Pub in Chelsea
Chelsea Arts Club
143-145 Old Church Street, Chelsea, SW3 6EBClosest station: South Kensington, about 12 min walk4.7out of 5 on Google, from 375 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Chelsea Arts Club
Founded in 1891 at the instigation of the artist Whistler, as a rival to the older Arts Club. The club when formed was intentionally bohemian in character and remains true to its roots. There is no dress code. It promotes social intercourse amongst its members and helps promote their artistic work.
The Chelsea Arts Club ball was a famous fixture at the Albert Hall in the first half of the twentieth century, eventually banned due to riotous behaviour; footage of some of the balls may be seen on old British Pathe newsreels. Nowadays the Club serves as a host for various events including of course visual arts exhibitions as well as musical performances including live jazz, and literary talks.
The clubhouse is normally white but may be painted for special events, see example in this entry; it includes a dining room, bar, snooker room and some bedrooms. The rooms are lined with art by members past and present. Club membership is between three and four thousand drawn mainly from the creative and artistic worlds; there is a waiting list for new members. If you are lucky enough to be invited in, food is stated to be moderately priced.
Confirmed by a member as offering cask ale.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide.
Features
- Outdoor Seating
- Real Fire
- Games: Snooker
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Real Ale
- Events
- Accommodation: 12 bedrooms
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Independent
- Phone
- 020 7376 3311
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.7out of 5 on Google, from 375 ratings
5 out of 5Liz C Burion Google, October 2024
I was invited for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the establishment. What a hidden gem! Surrounded by art (of course) it has a classic club feel, and NO PHONES! So our full attention is on each other. Wished more places were like this! Apart from that, the club is well kept. Artist have a choice of light snacks & drink at the bar, or a sit down meal at the restaurant. There’s even a massive common table for people to sit together and mingle. It was raining when we visited, but I’m sure we’d all be dining outside if it were sunny. One needs to be a member to invite guests in, so go…
5 out of 5Juliette Goddard MA RCAon Google, October 2024
Wonderful club for meeting up with friends for light lunches etc.
5 out of 5Sandra Menanton Google, August 2023
A very special historical prestigious place to visit with members! I love the beautiful garden, friendly billiard room with amazing art to be discovered, from the Summer exhibition by artists members. Enjoy delicious wines and dishes from the freshly cooked dishes of the day. Fine dining in a secluded, lively environment. The staff is attentive and very friendly, this Club is unique and may become my second home! Live music events and so much more..
5 out of 5Sandra Menant Artiston Google, August 2023
The only rule in this prestigious Arts Club is no mobile! So you will only photos taken from the outside. It maintains anonymity for all the members : a great idea. It's very friendly, welcoming and you can enjoy a beautiful secluded garden in the middle of Chelsea with your member friends who invited you. Great food and plenty of art exhibitions,live performance,live jazz and events. A gem for a stimulating social life.
5 out of 5Chrison Google, July 2024
Fantastic, historic club. Run by a friendly team. We love it ❤️
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.