The Pig’s Ear pub opens in Chelsea
Walls are filled with mismatched art from the matriarch of the family, and antique furniture contributes to the sense of ‘stumbling across a countryside inn’ in the middle of London
The Pig’s Ear pub, owned by brothers Richard and Oliver Gladwin, has opened its doors on Old Church Street, Chelsea.
Tucked between King’s Road and the Chelsea embankment, the building is a “long-time favourite” of locals. The pub dates from 1870, making it one of the area’s oldest taverns, and the team has restored it with “due diligence” to include antique apothecary dressers and mustard hues mixed with chandeliers and whisky barrels, maintaining the historic ambience of the building.
Walls are filled with mismatched art from the matriarch of the family, and antique furniture contributes to the sense of “stumbling across a countryside inn” in the middle of London.
A classic style dining room will open on the first floor in September, delivering a more “refined experience” complete with table service, white linens and wood panelling. The third floor “living room” is also opening, providing a “homely space” for events and classes, which will include life drawing, book clubs and wine tastings.
The main bar space on the ground floor features an open larder serving Lindisfarne Oysters, laid out in a French basin alongside a linen sack of wild yeast baguettes. Lighter plates include pâté en croute, a tangle of langoustine served with chimichurri, and silver challis of Sussex garden crudités.
Larger dishes include Sussex rose veal liver, and Cornish Megrim sole with capers and cockles. Additionally, there is always a beef offering from the family’s own herd, which grazes on the Gladwin’s vineyard in Sussex. For puddings, cherry crumble cheesecake and chocolate mousse for the table to share.
Gladwin said of the opening: “Although we’ve been London-based for ages now, we kept finding ourselves drawn out of town, seeking a country pub experience. When the chance to take over this legendary spot came up we knew it had to be our first pub, and we’ve worked hard to create this slight moment of escapism, slap bang in the middle of Chelsea.
“We’ve always been food-led in our sites, and whilst this is definitely still a drinkers pub, Oliver has put together a brilliant, brilliant food offering here, showcasing the amazing relationships we’ve made with our suppliers via The Shed, Sussex and Rabbit. His menu really suits the pub feel, whilst retaining our ethos and essence – and the Sunday roasts are next level.”
