Perfectly situated along the banks of the Thames, Chelsea is the bohemian-turned-moneyed hotspot of the capital. What you might miss – nestled amid the sophisticated eateries and boutiques – are the art galleries and secret gardens that give Chelsea its cultural edge.
From the Saatchi Gallery to brunching at the Bluebird Cafe, we’ve got the perfect day in Chelsea planned out for you.
09:00 – L’ETO Caffe
149 King’s Road, SW3 5TX
Begin your day by following L’ETO Caffe’s motto… “count the memories not the calories”. Whether you’re in need of some Australian Avocado Rye Bread Tartine, homemade Crepes or French toast to fuel your day, L’ETO has a mouth-wateringly delicious all-day breakfast menu that’s simply irresistible.
10:00 – The Saatchi Gallery
Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY
Walk off the croissants and immerse yourself in contemporary art at the Saatchi Gallery. With the aim of shining a spotlight on unknown, upcoming artists, the collections cover a wide variety of styles – for example, a recent show explored the selfie phenomenon.
12:00 – Chelsea Physic Garden
66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS
Why not discuss those art installations you’ve just seen whilst strolling through a secret garden next to the Thames. Chelsea Physic Garden focuses on edible and medicinal greenery with over 5,000 plants on display. For a peaceful escape from King’s Road, this is a calming place to wander for an hour or two.
13:00 – Bluebird Café
350 King’s Rd, SW3 5UU
After heightening your sense of smell in the physic garden, head over the Bluebird Café to treat your taste buds. A hot spot for famous faces, Bluebird screams elegance and class so it’s no surprise that it’s a favourite of the Made In Chelsea stars. If the sun is shining, step outside for some alfresco dining in the courtyard.
14:30 – Shopping on King’s Road
If there ever was a perfect time for retail therapy, it’s during the course of a day spent in Chelsea. Stroll along one of London’s most affluent and fashionable streets, dipping in and out of its boutiques and unique outlet stores. From Zadig & Voltaire to Anthropologie and all destinations designer, Chelsea’s shopping district can’t be missed.
17:30 – Dinner at The Ivy
195 -197 King’s Road, SW3 5EQ
It’s a well known fact that shopping goes hand in hand with dining. By now your feet are in need of a rest, so The Ivy is a fitting place to stop. Not far from where we began the day at L’ETO Caffe, The Ivy is the pinnacle of culinary expertise. It’s hard to turn away from a menu that really does have something for everyone; with a mix of modern British comfort food and elegant international dishes, you’ll find yourself returning time and time again to taste it all.
19:30 – Curzon Chelsea Cinema
206 King’s Rd, SW3 5XP
If you’re in the mood for winding down after a long day in Chelsea, Curzon Chelsea offers a variety of foreign and independent films, standing apart from run-of-the-mill cinemas. Live concerts, ballets and theatre screenings also take place at the Curzon, as well as the latest blockbusters for those who fancy something a little more mainstream.
BED – Pelham Court Apartments
145 Fulham Rd, SW3 6SH
The credits are rolling on the big screen and it’s time to finally head to bed. Residential Land’s residents have the luxury of winding down in the Pelham Court Apartments, styled exactly as one would expect of a Chelsea interior. And with on-site building managers and private communal gardens, our apartments are of a piece with their endlessly refined surroundings.