Chelsea Pubs: A Guide to the Best Drinking Spots in the Area

Chelsea is widely recognized as one of London’s poshest districts, but that does not mean it lacks in the pub department. In fact, Chelsea is one of the top neighborhoods in London when it comes to pubs. With Victorian pubs on every street and corner, finding a great pint is never a struggle.

Whether you are looking for high-end gastropubs or casual, social pubs for chilling, drinking, and watching live sports, Chelsea’s pubs offer a bit of everything you want from a proper British pub. In this article, we will explore some of the best pubs in Chelsea that should be your first stop.

Key Takeaways

  • Chelsea is one of London’s top neighborhoods for pubs, with Victorian pubs on every street and corner.
  • There are high-end gastropubs as well as casual, social pubs for chilling, drinking, and watching live sports.
  • This article will explore some of the best pubs in Chelsea that should be your first stop.

The Best Pubs in Chelsea

The Cadogan Arms

The Cadogan Arms is a beautiful Victorian gastropub located on King’s Road. It offers a classy atmosphere with a modern pub menu that includes fish and chips, pies, burgers, and mussels. The Sunday roast menu is fantastic, with rump, shoulder of lamb, and veggie/vegan gardener’s pie. The prices are higher than average, but the relaxed atmosphere, stunning interior, and top-notch service make The Cadogan Arms a must-visit pub in Chelsea.

The Phene

The Phene is a mix of traditional pub charm and contemporary stylishness, with a sumptuous velvet lounge bar, plenty of dining space, and a wonderful outdoor seating area. It offers a modern-classic menu that delivers a plethora of gluten-free, veggie, and vegan dishes, with plenty of choice for anyone. The outdoor seating area is heated at night and throughout the colder months, making it a great choice for pubs in Chelsea with gardens.

The Chelsea Pig

The Chelsea Pig is a popular gastropub that exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere with classy chandeliers, modern furnishings, and interesting sculptures and art. The compact menu features small plates and a carefully curated selection of quality mains that are highly seasonal and change often. With its rustic interiors and open fireplaces, The Chelsea Pig is a great spot to unwind.

The Hollywood Arms

The Hollywood Arms is a super-bright, contemporary gastropub with a glorious interior inspired by English country estates. The menu is mega, with homemade gnocchi, various chicken dishes, an amazing selection of steaks, and stacks of starters and sharing dishes. The drinks menu is impressive, with cocktails, wines, and beers galore. A top-quality pub with a gorgeous ambience.

The Builders Arms

The Builders Arms is an unpretentious pub with laid-back vibes, plenty of seating, and a fantastic menu that combines pub classics with that little special something which sets quality pub food aside from the rest. Fish, burgers, chicken, and plenty of veg options – it’s an all-comer-friendly menu that doesn’t skimp out on taste. The pub offers a range of real ales, craft beers, and an extensive wine list. They also host special food nights, like oyster masterclasses and dining experiences with coveted chefs, which is a super-interesting addition to this pub.

The Sporting Page

The Sporting Page is a traditional pub with plenty of screens located off the Fulham Road. It offers an excellent selection of modern pub classics with a compact menu. The pub quiz on Sunday is one of the most popular in the area, and there’s live music on the last Friday of the month. Perfect for a glass of wine or pints with mates.

Chelsea Potter

The Chelsea Potter is a large, modern pub with beautiful flower displays laden across its fascia in spring and summer. It’s a reliable, reasonably-priced pub in a great setting on the King’s Road. You’ll save some money compared to some other pubs in the area too.

The Phoenix

The Phoenix is a relatively compact but well-turned-out pub with a brilliant menu located on Smith Street, just south of the iconic King’s Road. Run by a small and dedicated team, this is one of Chelsea’s friendliest pubs, and dog friendly too. A no-frills pub menu provides burgers, fish and chips, chicken, and a handful of other options. Locals love the Sunday night pub quiz.

The Fox and Pheasant

The Fox and Pheasant is a beautiful pub located towards the south of Chelsea. The interior is stunning, with a gorgeous orangery area and superb decor throughout. The atmosphere is buzzing, even on weekdays – a great sign that locals love this pub. The food here certainly adds to the pub’s superb reputation, with a compact menu but delicious food with sublime presentation. It’s a tad more expensive, but that’s even more reason to savour it.

The Cross Keys

The Cross Keys is a historical gem that has been serving Chelsea residents since the early 1700s. It’s a straightforward and unpretentious pub tucked away in a quieter, more residential part of Chelsea. This charming traditional pub boasts an extensive selection of ales, wines, and spirits, and also offers a delicious gastropub-style menu featuring British classics made with locally sourced ingredients. It’s a very friendly pub, perfect for couples, groups, families, or anyone treating themselves to a delicious meal and pint.