The Butcher's Hook

The deal that gave birth to Chelsea FC is said to have been signed in the room above The Butcher’s Hook over a century ago. Whatever your feelings on the beautiful game, it’s worth pitching up at this contemporary pub bang opposite Stamford Bridge, where floor-to-ceiling windows & spacious interiors are a fittingly elegant backdrop to the modern European food. Meals might kick off with veal carpaccio ahead of crab tagliatelle & cassoulet, rounding off with Brittany cake or chocolate pudding. A vast choice of elegant wines, from young Spanish whites to big South African reds, sits alongside a fine selection of stickies, ports & sherries. During the week, the daily lunch special (£7.50 for one course & a glass of wine or beer) is good value.