New pub to open on King’s Road for first time in over a century

A new pub will open on Chelsea’s King’s Road this October, marking the first such development in the area in more than 100 years. The Trafalgar Public House (owned by Three Cheers Pub Co – the group behind London venues including The Avalon and The Bedford) is situated in a Grade II listed former bank on the Cadogan Estate, which has undergone a £2.4 million transformation. It is part of the estate’s broader Gaumont redevelopment project, which aims to celebrate Chelsea’s cultural heritage and support its creative economy.

Three Cheers Pub co co-founder Tom Peake commented: “We are delighted to be developing this historic site and creating a new public house, a home from home for Chelsea locals and visitors alike. We are proud to be a part of this development and look forward to bringing a real sense of community and connection to the area that only a proper British pub can.”

The Trafalgar will span two floors: the ground level will function as a traditional British pub, offering food and drink in a setting that blends historic architecture with contemporary design, while the upper floor retains original features such as five-metre ceilings, Georgian windows and ornate plasterwork, complemented by new furnishings including chandeliers, leather seating and vintage artwork. The basement will serve as an entertainment space, equipped with a high-spec sound system, mirrored ceiling and hidden bar. It is expected to host live music, cabaret and comedy events, with regular performances from the award-winning Always Be Comedy group every Thursday

The opening comes amid widespread closures across the UK – according to recent figures cited by Sky News, over 600 pubs shut their doors in the first half of 2023 alone. The Trafalgar’s launch represents a rare instance of expansion in the sector, particularly in London.

Hugh Seaborn, chief executive of the Cadogan Estate, added: “The Trafalgar will be a great addition to the King’s Road. Pubs are a central part of community life and we are proud to be reintroducing not just a brilliant pub, but one that will contribute towards Chelsea’s fantastic arts scene with unmissable music, theatre, comedy and performance.”

Food Desk

The Trafalgar Public House opens this October at 224–226 King’s Road, London SW3 5UA. For further details or to book a table, visit here.