The Definitive Guide To Chelsea’s Best Pubs

Chelsea is one of London’s most upscale neighbourhoods, and its pubs follow suit. You won’t find many crumbling dive bars here: instead the area is filled with polished inns with pretty gardens and standout food offerings. That doesn’t mean Chelsea’s pubs aren’t characterful though – in fact, quite the opposite, they’re brimming with quintessentially British charm. Luckily for us, the C&TH offices are located just down the road from the heart of SW3, meaning the team have been able to sample them all to sort the wheat from the chaff. Read on for our pick of the very best pubs in Chelsea, from long-standing traditional boozers to secret gems hidden just off the King’s Road (and if you’re after Chelsea restaurants, click here).

7 Best Pubs In Chelsea 2025

At A Glance:

• The Cross Keys
• The Cadogan Arms
• The Surprise
• The Fox & Pheasant
• The Phene
• The Hollywood Arms
• The Pig’s Ear

1. The Cross Keys

Widely believed to be Chelsea’s oldest pub, The Cross Keys was built all the way back in 1708 – though it reopened with a fresh look in 2015 after being acquired by new owners. Tucked away on quiet Lawrence Street, the pub has a rich history: it was frequented by writers Agatha Christie and Dylan Thomas back in the day, and Bob Marley was reportedly a fan. Today, it’s known for its impressive food offering which focuses on seasonal fare, serving both pub classics (pies, fish and chips) alongside creative veg-forward mains, plus a stellar Sunday roast. Drinks-wise, there’s an extensive selection of beer from Butcombe Brewery, as well as fine wines and cocktails like the signature Hugo Royale Spritz, made with Tanqueray gin, elderflower and prosecco.

1 Lawrence St, London SW3 5NB, butcombe.com

2. The Cadogan Arms

Located bang on the King’s Road, The Cadogan Arms is about as Chelsea as it gets. There has been a pub on the site since the 1800s, but a few years ago it was taken over by JKS Restaurants, who gave the venue a shiny new makeover. Original details like the timber wood panelling were restored, and fresh new elements were added, like mosaic flooring, sparkling chandeliers and antique beer taps. The ornate yet cosy dining room serves elevated takes on pub classics, from slow roasted chicken pie to a giant cheeseburger, alongside generous roasts and a carefully curated wine list. It’s always busy on weekends, but milling about by the bustling bar while rubbing shoulders with well-heeled Chelsea locals is part of The Cadogan experience.

298 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UG, thecadoganarms.london

3. The Phene

Another Chelsea stalwart is The Phene, a smart pub with a neighbourhood feel. Home to a leafy garden and numerous private spaces, it’s a particularly popular spot for hosting events, but it’s also a lovely place to pop in for a quiet drink on a Sunday afternoon. The kitchen is headed up by Michelin-trained chef Sidy Kounta, with the menu currently including dishes like asparagus tart, roast skate wing, and lobster pithivier. A carefully put together wine list focuses on old world classics, and there’s a dedicated spritz menu featuring drinks like the Lemon Blossom, made with Sipsmith gin, lemon and elderflower, and the Sparkling Marg, a twist on the classic tequila favourite.

9 Phene St, London SW3 5NZ, thephene.com

4. The Surprise

Tucked away on a quiet terrace near the King’s Road, The Surprise is one of Chelsea’s worst-kept secrets. With its terracotta walls, leather banquettes and reclaimed furniture – plus the red-and-white striped facade – it’s one of London’s most aesthetic pubs. But it’s not style over substance: there’s also an excellent culinary offering designed to spotlight the best of British produce. Forget boring pub grub, the menu here includes dishes like beetroot and gin cured salmon with crostini, pea and shallot tortellini, and Cornish cod with grilled asparagus. If you’re just popping in for a pint, choose from an array of beers, from London ales to the pub’s own brand, Surprise Ale. 

6 Christchurch Terrace, London SW3 4AJ, thesurprise-chelsea.co.uk

5. The Fox & Pheasant

He might be best-known for his acoustic pop hits, but did you know James Blunt also owns a pub? Perched in the no-man’s land between Chelsea and Fulham, The Fox & Pheasant was on the brink of closure before being bought by the singer and his wife Sofia Wellesley in 2017, who lived just down the road. Together they revived the space, bringing a touch of countryside cosiness with rustic furnishings and fireplaces, and enlisting chef Toby Milne to head up the food side of things. Blunt spends most of his time in Ibiza nowadays, so although you might not find him pulling a pint at the bar, you can order the You’re Beautiful cocktail in his honour – a refreshing gin and elderflower tipple perfect for summer afternoons.

1 Billing Rd, London SW10 9UJ, thefoxandpheasant.com

6. The Hollywood Arms

Perched on a residential street between the King’s Road and Fulham Road sits The Hollywood Arms, a chic pub which feels right at home in its SW10 neighbourhood. During the warmer months, crowds of pub goers spill out onto the street sipping pints of Guinness and Strawberry Negronis. Inside is equally charming though, with high ceilings and sophisticated decor, serving a menu of elevated pub fare. Keep an eye on the events programme too: the pub hosts speed dating evenings, there are quiz nights every Sunday, and big screens show football and rugby games.

45 Hollywood Rd, London SW10 9HX, hollywoodarmschelsea.com

7. The Pig’s Ear

Last year, the Gladwin Brothers – the trio known for their ‘local and wild’ restaurants like Rabbit – expanded their repertoire by opening a pub on Chelsea’s Old Church Street. Housed inside the site formerly home to the Chelsea Pig, The Pig’s Ear (cockney slang for beer) is well-suited to foodies: the brothers are known for their farm-to-table cuisine, which utilises produce from their family farm in Sussex. Try signature dishes like the marmite eclairs and salt beef croquettes, enjoy fresh seafood at the oyster station, and sip sparkling wine from the brothers’ Nutbourne vineyard. Alternatively, pop by on a Monday for the £20 pie and pint deal.

35 Old Church St, London SW3 5BS, pigsearpub.com