The Surprise

The Surprise

This pub was editorially chosen for inclusion by Londonist.

The big surprise here is the cost of a pint. £5.30? This is Chelsea, we suppose, and it was a particularly pleasant craft lager called Chelsea Blonde. But still.

Anyhow, the real surprise is to stumble across a quaint little corner pub in the poshest side of Chelsea. We're just round the corner from artists' enclave of Tite Street where Whistler and Oscar Wilde once entertained. You can't see into the pub through the bubble glass windows, but you get the feeling this place isn't going to be off-putting.

The clientele on a relaxed Saturday afternoon is all white middle class (ourselves included), but not the overly privileged set one might imagine. OK, the bar staff are called Kieran and Charlie, and their's an Oliver guffawing in the next room, but it's not that posh. The place is handsomely decorated, and enhanced with quirky paintings (a Dali-esque desert scene; an over-sized cheeseboard; dogs in suits...).

The pub is handsomely furnished, with the usual well-scrubbed decor of the Geronimo chain (one of four branches in the area). There's a moderately interesting selection of ales on draught, plus that delish Chelsea lager, but you're best served by wines and spirits. The back room makes for a cosy dining space, and there's more eats to be had in the upstairs dining room, where small plates are the order of the day. Meanwhile, as though to cock a snook at the neighbourhood, the toilets are labelled Lords and Ladies.

On Facebook. On Twitter as @TheSurpriseSW3.

Last updated July 2015.

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Address: 6 Christchurch Terrace London SW3 4AJ

Phone: 020 7351 6954

Email:
thesurprise@geronimo-inns.co.uk

Website:
http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/london-the-surprise

Monday: 11am-11pm

Tuesday: 11am-11pm

Wednesday: 11am-11pm

Thursday: 11am-11pm

Friday: 11am-11pm

Saturday: 11am-11pm

Sunday: noon-10.30pm

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