A sleek paint job and a French brasserie-style makeover have turned the latest reincarnation of this Chelsea corner pub into an adorable, popular venue.

The Venue
While some may lament the perceived gentrification of yet another old boozer, The Sydney Arms (formerly The Peer, and The Wellesley before that) is a welcome transformation from bland, tired pub to cheerful neighbourhood spot. There’s not a heap of pubs at this end of Chelsea and this charming pub and eatery is definitely one of the best.

Make yourself at home by sitting at the long blood-red banquettes, or at the rustic wooden tables and high-tops wrapping around the small, traditional golden bar. Or, try the front of the bar with its large windows that open out on to terrace seating that’s ideally positioned for sun-seekers (on cooler days you can hideaway in the little nooks and crannies inside). The polished brass fixtures, gilded mirrors, intricate lanterns and scrawled chalkboards add a touch of Parisian brasserie chic, while the traditional pub setting and the English aspects of the menu add a good old dash of Britishness.

The Atmosphere
Quite small with just a few staff at any one time, the Sydney Arms epitomises the friendly, relaxed yet upmarket local. With a surprisingly remote and chilled-out feel despite its location just off the King’s Rd, it is a gorgeous spot for an afternoon glass of wine or evening tipple. Expect the usual Chelsea punters, well dressed and flushed with cash, alongside more casual boozers who come for the great ales and events like the weekly pub quiz.

The Food
The brief menu mixes French classics like escargot and entrecote steak frites with traditional British fare. Bar snacks start from £3 and include thin strips of delicious, lightly battered salt and pepper calamari with a sweet chilli dressing and an impressive Scotch (duck) egg served with a tangy English mustard mayonnaise. Lamb and chicken roasts with all the trimmings (£11.90) are a highlight, as is char-grilled corn-fed chicken and favourites like beer battered haddock and a prime beef burger. Everything is top-quality, immaculately presented and thoroughly delicious.

The Drink
If you’re a fan of fine Bordeaux reds, or just of Gallic wine in general, the Sydney Arms wine list will be right up your alley with 8 bottles from the region and 14 others (red and white) from elsewhere in France. Prices start at a pretty hefty £16.50 per bottle, and glasses are from £4 (bottles go up to £99 for a 1994 Chateau Talbot but there are some lovely mid-range wines on offer too). There is a good range on tap if you prefer a pint, including 4 guest ales and 7 beers and ciders, including Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and Harvey’s bitter. A pub in Chelsea wouldn’t be worth its salt if it didn’t include bubbly for the well-heeled crowd and here you’ll find some French fizzes on offer, peaking at £199 for Cristal. Cremant de Limoux by the glass is a much more palatable £5.50.

The Last Word
Refined and relaxed – the Sydney Arms is one of the better places to stop in Chelsea for fine wine and nice nosh, without the snobbery.

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