Polpo Chelsea

What is there to say about the Chelsea branch of Russell Norman’s Venetian-inspired small plates bar? Basically, if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. That’s not to say we’re not big fans of everything Polpo: from the ‘Polpo look’ (a been-there-forever mix of reclaimed fittings, chipped plaster and creaking furniture) to its Aperol spritzes and brown-paper menu (favourites include cicchetti, fritto misto and meatballs, plus those ricotta beignets...). Chelsea’s USP is its large L-shaped terrace, which overlooks the high-end boutiques and pedestrianised expanse of Duke of York Square. The best bit? Tables are bookable, outside and in, until 4pm.