Elizabeth Day, Ian McEwan, Kate Mosse, Dame Zandra Rhodes, Ambika Mod and plenty more are on the bill, but Chelsea Arts Festival isn’t just a celebration of big names and new books. From 18 to 21 September 2025, the inaugural arts festival is set to be a spellbinding takeover of the entire neighbourhood, embracing its iconic venues and radical creative heritage. Between thought-provoking talks and fascinating panels, it’s time to traverse Chelsea’s famous and historical streets. Here’s what a day at Chelsea Arts Festival will look like.
A Day at Chelsea Arts Festival
First: Breakfast
Hop off the tube at Sloane Square and make your way to one of Chelsea’s delightful breakfast spots – the perfect opportunity to meet up with friends and prepare for the day ahead.
For a French brasserie experience, it’s just a few steps to Colbert with its cocooning art nouveau, art deco and Victorian features. On the menu, expect everything from pancakes to devilled lamb kidneys and eggs every way you can imagine.
If the King’s Road is calling, pop by new spot Cafe Linea for cold-pressed juice and a pastry or a heftier brunch affair, all served up in a Grade II listed building on Duke of York Square.
Elsewhere, Aussie spot Granger & Co. – hidden on Pavilion Road, which feels like you’ve stumbled into the heart of a village – is the perfect brunch spot; the menu boasts pastries, fruit bowls and eggs and avocados galore.
If time is on your side, other favoured spots include The Chelsea Townhouse, Ottolenghi and Charlotte’s Cloud. But if you’re running behind (and feeling indulgent), why not grab a sticky bun from buns from home? Head to a bench on Sloane Square across the road, and tuck into the goodness.
Morning Talks
After breakfasting on Saturday, head to Saatchi Gallery at 10.30am to hear an illuminating talk on the impact of the arts on modern life from Darren Henley and Samira Ahmed. Or if you choose to brunch, venture to the Royal Court Theatre to sit in on a special live recording of The London Theatre Review with Ambika Mod and David Byrne.
After a bite to eat in Chelsea, from 11am on Sunday Cadogan Hall will host Matt Haig, Jordan Stephens and Annie Macmanus for a heartfelt talk delving into the intersection of creativity and wellbeing.
Stroll In The Sunshine
Between talks, there’s plenty to enjoy. On Saturday, Saatchi Green’s famous Fine Food Market will provide a sense-titillating experience; pick up some fresh produce, gourmet goodies to take home, a sweet treat or some picky bits for a picnic in the sun. Then pop back into Saatchi to catch Ekow Eshun’s event at 12.15pm, or hear Dame Zandra Rhodes and living sculpture Daniel Lismore in conversation about fashion as self-expression at 2pm.
On Sunday, it’s a feast for the eyes instead: find a specialist outdoor art market in Duke of York Square – and your new favourite artwork. Then zip over to Cadogan Hall to hear acclaimed author Elizabeth Day discuss her brand new novel with Marian Keyes at 2pm.
Lunch Time
Chelsea is home to a renowned foodie scene. If lunchtime calls for lightbites, the small plates at Stanley’s are a must-try; think scallops with cauliflower and beef tartare crumpets. Or slightly further down the King’s Road, famous spot Bluebird is the perfect spot for al fresco salads and pastas – and a post-talk debrief. A day at Chelsea Arts Festival wouldn’t be complete without some great food!
If you don’t feel like travelling far (or you’re dashing to the Blue Plaques Talk Back Live event at 2.30pm, or you’ve signed up for a writing masterclass with Silk Road Slippers at 3.30pm), stick to Duke of York Square, where cylindrical Vardo serves up an eclectic, crowd pleasing menu all day long and Cafe Linea dishes up quick light bites.
If a Roast is a key part of a day at Chelsea Arts Festival for you, look no further than uber-popular spot No. Fifty Cheyne, where the Sunday roast is so coveted it’s served on Saturdays, too.
Explore The Action
A quick stroll to Sloane Square may well be met with a jazz explosion on the band stand – or an interaction with a giant puppet on the way there. Here, find the famous Royal Court Theatre, where special tours on Sunday will delve into its storied history.
Outside, a whole host of free and roaming performances will bring a sense of magic and discovery to the streets of Chelsea throughout the duration of the festival. Stay tuned for more details.
Afternoon Into Evening
Come afternoon, Chelsea Arts Festival’s illustrious venues will host the likes of Kate Bryan and David Shrigley, Elizabeth Day and Marian Keyes, Jack Edwards as he launches his new book club and Allie Esiri with a star-studded line-up of performers in tow.
It’s enough to work up a hefty appetite, which you can quench with a special offer at one of our partner restaurants.
Then catch a musical performance on the Sloane Square bandstand, or round the day off with a dose of comedy at a laughter-filled fundraiser evening.
Now you’ve got all the information you need to plan a day at Chelsea Arts Festival. Browse the entire Chelsea Arts Festival lineup and get your tickets now!