A lovely, classic cocktail bar. The barkeepers know their trade and are wonderful hosts. Sticking to the dress code is the way to appreciate the staff and the drinks served.

Ian Fleming may have thought up the Vesper martini - vodka, gin & Kina Lilet vermouth, "shaken not stirred" - in this very bar. Earlier in the day we had seen "The Duke" (Jim Broadbent & Helen Mirren), had popped into the National Gallery to...see the Goya painting of the Duke of Wellington that had been nicked in the film, & finished our "day of Dukes" here. The famous martini was superb. All ingredients seriously cold, big pours, & a massive twist of orange peel. Sue had something else equally large & good. Couldn't afford a second, but no matter. We were already legless. Highly recommended.More

Have been twice, once when staying at Duke’s second time (this evening) when not. Definitely a difference. Not sure why but expect to be treated as second class citizen if not a guest of the hotel. Either way do not expect superior service, too short...staffed now or poorly trained staff (example our server tonight in white coat who didn’t even properly introducing himself so don’t even know his name). Knowing what I do now there are so many better options when in London wouldn’t waste time and money here.More

I wasted a lot of money on this bar last evening - not because it was expensive, but because it was made so unpleasant by the staff. I think that someone has told each of them that they are very special people and it has...really gone to their heads. I won’t go into the details of the rudeness, but save to say it is not a place to go with guests or if you want a relaxed evening. It’s not clear what the criterion is to be treated well by the staff. I observed the interaction with other guests and I think maybe to be treated well you have to appear outwardly really wealthy. That is so last century. Perhaps that’s it, this place is stuck in a bygone era. There are many other options in London for Cocktails before dinner where the staff will make their guests (as opposed to themselves) feel special. Most don’t have the history of Dukes. However none of them will offer such tired decor,rude staff and a generally forgettable experience. Avoid at all costs if you enjoy life.More

We met some friends in London and wanted to treat them to the real, traditional cocktail experience. We had been before, this time I phoned to see if we could reserve a table as I know it is popular, however it is first come, first...served. We arrived, found some tables were reserved but on enquiry found that reservations were only for hotel residents. Not a problem, understood and we sat in the hotel lobby to wait for possibly a good while. However the senior bar manager came over and advised we could have a seat immediately but would have to vacate in around 45 minutes due to a reservation. Great .. we were sat down, ordered our cocktails and let our friends indulge in their new experience ! The only disappointment was we couldn’t stay longer to sample another, different cocktail ... but we always try to pop in when we’re in London, so we will be back!More

This is the benchmark for martini service, creation, expertise, atmosphere, ambience, sophistication, attention to detail and charm.

You can’t make a reservation so I was ok with a wait. But this guy was way too power hungry. I managed luxury hotels all my life and would have been happy to say goodbye to him.

These martinis are small and potent. There's a reason why they only serve 2 per customer (though you won't make it to 2). Fun vibe and great staff.

The only downside of our visit here was that bookings are not accepted so it was a 40 mins wait for a table for the four of us. Thankfully we were able to sit in the reception area. The upside was the fabulous service and...our Vesper martinis and having them made at the table is an excellent experience. I could only drink one but my husband managed two!! Well worth the wait but it would have been lovely to have been able to make a table booking for, say, an hour.More

The only thing I wish I could change is that I wish I lived closer so I could visit this bar more often!

Fantastic experience. The martinis are great, I had to go for the classic Vesper but we tried several and they were great. The making of the martini directly at the table is a great touch. We will definitely be back.

The bar at Duke's may be small, but the service and experience are exceptional. Alessandro and Maurizio are the best and always make us feel so welcome! It is a must on our to-do list everytime we go to London; sometimes we go a few...times a trip for a Vesper!More