Chelsea Insider Low - Cadogan

66 | FOOD AND DRINK | Pubs, bars and nightlifeStamford Raffles.Membership is available by invitationonly and you must first be put forward bya current member, but once gained getsyou privileges including ski trips, summerparties abroad and away days. There isa dress code – see the website fordetails.Wednesday-Saturday 10pm-5.30am.297 King’s Road, SW3 5EWT: 020 7351 4964www.raffleschelsea.comRoyal Court Café BarThe Royal Court Café Bar is a reallygood option for a central meeting placeeven if you’re not going to see a show,because it’s right next to Sloane SquareTube station.Set in the 19th-century auditorium pit,it’s a surprisingly big space. It servesseasonal British food and uses curedmeats, oils and olives from the Spanishfood emporium Brindisa, meat fromSmithfield Market and cheese fromNeal’s Yard Dairy. Sausage rolls, tortillasand cakes are on offer if you’re just a bitpeckish, as well as a more substantialmenu if you’re hungry. Book in advanceif you want a pre-show dinner. The bar isstocked with seasonal wines chosen byBibendum.Monday-Saturday 12pm until late.Lunch and dinner served 12pm-8pm,bar snacks served throughout theevening.Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square,SW1W 8AS. T: 020 7565 5058www.royalcourttheatre.com/your-visit/cafe-bar/The Sporting PageThe Sporting Page is a gastropub thatshows sporting events (you can evenbook a private booth to watch the game)and has four screens.The food is generally pub classics,with the menu changing to take advantageof what is in season and what theweather is like. Check the website forevents and offers. The drinks menu isextensive and has a good range of beersand wines, as well as some cocktails.The pavement terrace is heated in winter.Royal Court Café BarMonday-Saturday 11am-11pm,Sunday 11am-10.30pm. Lunch and dinnerevery day. Brunch: From 11amSaturday and Sunday.6 Camera Place, SW10 0BHT: 020 7349 0455www.thesportingpagechelsea.co.ukThe SurpriseA sister pub to the Phoenix and theBuilders Arms, the Surprise is a gastropubthat serves up small plates of Britishfood, with the idea being that you ordera few dishes rather than picking one.It has real ales on tap and servesSunday roasts.The wines are chosen by Master ofWine John Clevely.Lunch: Monday-Friday 12pm-3pm,Saturday 12pm-4pm. Dinner: Monday-Saturday 6.30pm-10pm. Food served allday Sunday, 12pm-9pm.6 Christchurch Terrace, SW3 4AJT: 020 7351 6954www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/thesurpriseThe SurpriseSushinho(see Restaurants)Sydney ArmsThe Sydney Arms is traditional in styleand serves pub and brasserie food.The cocktail list includes the memorablynamed Basil Fawlty (Smirnoff No.21vodka blended with apple juice, passionfruitand homemade basil syrup) andSydney James.The bar snacks are a posh twist onstandard pub favourites. It also servesbreakfast.The Sydney Arms shows live sports onfive screens inside and outside the pub,and you can book a table in advance toguarantee your spot.Monday-Wednesday 12pm-11pm,Thursday-Friday 12pm-12am, Saturday10am-12am, Sunday 10am-10pm.70 Sydney Street, SW3 6NJ. T: 020 73527924www.sydneyarmschelsea.comThe TrafalgarDon’t be too put off by the bright purpleexterior – the Trafalgar is nicer insidethan it looks from the outside, and it’spretty spacious. It even has a small gardenwith heating and a sheltered area.The venue has a good selection ofspeciality beers too, from regularlychanging cask ales to bottled beers fromaround the world. The spirits are goodquality and there are homemade softdrinks in summer.The food is seasonal and there’s alsoa brunch menu. Sunday’s menu includesroasts.Check the website for more detailsand offers.Monday-Tuesday 11.30am-11pm,Wednesday-Saturday 11.30am-12am,Sunday 11.30am-10.30pm.200 King’s Road, SW3 5XPT: 020 7349 1831www.thetrafalgarchelsea.co.uk