Living in Chelsea
Often described as “a playground for the wealthy”, Chelsea is an affluent area in South West London where you can find many impressive properties. The area is renowned for its picturesque residential streets that, combined with its many independent stores, cultivate the distinctive ambience of a quaint village. Stamford Bridge, the home of the world famous football club Chelsea F.C., is located in nearby Fulham, and you will often find football fans in Chelsea creating a lively atmosphere with their match-day exuberance. Among the local amenities, you will find boutique shops, haute cuisine, and swanky bars. If you are after an active nightlife and a beautiful, Georgian property, then Chelsea should be on your radar.
During the swinging sixties, Kings Road in Chelsea was considered be the most fashionable street in London. For instance, mod icon Mary Quant established her fashion brand and boutique store on this road, and it was this store that provided inspiration for thousands of boutiques during the 1960’s. In fact, it was the denizens of Kings Road who inspired Quant to design her most famous contribution to world fashion: the miniskirt. In the tradition of trailblazers like Quant, Kings Road today houses boutique shops, art galleries, and an abundance of restaurants and cafes. As you might expect for an area with such iconic heritage, Chelsea is particularly popular with working professionals and lovers of art and fashion.
Transport
Tube:
Sloane Square Underground Station Zone 1: District and Circle Line
Sloane Square to Victoria: 2-minute tube
Sloane Square to Westminster: 5-minute tube
Sloane Square to Blackfriars: 8-minute tube
Sloane Square to Monument: 13-minute tube
Sloane Square to Waterloo: 13-minute tube
Train:
Imperial Wharf Station to Clapham Junction: 11-minute train
Bus:
Bus Number 11: Fulham Broadway
Bus Number 22: Oxford Circus
Bus Number 137: Marble Arch
Bus Number 211: Hammersmith
Bus Number 360: Royal Albert Hall (South Kensington)
Bus Number 452: Kensal Rise
There are two night buses N11 and N137 to Bank and Oxford Circus respectively
Average Rental Price
1 bed: £2,385 pcm
2 bed: £3,644 pcm
3 bed: £7,349 pcm
4 bed: £12,024 pcm
Council Tax
To be paid to The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax
Schools
Chelsea has more private schools than state schools, but there are still some outstanding Ofsted-rated institutions to choose from. The best primary schools include, St Joseph’s RC, Oratory Primary RC, and Servite RC. Secondary schools include, Saint Thomas More RC, Pimlico and The Grey Coat Hospital C of E School. There are many private schools available to choose from. Some of these include Garden House, Sussex House, Eaton House School Belgravia, Hill House, Falkner House and Wetherby Kensington.
Life in Chelsea
Chelsea is one of London’s most desirable areas. With its designer shops, fine dining, and close proximity to Central London, there are many ways to spend your free time when living in Chelsea. Below are our recommendations of where to eat, drink and have some fun.
Food & Drink:
- Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurant
For some fine dining, head to Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin star restaurant located on Royal Hospital Road. With three courses costing £120 per person, it's not a cheap eat - but you can be assured that the flavours will be phenomenal. You will find delectable dishes such as native lobster with heirloom tomato, Tahitian vanilla and basil for starter, followed by Herwick lamb with courgette, romesco, black olive and marjoram for mains. Then end with some pavlova with wild strawberries, Sarawak pepper and lemon verbena.
- Bluebird
For some al fresco dining, Bluebird offer customers an outdoor seating area with beautiful furniture, where you will be surrounded by tastefully arranged plants and flowers. The food is inspired by the Mediterranean, with the establishment serving up dishes such as 18-hour cured salmon and lobster spaghetti. The restaurant also has a café where you can purchase a high-class, afternoon tea as well as a bar where you can enjoy or cocktail or two after your meal.
- Harbour Bar and Terrace
Located a few minutes walk from Imperial Wharf Station, Harbour Bar and Terrace is an awesome place to go for a meal or some drinks. Sit on the terrace to see picturesque views of the harbour while browsing their Italian-inspired menu. We recommend trying one of their stone-baked pizzas, which is handmade the traditional way and topped with locally sourced ingredients. This is the ideal place to have a work lunch, bring a date, catch up with some friends or to even to dine solo and give yourself a bit of 'me time'.
Culture & Leisure:
- Kings Road
Kings Road is one of the most famous roads in Chelsea and should be experienced by locals and visitors alike. The street starts by Sloane Square station and stretches an impressive 4 km. Here, you can find some of the most stylish stores in London selling designer clothes and accessories. If designer shopping isn’t your thing, there is an array of restaurants and cafes to try out. If you head over there on a Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm, you will be able to look around the food market where there is plenty of local produce and fresh dishes to sample.
- Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi Gallery prides itself on being an “innovative forum for contemporary art”. You will find three floors of showcasing artwork from upcoming, talented artists before anyone else has heard of them. It is a place that gives artists who have never had their work exhibited the opportunity to introduce themselves to a broader public and show their unique perspective. The gallery is free to enter, and all exhibitions are open to the public to help bring contemporary art to a wide audience.
- Chelsea Physic Garden
Located on Royal Hospital Road, the Chelsea Physic Garden contains the oldest rock garden in the world. It was created in 1673 and is made from bricks, stones from the Tower of London, and Icelandic lava. Today, you can take a leisurely stroll, visit the Ethnobotany Garden and discover the Garden of Medicinal Plants. If you’re a lover of nature, this is the perfect place for you to educate yourself on rare and unique plants. After a day exploring the gardens, you can even buy some of the unusual plants yourself in the gift shop or treat yourself to a homemade cake.
Is it for you?
This affluent, South-West London borough is a great place to live if you don’t mind paying a premium to live in the Royal Borough. If you enjoy shopping in boutiques, eating in fine restaurants and bumping into the occasional celebrity, then Chelsea is a great place for you to live. With good transport links and quick commute times to the City Centre, it is an ideal place for working professionals and families to call home.
