The Surprise Chelsea: PR visit just a 10-minute walk from Sloane Square, you’ll find The Surprise Freehouse in Chelsea. It takes its name from the HMS Surprise, the captured French warship that the British Navused to sneak upon enemy boats under the command of Admiral Nelson.
Beautiful canopies adorn its façade, and you enter a homely, warm, cosy pub. A Hendricks Gin and tonic started our afternoon perfectly in the friendly, packed pub, and we enjoyed the atmosphere of people enjoying good food and friends. Bookshelves are crammed with books and unique pictures hanging on the walls, making the space inviting and begging you to stay awhile.
Lula welcomed us, and we took in the open fire and windows framing the Chelsea view as we made our menu choices. As well as regular food and drink, The Surprise can cater for wedding parties of up to 30 guests for a seated lunch or dinner or 50 people for a standing drinks and canape reception, welcoming them to The Hamilton Room.’ with its handmade leather dining chairs and distinguished wood panelling.
It’s been beautifully designed and would be ideal for celebrating after a London wedding ceremony.
As it was Sunday, we had to choose a roast dinner, which was just delicious. We started with a Cornish shellfish gratin, with beautiful mussels, prawns and clams with sourdough bread, and then chose a Devon chicken breast – a huge plate of food with massive Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and all the other Sunday roast trimmings you’d expect. Just stunning.
Celebrating the best classic British food after a London wedding would be a great way. Sticky toffee pudding and an epic chocolate brownie finished our meal off perfectly, and we soaked up the cosy vibes a little more before heading back out into the bustle of the city.
Booking is essential for any meal, and the bar and restaurant are open daily. All the menus are available online to tempt you, and you can also make bookings through their website. For a tailormade event in their private dining space, email or call, and they’ll tailor-make an event just for you! We’ll definitely be back!
Contact The Surprise London
6 Christchurch Terrace, Chelsea, London SW3 4AJ
call: 020 3837 4600
events@thesurprise-chelsea.co.uk
Opening Hours:
LUNCH
Tuesday to Saturday, 12 pm – 3 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 8.30 pm
DINNER
Monday to Saturday, 6 pm – 9.30 pm
Sunday 6 pm – 8.30 pm
BAR
Monday 4 pm – 11 pm
Tuesday to Sunday, 12 pm – 11 pm
