Chelsea Potter, Chelsea, SW3

Originally the Commercial Tavern, the current name dating from 1956. This is probably Chelsea’s most iconic pub, reputedly the watering hole of the Stones and Hendrix, at the epicentre of the ‘Swinging Sixties’ King’s Road culture, though not visited by me since the not-so-swinging late ‘80s. The place is really a bit of a formulaic Greene King outlet, not that large with exclusively tall, conventional furniture and a dark colour scheme of wood panelling to the dado and black Anaglypta ceiling. There are attractive central structural columns, with repetitive gold painted Corinthian capitals. The bar back in part is attractive and probably original; what isn’t is its bare brick infill and tubular steel shelving, with matching suspended gantry. Lighting comes from a variety of filament lamp arrays and a TV showing the snooker, sound off, no one watching. Customers were young, perhaps local students and inoffensive enough. Ales usurpingly amounted to Rocking Rudolph, GK IPA and one unused pump, a further two devoted to Lilley’s so-called ‘cider’; my Neck Oil set me back £3.40. This may be Chelsea’s most iconic pub, but nowadays it’s a place you visit just to say you’ve been, but when asked why, you’ll have no answer.

Official site of Chelsea Potter - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Official site of Chelsea Potter - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Not a huge amount to add to the reviews below, The Chelsea Potter is clearly of its area and the focus is very much on food. Three handpumps had on Youngs Gold, Pride and Doom Bar which was clear, clean and crisp. A mixed clientele with all ages represented amongst locals and tourists alike but the atmosphere is pleasant and it's friendly enough. I certainly wouldn't make a special effort to visit but it makes a decent enough pit stop for a well kept pint.

This is an iconic pub from the “Swinging 60s” era, well known to pop stars and footballers, and is dedicated to one William de Morgan, who founded the Chelsea Arts Pottery in the 19th Century. But now it's nothing more than a typical Central London pubco place, catering to tourists and the like enjoying the dubious pleasures of the King’s Road. It’s still a Punch Taverns pub, but now re-branded as part of their Taylor Walker estate. The all-pervading smell of fried food hits you as you enter, and furnishings are the usual mix of tall tables/stools/ledges and normal tables and chairs. The ales on were Sharp’s Doom Bar, London Pride, and Woodforde Wherry. The pub serves a useful purpose of course, but to be honest it’s not really worth bothering with if you’re only after a quiet and comfortable pint.

An attractive looking pub on a corner site, the interior is a single space, wooden boarded flooring but a slightly raised area to the side is carpeted. Large Georgian style windows with drape curtains to some, light blue cast iron columns support the floor above, the dark wood bar back has decorative carving and a central clock. Seating is mixed with standard banquettes and chairs to the small raised area but mainly those high tables or drinking shelves elsewhere. The pub was very busy indeed on a Saturday afternoon, plenty of people were eating although this isn't a food led pub. Three handpumps, two on, Pride and Young's London Gold plus Doom Bar "conditioning". The London Gold was a Kings Rd wallet busting £3.75, and I needed to ask for a serious top up too. There is a TV, switched off at the time plus quiz and fruit machines. Some outdoor seating available to the side street elevation under an awning.