Harry'S Bar (London)

Harry’s Bar London: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, Harry’s Bar London is an icon of Italian elegance, culinary artistry, and exclusive social culture. Founded in 1979 by Mark Birley, Harry’s Bar was inspired by its Venetian namesake and envisioned as a private club where Italian warmth and British sophistication blend seamlessly (Wikipedia). From its historic location at 26 South Audley Street to modern public outposts in Knightsbridge and Marylebone, Harry’s Bar has become synonymous with timeless glamour, impeccable cuisine, and high-profile clientele.

This guide provides a detailed overview of Harry’s Bar London—covering its origins, visiting hours, membership details, public dining options, ambience, accessibility, travel tips, and practical advice for both members and non-members.

Founding and Early Years
Ownership and Management
Culinary Heritage and Reputation
Clientele, Membership, and Social Role
Design and Ambience
Expansion and Public Venues
Visiting Harry’s Bar London: Hours and Access
Practical Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Essential Visitor Information

1. Founding and Early Years

Harry’s Bar opened in 1979 at 26 South Audley Street, Mayfair, with the vision of recreating the conviviality and style of Venice’s legendary club. Supported financially by James Sherwood of Orient-Express Hotels, Mark Birley brought together Italian culinary tradition and British exclusivity in a beautifully restored site that once housed Block, Grey & Block wine merchants (Wikipedia).

2. Ownership and Management

The club’s original partnership between Birley and Sherwood eventually ended due to management changes and familial transitions, leading to the sale of Harry’s Bar and sister establishments to Richard Caring in 2007 (Wikipedia). Today, Harry’s Bar remains under the Birley Clubs umbrella, maintaining its standards of privacy and prestige.

3. Culinary Heritage and Reputation

From the outset, Harry’s Bar was lauded for its Milanese-inspired menu and meticulous attention to detail. The inaugural head chef, Alberico Penati, established “High Urban” Italian cuisine as a hallmark of the club. Signature dishes, an extensive wine list, and an unwavering commitment to quality quickly earned Harry’s Bar a place among London’s most celebrated dining venues (Wikipedia).

By the 1990s, the club was recognized for its luxurious yet understated approach to gastronomy, with food critics praising both its authenticity and its “autonomous cocoon” atmosphere (Wikipedia).

Harry’s Bar has long attracted London’s business leaders, celebrities, and international dignitaries. Membership is highly selective and by invitation or referral, with annual fees reflecting the club’s exclusivity. The club was notable for its early embrace of female diners and its reputation as a haven for fashion icons and industry titans (Wikipedia).

5. Design and Ambience

Renowned designer Nina Campbell crafted the interiors to evoke Venetian grandeur using Murano glass, Fortuny fabrics, Peter Arno cartoons, and polished wood. The result is a warm, intimate space that balances opulent detail with relaxed comfort (Wikipedia; Mount Street Neighbourhood).

6. Expansion and Public Venues

In the 2010s, Richard Caring introduced public dining venues inspired by the original club. Harry’s Dolce Vita (Knightsbridge) and Harry’s Bar James Street (Marylebone) offer classic Italian menus and vibrant interiors to the general public, democratizing access to the Harry’s Bar experience (Luxury Restaurant Guide; MF Nights; SquareMeal). These venues preserve the brand’s attention to detail, hospitality, and Italian heritage.

7. Visiting Harry’s Bar London: Hours and Access

Private Members’ Club (Mayfair)

Location: 26 South Audley Street, Mayfair, London W1K 2PD (Mayfair-London)
Access: Strictly for members and their guests; membership by proposal and references.
Operating Hours: Typically open for lunch and dinner, from midday to late evening. Exact timings may vary—members should confirm directly with the club.
Dress Code: Formal—jackets and collared shirts for men, elegant attire for women; no sportswear or casual clothing.

Public Harry’s Bar Venues

Harry’s Dolce Vita (Knightsbridge): Basil Street, Knightsbridge; open to the public with reservations (MF Nights).
Harry’s Bar James Street (Marylebone): St Christopher’s Place; generally open from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily, with reservations recommended (SquareMeal; Harden’s).
Accessibility: Public venues offer step-free access and accessible restrooms; the Mayfair club has limited accessibility due to its historic building—contact the club in advance for arrangements.

8. Practical Travel Tips

Transport: Mayfair is accessible via Bond Street and Green Park Underground stations. Public venues are near Oxford Circus and Bond Street stations (Carpe Diem Tours).
Parking: Limited metered parking; Q-Park available nearby. Public transport is recommended due to traffic restrictions (Mayfair-London).
Payment: Most major credit/debit cards accepted; check ahead regarding American Express (Candace Abroad).
Nearby Attractions: Hyde Park, Bond Street, Grosvenor Square, Royal Academy of Arts, Wallace Collection, Selfridges, and Oxford Street.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can non-members visit the original Harry’s Bar in Mayfair?
A: No, the Mayfair club is private and only accessible to members and their guests. Public venues in Knightsbridge and Marylebone are open to all (MF Nights).

Q: What are the opening hours for public venues?
A: Typically 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily, but check the official website for updates (SquareMeal).

Q: Is there a dress code?
A: The Mayfair club requires formal attire; public venues recommend smart-casual dress (Mayfair-London; MF Nights).

Q: Are reservations required?
A: Strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends.

Q: Is the club accessible for guests with mobility needs?
A: Public venues are accessible; the Mayfair club has limited step-free access, so contact ahead.

10. Summary and Essential Visitor Information

Harry’s Bar London is an enduring emblem of Italian culinary tradition and British social prestige. Its exclusive Mayfair club remains a private sanctuary for elite members, while public venues extend its celebrated hospitality and cuisine to a broader audience. Visitors should plan ahead—respecting membership protocols, dress codes, and reservation requirements—to ensure a seamless and memorable experience.

Whether you are seeking the intimacy of the original club or the lively atmosphere of Knightsbridge and Marylebone, Harry’s Bar promises an immersion into Italian gastronomy and sophisticated London life. For the latest information, event updates, and dining reservations, consult the official Harry’s Bar website and download the Audiala app for exclusive recommendations.