Kudu Collective has expanded its Marylebone footprint with the opening of Smokey Kudu, a plush, low-lit cocktail bar above its new restaurant, Kudu, on Moxon Street.
It marks the return of Smokey Kudu, which opened in Peckham in 2020 then relocated to Chelsea in 2023 and later closed. Amy Corbin, who founded the South African-accented Kudu with husband Patrick Williams, is clear about why they chose to revive it on this W1 corner. “We wanted to have Kudu in central London, and Marylebone just felt like a really good fit,” she tells Broadsheet. “It’s the only space in central London that still feels like a village and has a nice little community.”
The new bar mirrors the intimacy of the original Smokey Kudu, but with added warmth via red clay walls, velvet upholstery, peach and orange tones, and a glowing statement fireplace. Designed by Fabled Studio (Josephine, Noble Rot Mayfair), the room blends marble details with a berry-hued carpet, works by artists including Zimbabwean fine art photographer Tamary Kudita, and a private dining room for up to 12 guests “It’s very sexy and feels tucked away, despite being above the restaurant,” Corbin says.
Head bartender Brian Tapera has built a 15-strong cocktail menu infused with South African flavour. Longtime Kudu favourites like the Braai Negroni, Saffa Rita and South London Paloma have returned, alongside new concoctions including the Kalahari Sunset – starring pisco, apricot brandy, passionfruit, apple – and the mushroom-mezcal-powered Wild Mary. Corbin’s personal picks include the Braai Negroni and the popular Peckham Mule: “We still like to be true to our roots.” The wine list spotlights South African drops.
The booze selection is bolstered with dishes like oysters with tomato dashi and a smoked prawn cruller from the Kudu menu downstairs, as well as grilled artichokes, house-cured Kalahari biltong and Kudu staples like grilled padron peppers.
Corbin says the bar is intended as its own venue, not simply a spot for pre- or post-meal drinks. “You can come up and just have a few snacks and some drinks, you don’t have to eat downstairs.”
Smokey Kudu
Upstairs, 1 Moxon Street, W1U 4EP
Hours:
Daily 5.30pm–midnight
