The best pubs in Chelsea

Before it was closed, threatened with redevelopment and then occupied by squatters as a protest way back in 2012, The Cross Keys was a creaky old-school boozer. It’s now the full gastropub, although, happily, The Cross Keys is still just as dedicated to its beer-drinking crowd. 

The Pig's Ear: it’s Cockney rhyming slang for beer. Although, there’s not much Cockney about this west London pub, run by The Gladwin Brothers who also run The Sussex restaurant in Soho as well as Nutbourne vineyards. The Chelsea crowd lap up their wine here, as well indulge in the pub’s fancy menu of food – from seared bream to pork belly and beyond.  

A wonderfully cosy place, it exudes a slight gentlemen’s club feel these days: the friendly landlord will address you as ‘Sir’ when you first order, surrounded by paintings of hunting scenes and a caricature of Churchill. Honest pub grub at honest prices appears on weekday lunchtimes. Urban myth comes with the oft-repeated but never-verified rumour that this is where Tony Warren came up with the idea for classic soap opera, Coronation Street. Still, at least they haven’t renamed it the Rovers Return.

A slick operation that re-opened back in 2021 after a serious glow-up. Come here for one hell of an interior, all burnished wood, stained glass, tiled floors and the feeling that you're just fallen into a dreamy Pre-Raphaelite painting. Sunday roasts are a big deal here, as is all food, really – with a superlative gastro menu of seasonal dishes. 

The Fox & Pheasant brings country pub vibes to central Chelsea, probably because it's run by the extremely posh singer James Blunt. Don't hold that against it though. It's a sweet place to drop by for a pint – or more fittingly, a chilled glass of Picpoul de Pinet. Food spans everything from snacks of Perelló olives to small plates of glazed pork belly, with fennel and Guinness mustard, or classics such as fish and chips. 

Right on the King’s Road, the Chelsea Potter has seen its share of action down the years: the Stones, it’s said, were once regulars here. It's less rock 'n' roll inside these days, but sitting on benches out on the King’s Road in summer provides ample entertainment. A large suite of gins is stocked behind the bar, which somewhat makes up for the short selection of beer on tap.

Like many of the area’s pubs, the TT is focused on fancy food. But it’s very modern in its approach from breakfast through to dinner time. Aside from those posh plates, there’s a list of cocktails well worth checking out – choose from caipirinhas, bellinis and more – although wine seems to be most popular among the Tucker's fan base.

Locals affectionately refer to this pub as The Cod, a neighbourhood pub that’s been scrubbed up to meet the 21st century, with posh patterned wallpaper and shiny wooden tables. It’s perhaps best known for its unpretentious pub menu on offer in the adjacent restaurant – fish and chips feels right when ordering here. If the draught ales aren’t to your taste, a strong wine list suits the poshed-up surroundings.

The Chelsea Ram is cosy and likeable in that west London ‘country’ way – flowers, cushions, homely furnishings, smart wallpaper, rustic tables. There's above-average, crowd-pleasing grub and a well-thought-out drinks list, resulting in an agreeable balance between drinkers and diners.

Divided equally between intimate restaurant and bar, the Enterprise is one of Chelsea’s more formal establishments for a drink. A comprehensive wine list relies heavily on France and, to a lesser extent, Spain and Italy. The bar menu is a delight, with Scotch eggs, sloe gin cocktails and a list of brandies all living merrily side by side.