Chelsea Arts Club

Definitely unusual. We were taken there by a member and sat in the attractive, casual back garden and had a few drinks. We also had dinner there that was tasty, unusual and moderately priced by London standards.

Chelsea Art’s Club, Chelsea — I would not have known that this place existed if it was not mentioned to me. And even if it was recommended, I would not have been allowed into the place without the company of a member.
Chelsea Art’s Club is in the heart of Chelsea, established in 1891. The building is not a flashy one, except when there is an art exhibition on, the front of the building is in its artistic form; bright and colourful. When I was there, it was just a humble whitewashed establishment. I would have walked past it without knowing that it is actually a club. It has a plaque outside of the entrance door, again, nothing fancy, next to a small door which means someone taller might have to bow down to enter the place. Situated off the busy King’s Road, I was truly surprised at the little bustling interior this place has to offer. Chelsea Art’s Club is very popular as an arty hangout and membership is strictly only by nomination and invitation.
The Chelsea Art’s Club also offers accommodation for their members. The entrance looks a little poky, narrow and small but enter the dining area, here, it is spacious. The glassed ceiling and windows lightens the place and gives a sense of space. A large snooker table in the middle which also functions as a newspaper/​magazine stand. The downside for me is that smoking is allowed in the interior of the place. The split level balcony makes more dining space. The place is furnished with reading sofas, coffee height tables and chairs, all the furniture is different in style. A little worn but in good taste. It is the main social room of the Chelsea Art’s Club. Also situated on the ground floor is a smaller reading room and a separate more formal dining area.
At Chelsea Art’s Club, the bar menu is a very simple menu with choices similar to brunch and a light lunch, sandwiches, salads, pub style. Drinks prices were very reasonable starting from GBP 12.00 per bottle for their house wine.
thai green chicken curry with rice GBP 8.50
boiled ham with dauphinoise potato GBP 8.50 — the ham, while plentiful, was nothing special, but the potatoes were rich and delicious, altogether a hearty dish.
smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and toast GBP 8.50 — the scrambled eggs were done perfectly, lightly runny and really buttery!
goat’s cheese sandwich
steamed treacle pudding GBP 4.50 — the pudding was moist and light with the treacle sauce which is adequately sweetened too my taste (ie. not sickly sweet). Very good. Generous portion too.
apple and berry crumble GBP 4.50 — sweet and sour of the fruit but the crumble was not properly cooked.
Self-​service. If you are lucky to be one of the ones to have access to this place, please invite me again :). It is indeed a very comfortable, friendly and sociable place to be spend a cold rainy afternoon. Ok, food is not at its best but the place makes up hugely for it.

Its my Club, But I’d be happy to take some of my
Qype friends almost anytime. Loveliest in the
sun, because of the gorgeous garden; its equally
fun on a winter night, round the log fire, playing
snooker or listening to jazz.
Members can — indeed are encouraged — to have
exhibitions here. Lunch is either al fresco on the
patio, or in the bar — cheap but very delicious — or
fine dining in the very elegant dining rooms. All
rooms lined with paintings by members past & present.
There are regular events: the Artist’s lunches :
(3 courses with a lecture at £9) concerts, classical
& jazz, theatrical performances, exhibitions, visits
to studios etc etc. (look at the website for details)
Metered Parking is possible outside. Buses 14 0r 19
& South Kensington tube. I love going to the V&A
& then walking to the Club for lunch or supper
Esp when Eton Mess is on the menu!
NB: Cameras & mobiles absolutely forbidden!

This place is a members only venue, so you’ll have to be lucky enough to know someone who can take you. So once you’ve made friends with a member ask them to take you on down to this gorgeous place where you will feel at home as soon as you walk through the door. The club is basically a huge house in the heart of Chelsea surrounded by a very big garden (which is a luxury in London– city dwellers will know what I mean!). All the rooms inside are so snug and welcoming you will want to spend hours sitting on the sofas in the ladies room watching TV or sitting at the bar sipping a glass of wine (the prices are so cheap!) or perhaps having a lush meal in the glorious dining room where everyone shares big wooden tables. The food is delicious and so affordable; you can get a three course meal for just £15! And everything is worth trying– from the meat dishes to the fishy ones, from the cheese platters to the heavenly puddings (my personal fave is the choc fondant which they bake then and there!).
In the summer be sure to head for the outdoor spaces where you can sit on benches amid luscious flower gardens and rest in the shade whilst sipping a fruity Pimms!