The Fox & Pheasant in Chelsea is a posh pub that has a "higher end than an actual pub" feel
Just a stone's throw away from Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge, you'll find a cosy yet high-end pub nestled on a private road.
The Fox & Pheasant describes itself as a "little country pub tucked away in a corner of Chelsea", and it certainly lives up to that description. The main room is dimly-lit and snug, featuring a small bar area where patrons can choose from eight different types of beer on tap, along with a variety of other beverages.
The pub's history dates back to 1846 when it was known as The Bedford Arms. It was renamed the Prince of Wales in 1965, and was on the brink of being transformed into a block of flats before it was purchased by singer-songwriter - and local resident - James Blunt.
"I've lived in this street for 14 years and I've loved this pub, and then I heard when I was out in the town that it was up for sale and it was going to be turned into flats, which was devastating", Blunt said in an interview with Tatler.
"So instead I threw in a bid, Greene King sold it to me, and my whole job is to preserve it and protect it and keep it as this old and beautiful pub as it is", reports the Express.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: James Blunt attends the GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2019 at Tate Modern on September 03, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
James Blunt bought the pub from Greene King
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Stepping inside, the Fox & Pheasant exudes warmth, hospitality and charm, despite the higher price tags associated with its posh neighbourhood location.
Beers range from £6 to £7.7, wines are priced between £26 and £240 - with their priciest champagne costing a cool £575 - and cocktails won't set you back more than £15.50.
Unlike many traditional boozers, this pub places food at the forefront. The establishment features a special glass-ceiling conservatory that functions more like a restaurant, with a ceiling that opens during the summer months.
"We've got some pub classics, but our aim really is to make this fancier than just a pub", said Blunt. "There's an amazing pub [upstairs] that you can eat in there, but this for us is higher end".
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The Fox and Pheasant pub is located on Billing Road, on the border between Chelsea and Fulham
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The menu certainly reflects this ambition, offering starters such as scallop ceviche and sticky ox tongue, salads, and a selection of mains including lamb hotpot pie (£20), marinated mussels with a side of truffle chips (£26), 8oz rump cap with blue cheese salad (£34), swordfish (£33) and calves liver (£24).
Of course, there's still room for pub classics, like their £21.50 fish & chips and £19.50 beef burger. Bar snacks range from olives, chipolatas, scotch eggs, corn ribs, toast with truffle, mushroom and brie, crispy squid, sesame prawn toast and fried chicken - all starting from £7.
Online reviews reflect the attention to detail put into every aspect of the pub. One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: "Stylish and cosy interiors, roofed garden, moody private dining area that reminds me of Dickens' books, classy fireplaces... And inside that interior delicious food is served by the fantastic staff."
Another added: "They serve a brilliant selection of draught beers and a very comprehensive wine list. If it didn't have a famous owner, you would still go there as it's so good."
The pub has become a festive favourite for local celebrities and even members of the Royal Family, with James Blunt claiming it's haunted - he once shared a video of a glass being "knocked over" by a ghostly regular.
It serves up roasts every Sunday, boasts a private room for special bookings and opens its doors daily from 12pm - except for Mondays, when they welcome punters from 4pm.