This pub was editorially chosen for inclusion by Londonist.
The Geronimo chain seems to have carved out quite a fiefdom here in Chelsea, with four nearby hostelries. This place loosens the group's house-style somewhat, with reggae and calypso soundtracks, louche bar staff and an easy reclining vibe. The bar is loaded with a selection of free newspapers. You can have any title you like, so long as it's The Times or The Sunday Times. There's an air of 'gastro' about the place, but the main dining area is pushed towards the back.
The punters here are inescapably well-to-do. Our neighbouring table had a 1:1 ratio of 'yahs' per sentence. Then an old boy, decked out in blazer and red trousers, wandered in and attempted to pay by cheque (remember those). Clearly a Chelsea Pensioner in civvies, he proceeded to tell the bar staff just how old he was, and just how much of a Chelsea Pensioner he was, over and over again.
Despite, or maybe because of, its quirks there's a lot to like here. The comfy sofas, the well kept (if unimaginative) ales, a decent wine list, the Rothko-lite wall paintings, a large moose-covered rug... There's no beer garden, but a row of seating follows the southern wall of the pub.
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Last updated July 2015.
