Come the weekend, you could join the throngs of tourists shuffling down the King’s Road, clutching their shopping bags and squinting at Google Maps. Or you could do what the locals do: step off the main road and discover the Chelsea most visitors never see.
Chelsea is one of the busiest and most vibrant neighbourhoods in London, but visiting with a little insider knowledge of the fringes makes you enjoy it infinitely more. Eat where locals eat, shop where they shop, and discover why they’re so protective of these particular corners of their patch.
While you’re in town for the Chelsea Arts Festival (18–21 September), it’s the perfect time to experience the neighbourhood like someone who actually lives here. Here are the best spots to try first, approved by a local. Just don’t tell everyone about it – some secrets are worth keeping.
Chelsea Green
Tucked just off the King’s Road like a well-kept secret, Chelsea Green feels more like an enchanting village square than part of central London. This charming pocket is where locals do their shopping – not the tourist trap kind, but the sort that involves actual conversations with shopkeepers who remember your name.
Address: Cale St, London SW3 3QU
Birley Bakery
Birley Bakery is the best place to start your day: eating traditional boulangerie-style pâtisseries and croissants with a modern twist. Sweet lovers should grab an almond croissant, while savoury fans will enjoy the ham and cheese pastries –or better yet, try both. Too early for an ice cream?
Address: 28-30 Cale St, London SW3 3QU
The Pie Man
Despite its humble name, The Pie Man serves up far more than pastry-wrapped fillings. Their seasonal menu changes regularly, but expect comfort food elevated beyond the ordinary. The kind of place where regulars have “their usual” and newcomers are welcomed with genuine warmth rather than polite tolerance.
Address: Cale St, London SW3 3QU
Ziani
Ziani on Radnor Walk captures that effortlessly elegant Chelsea vibe. With tons of regulars and always plenty of newcomers, it’s a neighbourhood institution with food that proves why. Don’t expect an extensive menu, do expect kind, knowledgeable servers, traditional Italian comfort food and a buzzy atmosphere.
Address: 45 Radnor Walk, London SW3 4BP
La Delizia 1986
For something more intimate, La Delizia is the definition of a hidden gem. Squeeze into one of their tiny tables, decipher the handwritten menu (specials change daily), and prepare for some super local authentic Italian food. The service is warm, the portions generous, and the atmosphere so genuinely cosy you’ll want to linger over that final glass of wine.
Address: 63-65 Chelsea Manor St, London SW3 5RZ
Barts
If you’re planning to make a proper night of it, disappear to Barts speakeasy on Sloane Avenue after dinner – if you can nail the password. Opt for an Uncle Barts specialty cocktail, enjoy an Argentinian bite from neighbouring restaurant Gaucho or stay for a boogie till late on the weekends. They have all the classics but also lots of fresh speciality drinks too.
Address: Chelsea Cloisters, Sloane Ave, London SW3 3DW
Local Shops
Andreas Grocer (6-8 Cale St, London SW3 3QU) is where Chelsea locals go when they want to impress at dinner parties. We’re talking black truffles the size of golf balls, Japanese strawberries that cost more per punnet than most people spend on lunch, and exotic ingredients that make even seasoned cooks feel adventurous. It’s grocery shopping as performance art.
Next door, Paxton & Whitfield cheesemongers (22 Cale St, London SW3 3QU) has been aging wheels of perfection for more than 225 years. The staff here don’t just sell cheese; they’re cheese evangelists who can match your wine to the perfect wedge. Fair warning: you might leave with far more than you planned to buy, and I can’t promise that it comes cheap.
Then there’s the Chelsea Fishmonger (12 Cale St, London SW3 3QU), which has been supplying the neighbourhood with the day’s catch for nearly a century. Take a peep at the glistening fish, prawns, lobster and oysters and speak to the very knowledgeable Rex Goldsmith and team who will not only sell you the best fish in London but show you exactly how to cook it too.
Elsewhere, browse Eliza’s vintage jewellery treasure trove Felt (53 Godfrey St, London SW3 3SX) and pick up something magical and unique.
The Scenery
Grab a picnic and head to nearby St Luke’s Gardens or botanic garden Chelsea Physic Garden is a lovely spot. Founded in 1673, it is the second oldest garden of its kind in England – worth the small entrance fee.
Honourable Mentions
- The Oxfam Boutique is perfect for finding a designer piece you’ve been dreaming of. (123A King’s Rd, London SW3 4PL)
- Stanley’s for a la-di-da dining experience in a secluded courtyard. (151 Sydney St, London SW3 5UE)
- Or the more casual and uber affordable spot Phat Phuc Noodle Bar; you could even grab a branded t-shirt whilst you’re there. (The Courtyard, 151 Sydney St, London SW3 6NT)