Nestled on a private road just a stone's throw from Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge, The Fox & Pheasant offers a surprising blend of cosy charm and high-end sophistication. This isn't your average London boozer; it's a posh pub rescued and revitalised by its most famous local resident, singer-songwriter James Blunt.
From Near-Demolition to Celebrity Haunt
The pub's story is one of local preservation. With a history stretching back to 1846, when it was known as The Bedford Arms, the establishment was later renamed the Prince of Wales in 1965. Its future, however, looked bleak when it faced being converted into flats. James Blunt, who had lived on the street for 14 years, decided to act.
"I've loved this pub, and then I heard... it was going to be turned into flats, which was devastating," Blunt told Tatler. He successfully placed a bid with the previous owners, Greene King, and took on the mission to "preserve it and protect it and keep it as this old and beautiful pub as it is."
A Venue of Warmth, Charm, and Higher Price Tags
Stepping inside, visitors find a dimly-lit, snug main room with a small bar area. The atmosphere exudes warmth, though the pricing reflects its upscale Chelsea location. Patrons can choose from eight different draught beers, priced from £6 to £7.70. The wine list is extensive, with bottles ranging from £26 to £240, and the most expensive champagne comes in at a cool £575. Cocktails, however, remain relatively accessible at under £15.50.
Unlike many traditional pubs, The Fox & Pheasant places a significant emphasis on food. A special glass-ceiling conservatory, which opens in the summer, functions more like a restaurant. "We've got some pub classics, but our aim really is to make this fancier than just a pub," explained Blunt.
The Menu: Pub Classics Meet Gourmet Ambition
The menu perfectly captures this dual identity. For those seeking a taste of tradition, there's fish & chips for £21.50 and a beef burger for £19.50. Yet the kitchen's ambition is clear in starters like scallop ceviche and sticky ox tongue.
Main courses showcase this higher-end approach, featuring dishes such as:
- Lamb hotpot pie (£20)
- Marinated mussels with truffle chips (£26)
- 8oz rump cap with blue cheese salad (£34)
- Swordfish (£33)
- Calves liver (£24)
A selection of bar snacks, including sesame prawn toast and fried chicken, starts from £7.
The attention to detail has not gone unnoticed. Online reviews praise the "stylish and cosy interiors" and "fantastic staff." One TripAdvisor user noted that even without its famous owner, the pub's quality would make it a destination. It has become a festive favourite for local celebrities and even members of the Royal Family.
Adding to its character, Blunt claims the pub is haunted, having once shared a video of a glass being seemingly knocked over by a ghostly regular. The pub serves Sunday roasts, boasts a private dining room, and is open daily from 12pm, except on Mondays when it opens at 4pm.
