The Chelsea Ram - Youngs (Bar, Restaurant)

The Chelsea Ram, a mere stones-throw away from The King's Road, is held in high regard by both its clientele and food writers alike. Having spent a particularly pleasant evening there with an old friend, I can see why it is so well loved by its patrons.

Standing outside, it is clear that The Chelsea Ram has none of the pretensions of the modern gastro-pub, a feeling that is mirrored by the tasteful interior where large wooden tables are backed up by an impressive bar. From the moment that you walk in, it is clear that the pub has been tailored for the comfort and enjoyment of its patrons. The place has an infectiously relaxing atmosphere, and the staff are charming, helpful and well-informed.

The pub itself is shaped like a horseshoe, with a loosely termed bar area on one side, and restaurant on the other. The restaurant end of the pub is non-smoking, but if you do want to smoke at dinner you can eat in the bar area.

The wines on offer are extensive, and range from £10 a bottle to £30. Champagne (Veuve Cliquot brut NV £40), port, sherry and pudding wines are all available, as well as the usual suspects behind the bar (Stella, Guinness, Hoegaarden). What really makes this pub truly fantastic, however, is not the atmosphere, location or the drinks, which are exceptional; but the exquisite food.

The menu consists of about 6 starters, 9 mains and 5 deserts and there are daily specials. First off we had the roast Portobello mushrooms, sage and scrambled egg on toasted foccacia (£6), and smoked salmon wrapped prawns with melba toast and dill sour cream (£7). Both were freshly made and bursting with vibrant flavour, so good in fact that I was reluctant to share the ’shrooms with my dining companion. For main we had grilled lamb cutlets, spicy ratatouille with mint salsa verde (£12), and sea bass with Piri-Piri king prawns, Swiss chard and pepper dressing (£14). Having been stunned by the quality of the first course I was slightly apprehensive that the main wouldn’t be as good. I needn’t have worried. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the combination of such fresh, zesty flavours was, again, truly exceptional. The sea bass was excellent, and the prawns were so large and succulent that one wondered whether or not to eat them or mount them in a trophy cabinet. It was a truly exceptional meal, and for £20-£25 a head, there is no better value either side of the river.

The Chelsea Ram is a great pub. It has everything that you could wish for. It’s the kind of place that comes along once in a while, a place that you need to find an excuse to go to, not a reason.


The Chelsea Ram features in our Best Bars & Pubs in Chelsea & Fulham.
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