The best of Chelsea by the people who know - Cadogan

4 | INTRODUCTION |
Introduction
Whether you’re a visitor to London or a
lifelong resident in the capital, Chelsea
has something to offer. With grand
buildings, a fascinating history and some
of the best shops, sights and restaurants,
there’s always something to discover.
In this guide, we look at Chelsea’s
evolution, from early settlements to the
bustling centre of culture and retail we
see today. We meet some of its most
significant figures and explain how the
focus shifted away from the River Thames
and towards the Kings Road. We tell its
story, from Henry VIII and Sir Thomas
More to the Swinging Sixties to life in
Chelsea today. And we get top tips and
favourite places from locals who know the
area inside-out – our Insiders.
Chelsea is still evolving today. And so,
while we never intended to make this
guide comprehensive – indeed, it’s
impossible to do so when writing about
busy, living, thriving place because it
doesn’t stand still – we hope that it will
give you an insight into how you could
spend your time and enjoy the best of
what Chelsea has to offer.
Explore the past and present with our
walking guide, sample a restaurant, listen
to some live music or find a hidden gem
that only people who really know the area
would be able to tell you about.
That’s what this guide is about. We hope
you find it useful and that it helps you
discover the secrets and successes of
this wonderful place for yourself.