Choose your location
Thu / Jan 14
Party Earth Review 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... ... read full review
35 Old Church Street
London SW3 5BS
Circle, District, Piccadilly Lines: South Kensington
020 7352 2908
M–Sa noon–11pm, Su noon–10:30pm
Kitchen closes 3–6pm daily, though may remain open all day Sunday when busy
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.
The building is owned by Chelsea soccer star Frank Lampard, so you never know whom you might see here. Thankfully, the venue’s signature Pig’s Ear brew – made by the Uley Brewery over in Gloucestershire – tastes just as good when it’s shared with your regular old pals (no celebrity athletes required). They often rotate the ales and they do tend to run out on busy nights when they have it, however, so if you get a taste for the stuff, try to get there early.
Trendy locals, Sloane Rangers, dapper couples, athletes, well-to-do college kids, families, and regular visits by Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, mostly early 20s to late 40s.
Ambient jazz or other chill tunes easily give way to conversation.
Upscale British-French menu including veal, duck, steaks, sea bream, and rare breed Tamworth pig’s head.
Starters £6.50–£14.75+, entrées £10.75–£21.50+. Beer £4.10–£5.15, wine £4.40–£7/glass or £18–£90/bottle.
Preppy casual to upscale: jeans, collared shirts, nice t-shirts, blazers, cardigans, floral sheath dresses, halter maxis, crocheted bodices.
Weekday evenings to enjoy the quieter scene, Friday and Saturday nights for a loud and festive dinner hangout, or weekend lunches to sling some brews with a well-off young crowd.
The Phene (9 Phene Street) is another neighborhood favorite, and features a full service deli, airy lounge space, a plush dining area, and stylish patio perfect for some summer day-drinking with young folks who can afford to call this part of London home.