I have never lived or worked anywhere quite like Chelsea. It manages to feel both reined and lived in. The neighbourhood has its own rhythm: although it is vibrant year-round, a particular kind of magic arrives each spring with the Chelsea Flower Show. On the surface, the neighbourhood has a storybook charm, but, there is more than meets the eye. Chelsea has plenty of quirky spots that add a layer of depth and approachability. A few of my ‘favourites’ are below.
Museums and galleries:
Chelsea has a vivid art scene. Many people will be familiar with the Saatchi Gallery, which is popular for good reason. The modern art exhibit would make for a great pallet cleanser after a morning among the flowers. Below are some of my favourite, and maybe less obvious, galleries to make sure to visit.
Cricket Fine Art is a smaller, local gallery right off Park Walk. They showcase a range of contemporary artists, there is something for everyone! They represent print maker Kate Boxer, whose work has a brilliant sense of humour to it. Not far away, the Chelsea studio of Collins & Green Art is also not to be missed. My dear friend Julia Collins runs this unique (and genius!) business tucked away down a quiet side street. Her collection of vintage, affordable art spans the walls and is a favourite resource for projects. I have a very hard time ever leaving empty handed.
The bright and joyful Chelsea Physic Garden is a lush secret garden located along the banks of the Thames, is a most favourite retreat for me (and now my young daughter). Founded in 1673, it is a peaceful sanctuary of medicinal and non-native plants. I love the construction and simplistic design of the ancient glass houses almost more than the gardens.
.jpg)
Eating and drinking:
The volume of delicious food and drink choices throughout Chelsea can be a little overwhelming. My staples, vetted by my family and friends, suit a variety of occasions. For special treats, The Wild Tavern, overlooking the Chelsea green is my go-to. I love any excuse to make a reservation here, there is a delicious raw bar and well curated wine list. We often stop by their adjoining Wild Corner wine bar afterwards for a night cap before walking home. For a more casual evening of authentic cuisine, it's La Famiglia. We have celebrated many a birthday dinner here. It is an institution and our favourite Italian restaurant in the city.
If it's a classic, no-frills pub you're after, The Sporting Page is a brilliant option, tucked in one of my favourite residential streets. Having a drink on the front terrace among Chelsea locals is a treat. But fair warning, the only food offered is a bag of crisps or nuts.
I am a self-admitted caffeine addict and love stopping by Roasting Party for a coffee, whether early in the day or as an afternoon pick-me-up. A staple off the ever-charming Pavilion Road, it is a perfect spot to take a quick break from shopping. Right down the street is Mother Vine wine shop and bar. Their shelves are filled with a thoughtfully collected selection of wine from around the world. My friends and I often attend the weeknight tastings and then likely end up in a booth down the street at Colbert for dinner (a French cafe in the heart of Sloane Square, also good for posting up outside with a coffee and people watching!).
Shopping:
The King’s Road in Chelsea is notorious for being one of the best shopping destinations and is dangerously convenient for a local. However, my most loved (and most visited) shops are more off the beaten path. John Sandoe Books, just a stone’s throw from Sloane Square and tucked away off the King’s Road, is a beloved independent bookshop spread across three charming Georgian cottages. In an (unsuccessful) attempt to spend less time in front of screens, my husband and I happily justify our growing book collection with frequent visits.
I am textile obsessed and for fellow design enthusiasts Claremont Furnishing needs no introduction. I stop in every so often to pull from their library of fabrics for current projects and am currently angling to use their Elsie chintz for a client’s sofa. In today’s Instagram-driven world it is becoming something of a lost art to visit showrooms in person but every time I do, I am reminded how valuable that tactile experience is to what I do. Also, on Elystan Street is Sign of the Times, an impressively organised luxury resale clothing boutique. It is always my sisters’ first stop when visiting London from America.
Amaia London is a favourite boutique for traditional, beautifully made children’s ware. Another family-owned business, the attention to detail and love for the craft shines through in each piece designed by owner, Amaia Arrieta. I dread it but know the day is fast approaching that my daughter wants to dress herself. For now, I will continue to relish in frilled collars and Mary Janes.
James McWhirter Antiques is relatively new to me but such a treasure trove of mainly antiques with a small, limited collection of beautiful modern pieces. His shop on Langton Street is in good company, with the legendary Guy Goodfellow Collection just next door.
.jpg)
.jpg)
