195 Kings Road,
Chelsea,
London,
SW3 5ED
0871 971 6886
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
This American bar and grill brings an air of informality to the super-posh King’s Road. Henry J Beans has been here for a long time and, thankfully, it hasn’t succumbed to its surroundings.
The Venue
You might expect only excessive refinement and a degree of snobbery from the King’s Road, but Henry J Beans is a busy, loudish and unruly exception. An American-style bar and grill, the decoration is in keeping with the theme but it's not overpowering: a heavy wooden bar, brick walls and shiny tiles mix with large TV screens blasting out music videos, diner-style booths, an open-plan kitchen and a map of the USA made out of car number plates. The place does not look particularly impressive but it does the job and its informal, casual look has a positive effect on the atmosphere.
The real selling point is the garden as it stretches far back, away from the road. It has a large fountain at its centre and is surrounded by plenty of wooden tables – it’s a definite favourite for weekend lunches.
The Atmosphere
Chelsea is the land of stunningly thin, beautiful people who look like they’re straight out of glossy magazines. Yet you would picture them at a swanky bar rather than tucking into a burger and beer. Yet, this is what you will see at Henry J Beans: the beautiful (and quite overdressed for the occasion) behaving reassuringly normally and mixing with a crowd that could be described as perfectly regular. The combination is quite interesting to watch and not at all uncomfortable. All in all, this busy bar has an unpretentious air.
The Food
An all-American menu includes starters (£6.15-£12.25) like chicken wings, nachos, calamari (on a bed of salad, unfortunately left undressed) and crispy potato wedges served with a tasty red pepper jam. The mains (£7.50-£18) include hot dogs, a great selection of burgers, salads, wraps and sandwiches. The fajita wrap is deliciously smoky and well crafted, while the curly fries are a great competitor to British chips. Even an unlikely choice like the tuna nicoise salad is very satisfying: a grilled tuna steak sits on top of a large fresh salad, rich in boiled eggs, anchovies, green beans, new potatoes and red onions. Desserts (£4.50-£8.50) include banana split, Mississippi mud pie and the unmissable vanilla cheesecake.
The Drink
American-inspired cocktails (£6.90-£9.15 or £18 for a jug) are out in force too: you can choose from Lynchburg Lemonade, Manhattan, Harvey Wallbanger, Bloody Mary and three dozen others, including delicious non-alcoholic cocktails (£4.25). There are also two dozen wines to choose from (£16.10-£22.50 for a bottle with selected glasses priced at £4.60-£6.40). The wine mixes new and old world, while the only hint that you are in Chelsea is the magnum-sized Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin (still relatively good value at £130).
The Last Word
Henry J Beans is a great retreat for a leisurely lunch or an unpretentious night out on the King’s Road.