The Pigs Ear is an old style Chelsea pub with a modern gastro twist. A friendly atmosphere, open fires, and spectacular eats.

The Venue
Just off the King’s Road in Chelsea, and near Sloane Square and South Kensington Tube stations, the Pigs Ear is tucked away from main traffic in a residential pocket. It’s not hard to find once you know where it is -- just turn off the King’s Road at Heal’s. The pub is fronted with old-style wood and curved glass panels and the bar’s interior is fresh with painted wooden panels in pale mint and red walls. It is bright and cheerful, with pleasant lighting, an open fire and wooden furniture, and though the bar is very informal it still has a sophisticated feel.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere in the downstairs pub is laid back, but not rowdy. It is a Chelsea local, so the crowd is well-heeled, in their twenties and thirties, and the space is full but not packed. There is a pleasant, friendly vibe to the place. Some pairs and groups sit and chat, while others sit and eat at the benches and the bar: for more formal dining, it is possible to go upstairs to the restaurant.

The Food
The Pigs Ear is not a pie and mash gastro pub, and the menus offer an impressive, near intimidating, range of true gastronomic dishes. The pub’s lunch menu comprises Mediterranean, Asian fusion, French and traditional English elements and is of high class restaurant standards. Interesting offerings include roasted bone marrow, hare, foie-gras and seafood, whilst prices range from £5 to £10 for a starter, and £15 for a main. The rock oysters come recommended: very fresh, sharp and beautifully presented with home-baked bread. As pub steaks go, the Aberdeen Angus rib eye is a great choice too, and not just for the chunky chips that accompany it. The meat is tender, juicy and grilled to perfection. Interesting desserts can be had as well, from chocolate torte to a selected cheeseboard.

The Drink
An extensive range of red, white and rose wines is on offer, so if you are particular about your vino, you can rest assured you will find something suitable to accompany your meal. Dessert wines, ports and champagnes are available as well. As this is a gastro pub, it is worth trying out some of the ales and lagers though. The eponymous Genuine Cotswold Ale, Pig’s Ear, is not brewed onsite, but is a microbrew and very sweet and tasty stuff. Particularly good when washing down a chunk of fragrant cheese.

The Last Word
The Pigs Ear has an impressive array of food and drink on offer, but manages to be gloriously unpretentious with it. Relaxed, high end gastro pub dining that’s worth every penny.

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