Review of The Trafalgar in Chelsea

Set in the heart of Chelsea, The Trafalgar Public House brings a polished yet familiar charm to the traditional British pub experience. With warm lighting, an easy buzz of conversation, and that unmistakable neighbourhood feel, it’s the kind of place where comfort food and understated elegance blend seamlessly.

We began with focaccia served with olive oil and balsamic, a simple starter that delivered exactly what you want, warm bread with a crisp edge, perfect for dipping. Alongside it, the salt and pepper calamari was light, tender and delicately seasoned, paired with a smooth aioli.

For mains, the butternut squash with Romanesco, buckwheat, quinoa, sweetcorn fritter, and enoki mushrooms was a vibrant, plant-based dish. Every element brought something different, earthy grains, sweet squash, crisp fritters, all coming together in a way that felt both wholesome and satisfying.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the beer-battered North Atlantic cod & chips offered the perfect pub classic. The batter was crisp and golden, the fish flaky and fresh, and the chips hearty enough to hold their own.

Dessert continued the theme of warm, familiar favourites. The vegan apple and blackberry crumble arrived bubbling and fragrant, its tart fruit softened under a golden crumble topping and paired with vanilla ice cream that melted into all the right corners. The sticky toffee pudding, meanwhile, was pure comfort, rich, soft, and soaked in toffee sauce, with vanilla ice cream adding the perfect cool contrast.

The Trafalgar Public House is the kind of spot that feels effortlessly welcoming, offering a menu full of dishes that hit the mark on both flavour and comfort. Whether you're settling in for a cosy dinner, grabbing a casual meal with friends, or treating yourself to a classic British dessert, it’s a place that captures Chelsea charm without losing that down-to-earth pub soul.

Address: 18 King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4RP

For more information and to book, click here.

Words and photography by Stephanie Sowaha