The Pig's Ear Gastropub

Kensington / Chelsea, London –

Tucked away in a residential area of the posh Chelsea zip code, The Pig’s Ear is a local favorite for its amped-up take on British and French classics, signature brews, and regular crowd that includes Prince William and plenty of English soccer stars.

The front dining area suits the rowdier silver-spooned social groups who pack the place during dinner hours and weekend lunch, and features colorful icons on the walls including portraits of royalty and a fierce-looking photo of Michael Caine, which highlight the venue’s posh but casual air.

The adjoining Blue Room offers a slightly mellower spot away from the loud bar, with azure-paneled walls covered in framed fish and gilded mirrors, and a crackling fire in winter, the perfect backdrop for the groups of classy friends who gather to down Scottish filets and duck confit between pulls of Portuguese imports and lots of Sambrook's ale.

A more intimate setting can be found in the upstairs oak-paneled dining room, home to a series of candlelit tables that cater to trendy couples and older businessmen in the mood for an elegant, but still understated, sit-down.

No matter where patrons sit, a gourmet selection of fish, pork, veal, beef, and duck ensure those with carnivorous tastes and healthy wallets will not be disappointed by the Anglo-French menu, making The Pig’s Ear a heady choice for those who want good grub to go with their grog.

And the other way around.