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Chelsea’s King’s Road is one of London’s most iconic streets. Even if you rarely venture west, chances are you’ve heard the name. Once a private route for royalty between Whitehall and Hampton Court Palace, the street found new fame in the swinging sixties as the beating heart of fashion and youth culture, and in the ’70s Vivienne Westwood’s own legendary boutique helped establish punk style.
This month the King’s Road is about to mark another milestone: it’s getting its first new pub in 100 years. A former Grade II listed bank that is part of the Cadogan Estate is being transformed into a two-storey boozer with a restaurant and live performance space.
To give you an idea of its grandeur, the building was constructed by Sir Roger Blomfield. He was the guy behind Chequers, the prime minister’s grand 16th-century manor house in the Buckinghamshire countryside.
After a £2.4 million makeover, the building has been transformed into The Trafalgar, which takes its name from Britain’s 1805 victory in the Napoleonic Wars.
On the ground floor the pub has retained the building’s five-metre-high ceilings, dramatically large Georgian windows and ornate plasterwork. Under oversized chandeliers, sip a glass of sparkling wine and nibble a cheese toastie from comfy leather dining chairs.
Downstairs is the entertainment and private party space, featuring a sound system, antique mirrored ceiling and a hidden bar. The Trafalgar will have a programme of live music, cabaret and standup every Thursday night from award-winning night Always Be Comedy.
The company behind it all is Three Cheers Pub Co, which is run by three friends who met at school. The Trafalgar will be their 10th opening in the capital, adding to a collection of pubs that are known for their bistro-style charm, award-winning ales and focus on British produce. Also in their repertoire is The Avalon in Clapham, The Princess Victoria in Shepherd’s Bush and The Rosendale in Dulwich.
Three Cheers Pub Co. owner Tom Peake said about the opening: ‘We are delighted to be taking on this historic site and creating a wonderful new public house, a home from home for Chelsea locals and visitors alike. We are proud to be a part of this exciting development and look forward to bringing a real sense of community and connection to the area that only a proper British pub can.’
The Trafalgar, 224-226 King’s Rd, SW3 5UA. More info here.
The best pubs in London, according to Time Out.
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