Close to the Thames and just south of Belgravia and South Kensington, Chelsea is one of the most desirable places to live in London. As its neighbour Fulham, just a little to the west. And it’s easy to see why. Bars, restaurants, boutique shops and designer stores are all on your doorstep. And there’s a wide range of sought-after housing stock to choose from too, from 19th Century villas overlooking private, well-kept Victorian squares to modern apartments at Chelsea Harbour.
The area has some of London’s most famous addresses. Smith Terrace is a curved row of Instagrammable pastel coloured terraced houses. Godfrey Street, just off the King’s Road is similar. While Egerton Crescent, with its white stucco terrace, is one of the most expensive roads in London. And Cheyne Walk, close to the Thames, has always been one of the most famous and popular locations for artists, writers, musicians and politicians to live. Expect to see numerous blue plaques celebrating past residents.
Eating out in Chelsea and Fulham
This part of west London is well-known for its cool bars, pubs and restaurants, and on its two main throughfares, King’s Road and Fulham Road, every taste is catered for.
A few of our favourites include:
Wulf & Lamb: A favourite for veggies and vegans, Wulf & Lamb on Pavilion Road offers all day plant-based dining. Naturally, healthy salads are on the menu. But try the vegan versions of familiar classics too such as mac ‘n’ cheese and burgers.
Bluebird Café: A Chelsea institution, the Bluebird Café on the King’s Road started life as a garage before Sir Terence Conran converted it into a restaurant, bar, café and shop in the 1990s. Now owned by D&D London, the menu is packed full of classic favourites from avo on toast for breakfast, to sticky toffee pudding for desserts. The famous courtyard is good for people watching all year round.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay: Michelin-starred and consistently outstanding, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is a firm favourite for foodies. Choose dishes from the a la carte menu, such as black truffe ravioli or roast pigeon, or opt for the carte blanch menu and have the chef create an entirely bespoke meal.
Claude Bosi at Bibendum: For another famous eatery, head on down to the Knightsbridge end of the Fulham Road to Claude Bosi at Bibendum. Situated in the iconic Michelin House building, this French restaurant offers a one of a kind dining experience, whether you eat at the ground floor bistro or the elegant first floor restaurant.
The White Horse: If pubs and gastropubs are more to your taste, Fulham’s White Horse pub on Parson’s Green is an iconic venue. The Sloaney Pony, as it’s known locally, serves up tasty British fare all day.
The Goat Chelsea: Another famous watering hole, The Goat, is situated on the Fulham Road, and offers seasonal British-Italian fusion cuisine as well as specialty cocktails. Loved by reality TV stars and the odd minor royal back in the day, The Goat is a favourite with locals.
West London shopping
Ever since the 1950s the King’s Road has been a mecca for fashionistas. The cool, hip boutiques of the 1960s may have made way for rather more upmarket designer stores today, but the King’s Road is still a great place to shop.
The much-loved Peter Jones department store at Sloane Square is a good place to start. While close by is the Duke of York Square which has over 30 stores to browse, including flagship stores for beauty brands Aesop and Dermalogica. There’s also a food market here every Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
It’s also worth strolling all the way down the King’s Road to World’s End. Here you’ll find the original Vivienne Westwood store with its famous backward clock.
What to see and do in the area
Every year Chelsea plays host to The Chelsea Flower Show held at The Royal Hospital. Attracting visitors and keen gardeners from all over the world, the event showcases the latest in garden design as well as new plants and flowers.
For culture lovers, there’s the Saatchi Gallery in Duke of York Square, home to some of the world’s leading contemporary, as well as emerging, artists. Or head to the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square for provocative theatre by new and established writers before they transfer to the West End or Broadway. Or visit Cadogan Hall in nearby Sloane Terrace, home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
For sporty types, The Hurlingham Club in Fulham is considered one of the world’s best private clubs and the birthplace of polo. As well as the 42 acres of grounds, members enjoy croquet, lawn tennis and numerous events throughout the year. There are plenty of green spaces to enjoy in the area if you enjoy a leisurely walk. And, of course, Chelsea is within walking distance of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, two of the largest open spaces in London.
Getting around
The whole area is rich in transport options. You’ll find Sloane Square Tube Station at the Knightsbridge end of King’s Road, which is on both the Circle and District lines. While at the other end of the Fulham Road is Fulham Broadway Tube Station on the District line.
Jumping on a bus – or red taxi as it’s often called - is probably the quickest way to get around, especially the number 11 and number 22. There are numerous buses that go up down the King’s Road and the Fulham Road every few minutes, and around the clock too.
With its close proximity to the river, the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is another option and there are frequent boats from Chelsea Harbour Pier and Cadogan Pier that will take you down the river towards Canary Wharf and beyond.
