The Cross Keys is an absolutely stunning joint tucked right in the heart of Chelsea. It’s giving traditional pub with the wooden floors and vintage furniture, but with just the right amount of modern flair to make it feel seriously cosy — think dim lighting, comfy seating, and that warm, welcoming glow.

You might pop in just for a drink, but trust us, that plan will go out the window the second you see the menu. Honestly, we had to double check we weren’t sat in a Michelin-star spot in central London. We couldn’t not order the rosemary focaccia, which came with tomato butter and was absolutely drenched in pesto. Tell us that doesn’t sound elite with a pint or a crisp glass of wine in hand.

They also keep things fun – bottomless brunch, live events, and something that really caught our eye… WFP. Yep, Work From Pub. They’ve set specific times for people to come in and work. Goodbye WFH, we know which one we’re choosing!

Have to try: Coconut Matador Margarita and the spiced corn ribs
Perfect for: Dinner out with friends or family
Approx price for 2: £30-60 (depending on how much food/drinks you get)

Now… can we technically call this a pub? Debatable. Yes, it is one – but step inside and you’ll feel more like you’ve wandered into the King’s private lounge at Buckingham Palace than your local for a quick pint. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, there are burgundy drapes, an intricately designed bar, and the alcohol is displayed so perfectly it could bring a tear to a control freak’s eye. But, really, who’s complaining?

We came for the Sunday roast – because let’s be real, a place like this isn’t allowed to mess that up. And, they didn’t. We noticed some seriously tempting starters (buttermilk fried chicken, cauliflower and onion bhajis) but we were here with a mission and needed to leave enough room to do the roast justice. That being said… next time, those starters are getting ordered immediately.

You can choose from beef, pork belly, lamb, or a veggie option. These are all served with roasties, Yorkshire pudding, and buttery seasonal veg. And let us just say, the vegetables unexpectedly stole the show. Soft, buttery, still had a bit of crunch — no need to push these to the side of the plate. If you’re usually guilty of dodging your veg on a roast, this place will convert you.

Have to try: Sticky toffee pudding with Cornish clotted cream
Perfect for: Special Occasions
Approx price for 2: £60-£100

This gem screams good times with friends in the summer. It’s got that naturistic, leafy vibe going on. Big windows, greenery etc, but still keeps things cosy with the classic wooden floors and furniture that give it that proper pub feel.

Leaning into the summer energy, we kicked things off with the Springy Spritz. This was rosé, lemon-infused vodka, lemonade… basically sunshine in a glass, and yes, dangerously strong (in the best way). But don’t worry if you’re more of a pint or vino person – their wine and beer list is stacked.

What we really love about this place though? It caters for every kind of night. You’ve got gourmet options and fancier small plates if you’re feeling like a proper grown-up or celebrating something. But they also have a dedicated pub classics menu. And of course, that’s what we went for. Beer battered fish and chips, mushy peas, tartare sauce… the whole works. It genuinely felt like something you’d get at a proper seaside chippy – not smack bang in the middle of the city.

Have to try: Beer battered fish and chips
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £40-£100 (depending on how much food/ drinks you get)

Chelsea Ram is definitely a firm favourite amongst the locals (we know, it feels weird calling people in Chelsea “locals” – lord or madam seems more fitting, right?). It’s actually a 100-year-old pub, but you’d never guess from the inside. It’s been fully modernised, but don’t worry -you still get that proper pub feel with the classic furniture and the moody lighting that just hits right on a chilled evening.

The menu keeps things simple and traditional in the best way possible — think pies, burgers, fish and chips, and even a battered sausage if you’re feeling bold. Honestly, probably the most gourmet sausage we’ve ever eaten. But the real MVP? The apple and rhubarb crumble. The custard-to-fruit ratio was elite, the crumble had that slight crunch, and the fruit had just the right amount of tang. Basically, nothing like the traumatising school crumbles we’ve all tried to block from memory.

Have to try: Apple and rhubarb crumble
Perfect for: Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £40-£80 (depending on how much food/ drinks you get)

The Phene, located on Phene Street (shocking, we know), is definitely one of the more chilled-out spots in Chelsea. Finally, one for the people. The vibe inside is simple and sleek, and the service? Fast. Like, actually fast. 

Now when we say “simple,” let’s not forget – this is Chelsea. So of course, there’s still a level of bouj. You’re not just getting triple-cooked chips; you’re getting rosemary and black truffle crisps. And your scotch egg? Yeah, it comes with an apple and rhubarb chutney that was so good it was practically drinkable.

We went for the Ploughman’s sharing board, because it was a wine lunch kind of day, and it paired perfectly. British cheeses, pickles, sausage rolls – basically a deconstructed sandwich and the ideal picky bits kind of meal. Great for a slow lunch with friends where you just want to graze, chat, and sip the day away.

Have to try: Passionfruit Yuzu Spritz
Perfect for: Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £40-£80 (depending on how much food/ drinks you get)

The interior of The Phoenix is definitely the most casual out of the bunch – and by casual, we mean Chelsea casual. It’s laid-back, but still polished enough that you’ll feel mildly underdressed in anything too comfy.

Starter-wise, they’ve got all the pub faves like pea soup, fried scampi, scotch egg. However, they’ve also thrown in some more bougie bits like crab cakes and grilled prawns. And let’s just say, the seafood is seriously fresh. You’re definitely getting your money’s worth.

Mains stick to the classics but with a few clever twists that actually make sense – like things you’d expect more pubs to offer, but weirdly don’t. We went for the chicken schnitzel, which came topped with a fried egg and a little side salad (balance is key). It was hearty, delicious, and the perfect dish for soaking up those many glasses you’ll definitely have! 

Have to try: Chicken schnitzel
Perfect for: Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £40-£80 (depending on how much food/ drinks you get)

The Pig’s Ear, tucked away on Church Street, somehow manages to be modern, bougie, and traditional all at once. You’ve got chandeliers hanging above your classic wooden bar stools, so essentially country pub meets classy wine bar.

They’ve got loads of good stuff going on – a special lunch menu, summer dishes, and fun little deals like pie and a pint Mondays for £20. Is it the best deal in London? Maybe not. But in Chelsea? We’ll take what we can get.

Obviously, we had to go for a pie. It was grey, rainy, and quite frankly the universe made the decision for us. Each one comes with mash and gravy (as they absolutely should) and we still don’t understand how something so homely can taste so gourmet. You can’t replicate this level of comfort.

But the showstopper had to be the brown butter & vanilla pear frangipane with pear ice cream and flaked almonds. Not even being dramatic when we say it might’ve changed our life a little.

Have to try: Brown butter & vanilla pear frangipane
Perfect for: Dinner or lunch with friends/ family
Approx price for 2: £40-£80 (depending on how much food/ drinks you get)

The Surprise really is the gift that keeps on giving. We’ve definitely been here more times than we can count – it’s just one of those simple, solid pubs that never lets you down.

One of the things we love most is that they switch it up with themed food weeks based on different cuisines. Recently, it was Greek week, and obviously we had to dive in. We started with grilled sourdough served with tzatziki, a spicy whipped feta, and a bowl of olives — all the good stuff. The prawn saganaki was unreal, too. You really can’t beat picky bits and a crisp white wine (or four) in a place like this.

That said, the cocktail list was calling to us too. One in particular caught our eye — the Surprise Picante. Tequila, cucumber, habanero syrup, and a tajín-salted rim. Maybe not one for the strawberry daiquiri crowd, but right up our street.

Have to try: Dark chocolate and raspberry tart
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £40-£80 (depending on how much food/ drinks you get)