West Brompton, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“For something simple with a good glass of vino and some people-watching”, this Golden Oldie in Chelsea can still be a “fun” option. It’s been ground zero for Sloane Rangers since it was opened in 1986 by wine merchant John Brinkley (and “the markup on wine is probably one of the lowest in London, as you don’t have to select from the list but can go to his shop next door”). “The food is nothing to write home about” though, and some people feel the place generally is “losing its footing”… but they’ve been saying this for ages now.

2025 Review: Wanting to eat in the wee hours? This stalwart chain has fed tolerable diner food 24/7 (VQ = Vingt Quatre, geddit?) to the denizens of the Fulham Road for as long as anyone can remember (before 1995 it was called ‘Up all Night’); and has a more recent outlet (unusually, licensed till 4am, though you must be eating) that’s more convenient if you are clubbing in the West End on the ground floor of a Bloomsbury hotel.

“A benchmark for upscale pubs” that “exemplifies the very best of British” – Brett Graham’s famous boozer in a distant Fulham backstreet remains “an absolutely brilliant, 10/10 favourite” serving “Michelin star comfort food at its best” in a “pub environment” (although while you can drink at the bar, practically all seating is dedicated to eating rather than drinking). It’s hearty fare, though, and “big on red meat”. Top Menu Tips – “one of the best Sunday roasts ever”; “the best trifle I’ve had for a long time”; “exceptional venison Scotch eggs”.

2025 Review: This “upmarket” and “traditional” pub tucked away on the edge of Chelsea near Stamford Bridge is owned by singer James Blunt and his wife Sofia, and mimics a country local with a “cosy bar area and a lovely conservatory”. The “delicious food” is at its best for Sunday lunch, when it’s “the perfect place for a pint of beer and some roast pork”.