolutely delicious- definitely worth the price on the menu, and there were many to choose from. There was also a wine list available, as well as a variety of beers and ciders. The bartenders were gorgeous and friendly, not to mention Janet herself, a bombastic blonde with an incredible sense of humour, who is well acquainted with many of her regulars. The atmosphere was laid-back and unpretentious. The crowd was made up of relaxed, stylish Londoners of all ages- some were in their twenties, having a few drinks before heading out to Boujis (the incredibly fashionable club round the corner, apparently the preferred nightspot of Will and Harry) and some looked like businessmen winding down after work. The interior is something of a marvel too. It's pleasantly cluttered inside, filled with souvenirs from parties past, and brimming with character. I absolutely loved it. The best part was that it stayed open until late and we could sit on the little terrace outside. There was a live musician playing all the songs I love. We were also offered free sandwiches and hot dogs and popcorn! We definitely got our money's worth. Since that great night I've been back a few times. There have been different musicians and a different crowd but it's always been brilliant. I even went in during the day once and got coffee and a muffin for 2.50. I'll definitely be going back again and again. If you haven't had a drink at Janet's Bar yet I urge you to go immediately. You'll have the time of your life.

An old friend recommended Janet's to me so I decided to see for myself what all the fuss was about. I went here last week for the first time with a group of friends and had a fab time! As we walked in we were welcomed by the live music and friendly (and gorgeous) bar staff. The musician played loads of classic rock covers such as Oasis and Kings of Leon which was just what we needed to cheer us up after a day in the office!

We ordered cocktails that were all greatly decorated with fruit and some with umbrellas which were a great touch and you certainly get your money's worth. I ordered a caipirinha which was so delicious and refreshing. So one cocktail led to another and we ended up staying til closing! Throughout the night we were offered free sandwiches- perfect for sobering up! We'll definitely be back soon.

Every single time my friends and I go to Janet's Bar, we never want to leave. The staff are efficient and service is incomparable- you never have to wait around to be served or for your drinks to come. And with regards to drinks, the selection is amazing. You only have to look at the array of colouful liquors and spirits lined up behind the bar to deduce that the cocktail list will be extensive and exciting. There's also a variety of high-quality wines (including Janet's house white) and champagne to choose from. All the drinks are well worth the price on the menu, and it's very good value for the location of the bar- right in the heart of upmarket South Kensington. The clientele at Janet's Bar certainly reflect the location. While the crowd is smart and polished, it's also laid-back and lively. The three musicians who play live every night of the week certainly add to the vibrant atmosphere. Recently a lot of twenty-somethings have been flocking to Janet's Bar for a few drinks before heading out to the infamous Boujis nightclub across the road. The bar is also a favourite rendez-vous spot for professionals to have after-work drinks. The interior of the bar is unique and inviting. The walls are covered with photographs and the shelves are lined with ornaments, party hats, flags and streamers- souvenirs of parties gone by! Janet herself is quite a character. She's a friendly blonde New Yorker who knows all her regulars by name, and she's always ready to get acquainted with new faces. The sheer number of customers (like myself) who keep going back just go to show how well we are treated there. While it's low-key and relaxing in the daytime (you can get coffee and a muffin for £2.50), it fills up to the brim at night, and the bar stays open long after all its neighbours have closed up. If you haven't been to Janet's Bar, you should definitely pay it a visit. Janet most certainly delivers!

We didn't have any bad experiences with the staff that so many people have mentioned, but we did have horrendous value for money on our drinks. They do have a lovely menu of cocktails, but we were only impressed until our drinks actually arrived. I got the Uncle Sam, which did taste nice, except my small tumbler wasn't even full (when I asked the bartender about this, she offered me some ice to fill it up). My fiancée's drink, however, was horrible. She got the pina colada, which literally tasted one part coconut flavouring, one part milk (for colour), and five parts water. We wouldn't have been happy with that drink if we'd been given it for free. But we paid 9.50 for it, as well as mine, for a total of a whopping 19.00 pounds. Nineteen pounds should be enough for a pleasant experience, but we were just disappointed. Never going back.

We wandered into Janet's on a night out in South Ken after hearing friends rave about it for ages. What a great place!

We had so much fun-a real party atmosphere including party food and hats-all spontaneous.
Janet's bar makes you feel like you are having a party at someone's house-without having to pre-plan or clean up after. The crowd -all ages-were really friendly and and liked being part of the scene. The drinks are typically Royal Borough but worth it because you get the sort of clientele that make you want to stay and hang out.

Indeed we were planning to go clubbing, but stayed at Janet's instead!

I popped into Janet's and it was a small pleasantly decorated bar.

The drinks were more expensive than I had anticipated, but the service was good and the atmosphere was ok.Perhaps it is worth paying a little extra to be somewhere quieter and more discreet.

I feel uncomfortable in loud busy bars.Put it this way, if I was totally drunk already and just needed a soft drink or some vodka shots then I would feel quite safe in Janet's bar...

It's not the sort of place that would chuck you out for being really hammered.

I went here with a group of friends for my 30th birthday.

We all had a great time with several rounds of cocktails and a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

We had a good laugh with Janet herself, who came over to chat and offered us complimentary hot dogs with our drinks which stopped us from going hungry!

The musician Pete was great too, who can play anything from Michael Jackson to Oasis!

I had such a fabulous evening that I now go there every weekend!

Well done Janet for ousting some arrogant Sloane who wanted to order "Tap Water!" Why should Janet's Bar allow this?

I have been going there for years with my group of Young/Old Etonians and we love it-we want to spend money here to support a thriving small business that brings such originality and fresh air to South Kensington.

I have seen Janet and staff in action-they work really hard to give the customers a fun evening out-that is why we keep coming back after 10 years!

Always something new, an eclectic crowd, _ They run the place professionally and this is how a bar should be!

Thank you Janet for bringing a funky bar to the Royal Borough!

I came here with one of my friends and we ended up chatting to half of the people in the bar- the people there were so friendly and interesting to talk to. I recommend 'Janet's Love Lotion'! See you there soon!

Went back to Janet's Bar and was happy to see it is going strong! There are loads of new cocktails and the staff is as jolly as ever. Janet is in full form and rules the bar in her professional and entertaining manner. The prices are what you would expect in South Ken but you get lots of extras with your drinks ( free nibbles and live entertainment). What a great night out!

What fun. A few friends and I came in for a late night drink and there was a great atmosphere - just what I like from a chic bar. The drinks were reasonable considering the bar was in South Kensington and the staff were cool. The drinks tasted great and we even made some new friends after being introduced by Janet! Will be going there again soon.



There were a few people who had a few too many and were complaining but Janet knew how to handle it. As with any bar, if you cant afford it, dont bother going in!

Myself and two friends came across Janets Bar whilst in London for 24hrs. At first, this establishment appeared cosy, and although the drinks prices were extortionate we thought, Well we are in London after all.



Upon tasting our drinks we all agreed that they were very weak and flat (the diet coke was poured frm a 2 litre bottle - at £7.50 per drink I would expect fresh coke, and vodka you can taste). My friend tried to politely complain to the owner Janet who in turn became very aggressive and proceeded to swear at us and accuse us of being drunk and not liking her prices! We left our drinks and vacated the premises. Janets Bar is not to be visited or recommended again. This establishment needs a visit from the Weights & Measures Inspectorate.

I had a memorable St Patrick's party at Janets Bar. Janet and the staff went out of their way to provide us with a fun night. They gave out hats and Dame Edna glasses. The musician played our requests.


Janet made people leave who didn't order anything and the crowd supported her. Quite frankly, we wouldn't want to sit in a bar with stingy people.

Janets Bar was recommended to me and so I was looking forward to trying it. We tried to order four drinks as one of our party wanted to wait before she ordered. Janet refused to give her a glass of tap water and insisted that she buy a £2.50 bottle of still water if we were going to stay because 'Something might happen to her and if she hasn't bought a drink here I can be held responsible'.


When it was pointed out to Janet that this was a spurious excuse she called us mean, despite the fact that we were still trying to order four £8.50 cocktails. Needless to say we walked out. Janets Bar is just a tawdry rip-off with poor service and a unfiendly atmosphere. Avoid it!

Last night was my first time at Janets Bar, but it won't be the last! It has fab live music with no cover charge, and fair prices as the shots are large. The crowd is really cool and friendly. Janets Bar picks a welcoming staff. Janet is a magnet. This is my new local!

Janets Bar is a potentially fabulous little venue that could become one of my favourite places were it not for the ridiculously over-priced drinks and the rudest bar staff. We could even have seen past the average but expensive house wine, but the fact that we had to drink it with our coats on because the girl behind the bar refused to close the patio doors, was the killer!



When I asked her to close them she said she had a headache and didn't care that we were cold! Janets Bar could be the coolest bar in South Ken, and the prices could even be overlooked, but boy does Janet need to sack her staff and hire some other people!

Janets Bar is a great place for me, as I work locally, earn a fortune and can afford it. And best of all the bar staff are all great looking and not too bright to fall for the usual my wife doesnt understand me routine.

Janets Bar is an over-priced hole in the wall! We went thinking it would be funky and entertaining. All we got was a rude ex flight attendant who gave us the most over priced drinks in the world along with some rude attitude.


I will never go back to Janets Bar. It was a waste of time and a waste of money. Their explanation for the expensive £4.00 bottled beer, was that we were paying for the music - whatever!

I went to Janet's Bar with my friends recently and had a great time. I left the bar having made at least four new friends. Janet's Bar has an up-market crowd who don't have their noses in the air. I'll definitely be back soon.

Love Janet's Bar in South Ken - the coolest bar in London! Attracts all ages - very friendly! Great music. Really fun bar and crowd. Janet's Bar just gets better and better every time we go there.

Have had 2 parties there and everyone loved it! Will be going back for much more.
Poor Kate who wrote the last review... she obviously didn't get it! Janet has a brill sense of humour!

Janet's Bar is expensive, with rude bar maids. If you're a male they may be polite. Would suggest a pub as more fun than Janet's Bar and will not cost a month's salary in one evening.