Bars

The 5 Best Bars in Chelsea

Where to drink in Chelsea: the best cocktail rooms, hotel bars and King's Road favourites, chosen on merit.

In short: our top picks are The Cadogan Arms, Barts and Bluebird Chelsea. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

This publication is part of the same group as Cleopatra Agency and is funded by it. Picks are made on editorial merit; this page contains advertising. How we are funded.

Chelsea drinks with the same quiet confidence it does everything else. Between the King’s Road and the river sits a clutch of polished cocktail rooms, handsome hotel bars and neighbourhood institutions that have been pouring for decades. These are the best bars in Chelsea, chosen for the room, the drinks and the occasion.

Place Area Price
The Cadogan Arms Chelsea £££
Barts Chelsea £££
Bluebird Chelsea Chelsea £££
The Ivy Chelsea Garden Chelsea £££
606 Club Chelsea ££
  1. Editor’s choice

    The Cadogan Arms

    • Chelsea
    • £££

    Why we pick itA handsomely restored King's Road pub with a top-floor cocktail bar; a proper all-rounder.

  2. Barts

    • Chelsea
    • £££

    Why we pick itA speakeasy hidden in a Chelsea apartment block, all 1920s glamour and theatrical cocktails.

  3. Bluebird Chelsea

    • Chelsea
    • £££

    Why we pick itA King's Road institution with a buzzy courtyard and a long, polished cocktail list.

  4. The Ivy Chelsea Garden

    • Chelsea
    • £££

    Why we pick itA glamorous all-day room with one of the prettiest garden terraces on the King's Road.

  5. 606 Club

    • Chelsea
    • ££

    Why we pick itA basement jazz and wine club going strong since the seventies; intimate and unforgettable.

Before you book

Chelsea is smart, so many of the best bars sit inside hotels and members-friendly rooms; dress the part and book ahead at weekends. Go early for a quiet seat, later for atmosphere.

Common questions

What are the top picks in this guide?

The Cadogan Arms is our editor's choice: A handsomely restored King's Road pub with a top-floor cocktail bar; a proper all-rounder. The Cadogan Arms, Barts and Bluebird Chelsea lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.

How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?

Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.