Chelsea is not all about Made in Chelsea lookalikes; it is a chic, urban village with its own premier league football team, international art gallery and excellent shopping, restaurants and cafes.
From cocktail bars to exclusive haunts, you can find everything from places to brunch to ladies who lunch, and celeb spotting clubs to gastro pubs perfect for lazy Sundays.
With plenty of old school boozers, along with more fancy cocktail bars, there is ample choice of nightlife for SW3 residents who live in the Kings Road hub.
Where to eat in Chelsea
Kurobuta should definitely be on your radar if Asian food is your thing. One of only two outlets in London, which started as a pop up, this stylish hideaway offers modern Japanese street food tapas style and fuses unusual plates such as tempura pumpkin & crispy kale, soft shell crab and junk food wagyu sliders with a rock n roll vibe. Perfect for a dinner date or cocktails with friends, the unique, chilled out ambience and delicious menu will keep you coming back.
Colbert is in the heart of Sloane Square, but wouldn’t be out of place on an elegant Parisian boulevard. The interior of this sophisticated cafe bar transports you back to the 1930s with a dark wood décor, red banquettes, mirrors and white linen tablecloths. You don’t order breakfast here, it’s petit déjeuner and it is served from 8am to midday. A whole portion of the menu is dedicated to eggs – Benedict, Florentine and Royale or omelettes, scrambled or fried.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden is the perfect place to dine al fresco on a sunny day. The stunning garden is a must see and the vivid colours change throughout the seasons as the cherry trees blossom and wisteria blooms. A lily pond is the central feature and there are plenty of secluded little areas for a romantic lunch or gossip. A lively and inventive breakfast menu including lobster benedict or halloumi, avocado, poached egg, kale, hollandaise, potato hash, mushrooms and beans is the perfect hearty start to the day. A varied lunch and dinner menu is also on offer for all day dining.
The Chelsea Pig (formally The Pig’s Ear) is an award-winning gastropub in the heart of Chelsea. Needless to say, it does a fantastic roast. The pork is undeniably popular, but other options are available too. And if you fancy treating yourself mid-week, the inventive menu offers set and a la carte options.
Where to drink in Chelsea
The Jam Tree is a friendly local bar at the Fulham end of Chelsea. With happy hours Monday to Friday, it is always busy with the after work crowd, and the vibe is eclectic with chesterfield sofas, clashing wallpaper and modern art. Offering bottomless brunch on the weekends, this laid back bar on the King’s Road also has an amazing beer garden which is popular all year round.
Beaufort House is the place to go if you like drinking champagne by the bottle. A private members club, everyone who is anyone has a membership. And, if you have a limitless credit card, you might enjoy splashing the cash at this sophisticated, four-storey venue which also does great food and is a haven in the midst of the hullaballoo of the Kings Road.
Award winning cocktail bar JuJu is another exclusive club often appearing on Made in Chelsea. Popular with celebs and TV personalities, it’s flashy and full of the ‘it’ crowd. Expect inventive cocktails, fashion shows and charity events which the cool cats of SW3 seem to love.
The Imperial Arms has been on the Kings Road for 150 years. A traditional Victorian pub in Chelsea Design Quarter which is known for its top-end design, furniture and interiors shops, it is anything but Victorian inside. Light and airy, it blends old school characteristics in a sleek modern style. It also has a pretty garden at the back with covered areas, which is popular with groups and families.
Where to play in Chelsea
For art lovers, the Saatchi Gallery is a haven for the cultured and is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. The iconic gallery was opened by Charles Saatchi in 1985 and moved to Duke of York’s Square in 2008. Often showcasing emerging and unknown artists, it is the place to catch emerging artists as they springboard their careers.
Kensington Palace is officially the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, but parts of it are also open to the public for exclusive guided tours and exhibitions. Kensington Gardens are open throughout the year and are one of London’s eight official royal parks. Visit the Peter Pan statue, which was erected to mark the spot where the boy who never grew up landed during a night-time adventure in the much-loved JM Barrie tale.
Looking for home in this corner of London? Get in touch with our Chelsea branch today.
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