The Trafalgar (224-226 King’s Road, London SW3) is now officially open to the public. Following an extensive £ 2.4 million refurbishment, The Trafalgar is centred on a genuine British pub and brings a welcome mix of drinking, dining, and live entertainment back to Chelsea. Owned and run by Three Cheers Pub Co., a trio of childhood friends – Tom Peake, Mark Reynolds and Nick Fox – The Trafalgar is the first new public house to open on the King’s Road in over 100 years.
Located in a former bank, The Trafalgar is an integral part of Cadogan’s Gaumount project. Housed in an impressive Grade II listed Georgian building, The Trafalgar stands on a prime spot on the King’s Road, directly opposite Chelsea Town Hall. A pair of floor-to-ceiling arched windows frame the front of the building, securing its unmissable street presence and creating an inviting view to the pub and dining room beyond.
Guests enter through a lobby – marked by a small Trafalgar Square lion – into the Old Banking Hall, which features five-metre-high aged-bronze ceilings, four mighty Flemish chandeliers, and bespoke wallpaper, courtesy of Adam Ellis, which sits within original festoon plasterwork. Vintage art, original paperwork and oversized lamps combine to create an elegant and timeless feel.
An impressive bar lines the back of the Old Banking Hall; the dark oak front and a high-polished ebony top are framed by an elegant arched back bar with green tiling and soft backlighting. Bordered with burnt orange bar stools and topped with Holopane brass pendant lights, it is a welcoming space to stay a while and tuck into some classic British bar food playfully listed on beer mats.
The Old Banking Hall features traditional pub design elements, including ox-blood leather banquettes, private booths, bronze poseur tables, solid oak barrels, and Anna Hayman upholstered mini tub chairs, which create a variety of spaces that add to the character while maintaining a unique look.
Adjacent to the Old Banking Hall, accessible through two glazed and panelled archways, is the Dining Room. With seating for up to 45 guests, it perfectly marries grandeur and warmth. Intimacy is created thanks to colour-drenched burgundy walls and a mix of old, new and bespoke commissioned artwork and tapestries. Wall-mounted velvet-tasselled lighting, Empire chandeliers, dark wooden tables, and tan leather banquette seating all help create a welcoming space.
A best of British menu showcases pub classics. The cheese and ham toastie is a must-try. The scotch egg with coronation mayonnaise is a must as are Wright Brothers oysters and chunky chips with bearnaise. Standout starters include Irish oxtail and black truffle croquettes with Bovril mayonnaise, whipped cod roe with radish, and seared Orkney scallops with onion jam. Moving on to mains, try poached guinea fowl breast with thigh croquette and dauphinoise, an indulgent Suffolk Wagyu cheeseburger, or potato pavé with celeriac purée and charred tenderstem.
Kids can choose from their own mini menu of British pub classics, from mini fish and chips to grilled chicken and mash or cheeseburger with fries. Desserts include Rocky Road, Jude’s Ice cream or biscuits to decorate – to pave the way for a little more downtime for mum or dad!
Complement your meal with a glass or bottle from the robust wine list, cleanly organised by characteristics, as well as rosé and sparkling wine options. Alternatively, craft beers on tap include Jubel, Prime Time and Brixton Lager, alongside familiar favourites and non-alcoholic alternatives. Cocktail connoisseurs will appreciate elevated classics like an Old Fashioned, a refreshing Paloma, a rich Negroni or an Elderflower Martini, all shaken on request.
Meanwhile, head downstairs to The Havannah Room, the entertainment hub of the pub. Named after HMS Havannah, commanded by Admiral George Cadogan (the 3rd Earl Cadogan CB), it features a staged area framed with velvet curtains, a first-class sound system, a hidden bar and an antique mirrored ceiling. The perfect place for a private party or late-night fun, the space also hosts an exclusive roster of events. They include a weekly pub quiz, a burlesque show courtesy of Clandestine Cabaret, live music sessions with Prime Time beer, as well as Sunday Piano Sessions, the new soundtrack to your Sunday roast, where sing-alongs and requests are actively encouraged.
The highlight of the entertainment schedule is the award-winning Always Be Comedy club every Thursday. Here you can watch the very best A-list comedians, including Nish Kumar, Joel Dommett and Sarah Keyworth. Mystery Guests are often listed, meaning it’s someone ridiculously good who prefers to perform in secret.
Located in one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods, The Trafalgar is a welcome addition to the King’s Road. Stunning in size, design and experience, it’s the kind of pub that will have you coming back for more. Pop in for a pint with the dog, stop for a glass of sparkling after hitting the shops, bring the family, or enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a gig downstairs. It’s just what a proper pub should be.
