A Day out in Chelsea
For Chelsea In Bloom
It’s an exciting time in the floral calendar - the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and while that’s in town, Chelsea in Bloom is also here. London’s largest free festival for floral art will mean that between the 18th and 24th of May, King’s Road is transformed into a blooming gallery. This year’s theme - out of this world - is sure to bring about some incredible displays. Prompted by the occasion, we’ve compiled our collective recommendations from the team into the perfect day out in Chelsea!
Starting off from Sloane Sq tube station, we’re heading towards Pavilion Road for our first and arguably most important stop: caffeine.
Start the day, Coffee @ The Roasting Party at Pavilion
Location: 253 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
A coffee roastery with Aussie roots whose mantra is making good coffee without pretentious fuss and that sounds right up our street! A quick stop to get your dose of caffeine and maybe grab a little pastry while you’re at it.
Coffee and pastry in hand, why not amble around Pavilion Street for a moment. This little mews is a lovely little bit to just have a look around, before we head round towards King’s Road.
The American Peony Society is the official, international authority for growers today to register their new cultivars and varieties and a quick look at their registry shows nearly 8,000 results. We’re truly spoilt for choice with peonies, but we’ve put together a little overview of some of the more commonly known types and our favourites.
Chelsea in Bloom on King’s Road
Location: all along King’s Road
The main attraction, of course, you’ll be drawn in by the abundance of floral displays along King’s Road, as shop fronts and stalls are transformed into floral artworks. Chelsea in Bloom celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, and each year a theme prompts shops, hotels, and restaurants in the area to develop creative concepts alongside top florists to create this spectacle.
You’ll be sure to spend some time ambling along and taking in the view, marvelling at the flowers, and, of course, judging them to your liking and how well they all fit the theme!
Grab a quick bite to refuel @ the Duke of York Square Food Market
Location: 80 King’s Road, SW3 4LY - Saturday 10am-4pm
If by the time you’ve walked up and down King’s Road, you find yourself a little peckish - fret not. There are a multitude of incredible places to grab a bite for lunch. If you’re heading to Chelsea on a Saturday, pop over to the Duke of York Square along King’s Road and find exactly what you’re hungering for from a plethora of food stalls, each offering a different cuisine.
OR get some lunch @ Phat Phuc
Location: The Courtyard, 151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT
If you’re not going on a Saturday, our top recommendation to grab some lunch is Phat Phuc, a Vietnamese noodle bar, serving up a delight of steaming pho soups and noodle dishes.
Pop into Saatchi Gallery
Location: Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, London SW3 4RY
All refueled on food, perhaps you fancy some more art? While you’re in the area, it’d be a shame to miss out on popping into Saatchi Gallery, just a few steps away from the Duke of York Square. We’ve done some collaborations with them on floral art in the past and can vouch for the incredible display of work from emerging artists in their gallery.
Mooch around antique stores
Location: all around the area
Any day out wouldn’t be complete without wandering around the area and entering any little antique store your eyes fall upon. All along the King’s Road is an excellent area to browse - and while you’re at it, you can keep eye out for a unique vessel to display your flowers in!
Dinner @ Weezie’s
Location: 14,15 Eccleston Yards, SW1W 9AZ
After being on your feet all day, you deserve a proper meal. Our go-to is Weezie’s, a lovely spot featuring beautiful vintage and reclaimed furniture and, more importantly, serving up a feast of delicious pizzas and small plates.
Drinks @ Amie Wine Studio
Location: 13 Eccleston Yards, SW1W 9AZ
Of course, no day out would be complete without decompressing and unwinding with a glass of wine in hand. Our favourite spot is just next door to the dinner location, so simply pop on over from Weezie’s straight into Amie wine studio, the wine bar by the people behind Amie Wines, and enjoy a selection of wonderful wines, made by a female-led team in France.
And there you have, the perfect day out in Chelsea, as recommended by the Freddie’s team. We hope you enjoy spending a day filled with flowers, food, art, and antique finds.
Up next...
Calla Lily
- The Trumpet-Shaped Beauty. This season, we want to hero a stem that brings elegance and grace to any arrangement - the calla lily. Distinctive, trumpet-shaped forms and a variety of vibrant shades - what’s not to love about them? Whether as a sculptural accent or a pop of colour, they bring something truly unique to a flower display and are incredibly versatile.