Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. Is your local listed?
Oh my, what an interior. There's so much woodwork in here that you'd almost expect an Ewok to swing down from the ceiling. The pub reopened in 2021 after some time in the doldrums. A major refit sees it looking simultaneously historic (the place dates from 1838) and modern... somehow.
This being Chelsea, the place is primarily set up for well-heeled diners. At time of writing, a game pie will set you back £30 while even "Ham, egg and chips" is an eye-watering £21.50. (Though we're sure it's both lovely and competitively priced for these parts.)
That said, you'll be made to feel very welcome if all you seek is a drink. The front part of the pub retains a 'this is where the drinkers sit' ambience, with some truly cosy corners. They even show live sport, which is a rare thing in a pub like this.
The cask ale choice is disappointing. Just two very mainstream brands on our visit. Much better keg offerings rescue the beer mission, however, with a dozen or so choices from occasionally obscure breweries. Needless to say, there's a preposterously long and affluent-targeted wine list, and a handful of cocktails.
