The Builders Arms

Away from Chelsea’s main drag, this quintessential gastropub has an upbeat vibe at any time of day thanks to its wide-ranging clientele – a true cross-section of the well-to-do neighbourhood. Senior citizens & yummy mummies stop by for lunch in the tasteful dining room – all upholstered chairs, wooden tables & shelves piled with books & trinkets. They come for Portland crab & apple salad on toast or fried haloumi with caper salsa, before moving on to specials such as rainbow trout fillet with roasted fennel or marmalade-glazed duck leg with a savoy cabbage & potato cake. As the day wears on, the bar & pavement fill up with local office workers & homeward-bound residents, who sup real ales & dip into the commendable wine list while the speakers pump out 70s’ soul & funk.