While we may have shared our first batch of Chelsea Arts Festival events, we’re still cooking up a storm behind the scenes. And while there are more exciting ticketed events still to be announced, there are also plenty of free events that will envelop Chelsea in a bubble of wonder, culture and joy from 18 to 21 September 2025, and enrich any pockets of time you have between talks, performances and panels.
Only one question remains: where will you refuel? From street eats and cafes to wine bars and restaurants at the very tippy top of London’s food scene, Chelsea is a wonderland for foodies, oenophiles and cocktail connoisseurs alike. Here are our top recommendations for places to eat and drink over the Chelsea Arts Festival weekend.
Where To Eat And Drink In Chelsea
Best Restaurants In Chelsea
- The LaLee: The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel’s all-day restaurant draws inspiration from actress, socialite and former resident Lillie Langtree; the perfect spot amid a day of culture vulturing. 75 Sloane St, London SW1X 9SG; thelalee.co.uk
- The Fuji Grill: A gem hidden in Beaverbrook Town House. Expect picture-perfect interiors and an extensive menu of show-stopping sushi. 115 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9PJ; beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk
- No. Fifty Cheyne: If you don’t care to abandon your Sunday dinner traditions during Chelsea Arts Festival, we’ve got you covered: No. Fifty Cheyne offers one of the city’s very best roasts, rustled up by Jason Atherton protégé Iain Smith. It’s so in demand, they even serve roasts on Saturdays. 50 Cheyne Walk, London SW3 5LR; fiftycheyne.com
- Stanley’s: Just off the bustling King’s Road, Stanley’s boasts a flower-bedecked courtyard and a menu celebrating British produce. 151 Sydney St, London SW3 6NT; stanleyschelsea.co.uk
- Vardo: Attending an event at the Saatchi Gallery? Housed inside a cylindrical glass pavilion bang in the middle of Chelsea’s Duke of York Square, you can’t miss Vardo – and you shouldn’t. From the team behind Caravan, expect an all-day international menu with a Silk Road inspired cocktail list. 9 Duke Of York Square, London SW3 4LY; vardorestaurant.co.uk
- The Harwood Arms: Many of Chelsea’s pubs (see below) boast restaurant-worthy menus, but The Harwood Arms is a cut above. London’s only pub to earn a Michelin star, expect seasonal menus featuring wild game and produce sourced only from the British Isles. Walham Grove, London SW6 1QP; harwoodarms.com
- Rabbit: The Gladwin Brothers’ second ever restaurant remains cosy, rustic and delicious; think wild, forged and locally-grown goodness served up in an unassuming restaurant right on the King’s Road. 172 King’s Rd, London SW3 4UP; rabbit-restaurant.com
- Kutir: Indian food tastes all the better at Kutir, a townhouse restaurant a stone’s throw from the Chelsea Arts Festival action. The Expedition Menu will expand your palate and fuel you up for a weekend of action. 10 Lincoln St, London SW3 2TS; kutir.co.uk
Best Bars In Chelsea
- The Cadogan Arms: This upmarket pub blends the English country pub aesthetic with Ar Deco touches and boasts a decadent bar spanning X to Y. 298 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UG; thecadoganarms.com
- Bluebird: When the sun shines, the huge Bluebird courtyard is the place to be in Chelsea; 350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU; bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
- The Surprise: One of Chelsea’s prettiest pubs pours perfect pints and serves snacky starters from an unpretentious-yet-elevated pub grub menu, all backdropped by eccentric interiors. The only surprise? How often you’ll return. 6 Christchurch Terrace, London SW3 4AJ; thesurprise-chelsea.co.uk
- Ixchel: Craving tequila? This uber-trendy Mexican restaurant on the King’s Road is home to one of Europe’s largest agave-based liquor collections. 33 King’s Rd, London SW3 4LX; ixchellondon.com
- Little Lines: Cocktails with a side of shopping? Hidden inside cult favourite RIXO is Little Lines by Black Lines, the most aesthetic of all cocktail bars serving up the brand’s signature bottled cocktails. 114-116 King’s Rd, London SW3 4TX; blacklinesdrinks.com
Quick Bites & Street Eats In Chelsea
- The Fine Food Market: Every Saturday, Duke of York Square is transformed into the Fine Food Market, serving up artisan treats and local produce to tuck into on the Green or take home for later. Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY; dukeofyorksquare.com
- The Chelsea Grocer: Also on Duke of York’s Square, The Chelsea Grocer is the perfect spot for fresh, seasonal flavours, savoury treats from the deli counter, fine whiskies and summery rosés with barista coffee to boot. Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY; thechelseagrocer.com
- Phat Phuc Noodle Bar: A Chelsea icon serving up traditional Vietnamese pho and noodle dishes. You can’t book ahead, so get ready to queue – it’ll be worth it. The Courtyard, 151 Sydney St, London SW3 6NT; phat-phuc-noodle-bar.weeblyte.com
- Pizza Pilgrims: Dashing between events? You can’t go wrong with a quick, fresh pizza. 219 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EJ, pizzapilgrims.co.uk
Reserve a table now and while you’re at it, browse our lineup and check the what’s on page to book your tickets to one of our events. Keep an eye on our news & features page for updates, local recommendations and much more!