Last Updated on 17 January, 2023
London mews are on every Instagrammer’s must-see list, but did you know that Pavillion Road in Chelsea is one of London’s longest mews? Located a few meters from King’s Road and runs parallel to Sloane Street and can be accessed via Sloane Square.
Pavilion Road is pedestrianised at the southern end and offers ample al fresco dining from the cafes and restaurants that line the street.
Pavilion Road has seen a complete transformation over the last few years. Formerly Victorian stable blocks, the road is now a picturesque haven for independent artisans (and five restaurants), and provides a ‘village hub’ in response to Chelsea residents requesting local amenities.
A Little History of Pavilion Road
Following a consultation with the local community in the middle of 2015, land owners, Cadogan pledged to create a destination for independent, artisan traders behind the new George House development on Sloane Street.
Established fashion and beauty boutiques were joined by new artisan food shops in November 2016. This is what you see today in the street but it wasn’t always like this.
The History of pavilion road starts in the 1770s. Before then, the whole place was just a field of gardens with tiny walk paths. There were only a few houses that the development of King’s Road had inspired.
The development of King’s Road was inspired by the King, who was the sole user of the road as it offered easy access to Hampton Court. This explains why King’s Road was developed earlier than Pavilion Road.
In 1771, Henry Holland, a builder, and his architect son decided to design an ambitious scheme for the land in the area. That included the pavilion road.
Because of some logistics, the scheme and the actual building in the land were delayed until around late 1777. Building began in early 1778, and by 1783, they had already built many houses on Pavilion road. Henry and his son started selling and leasing some buildings to potential business people.
The area started gaining population, and as of the 1890s, expansion and renovation continued. The following year significant renovations took place, and the street was expanded.
Around the 1970s, it was named Pavilion Road. Other significant renovations took place around 2005, when most of the old buildings were demolished and new ones erected.
Since then, the road has been experiencing minor renovations occasionally. What you see today is by way of Cadogan’s expansions from 2015’s consultations.
Things to Do Near Pavilion Road
This is plenty to do in this part of Chelsea, from checking out London’s oldest botanical gardens to checking out the beautiful architecture around the area, the food, and much more. Below is a quick guide on things to do on Pavillion Road and nearby.
Dine at the cafes and restaurants on Pavilion Road
Dining in the cafes and restaurants along Pavillion road is a fantastic experience for any day of the week. You will find some of Chelsea’s cool places to eat located here, in addition to Wulf and Lamb, Bread Ahead who offer amazing baking courses as well as their delicious doughnuts.
Stop by Granger and Co an all-day eaterie with a relaxed and friendly vibe known for its small plate dishes, salads, burgers, and bowls. There is a wide range to choose from.
Visit Sloane Street Designer Boutiques
Are you a fashion lover or want to explore the best designs from across the globe? If that sounds like you, visiting Sloane Street designer boutiques will quench your thirst for design. You will find a variety of designer clothes from talented designers. The sellers are also willing to help you get the best outfit for any occasion.
Explore Kings Road cafes and shops
Another place to find cafes and shops when you are on Pavilion Road is Kings Road. Another historical road in the heart of Chelsea which is now lined with designer boutiques, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants with everything from Asian, Japanese, British, and Italian cuisine.
Shopping on Duke of York Square
In addition to the shopping options with Chelsea like the likes of Sloane Street, nearby Brompton Road and King’s Road, you have Duke of York Square. It offers a perfect mix of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty shops.
This is where you find Zara stores alongside other major European brands like Aesop, Dubarry, Space NK, Joseph, and Boden. You can also dine in this area or have a delicious and nutritious takeaway.
Learn to bake at Bread Ahead Bakery
If you want to learn how to bake bread, then Bread Ahead Bakery is along Pavillion road, and it is one of the best places to do that. They have great workshops on baking Italian, Eastern and Western European bread and pastries from French, Polish and British treats. I have shared details of my Italian baking workshop.
Royal Court Theatre
Royal Court Theatre is a must-visit if you want to experience excellent and unique performances from great artists. The theatre is widely recognized because of its effort to promote performance art on a higher level.
Saatchi Gallery
Saatchi Gallery is a must-visit when exploring Chelsea. Opened by Charles Saatchi in 1985, it is among Kensington and Chelsea’s fun galleries and museums to add to your Kensington and Chelsea itinerary. Saatchi Gallery hosts exhibitions for contemporary art and an independent charity.
Visit Peter Jones Department Store
Among London’s oldest department stores. You can find everything from fashion and homeware. You can find fashion advisors willing to help you make the right choice of outfits.
Notable Cafes And Shops On Pavillion Road
Pavillion Road filled with artisan food and drink shops also includes a wine merchant, a cheesemonger, grocers and in addition you also have a salon, cafes, and coffee shops as well as a couple of boutiques. Below are the retailers and shops on Pavillion Road.
- Sarah Chapman London – 259 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- Olivia Von Halle – 190 Pavilion Rd, London SW3 2BF
- Cosmetics à la Carte Chelsea Boutique – 192 Pavilion Rd, London SW3 2BF
- Kate Spade New York – 194 Pavilion Rd, London SW3 2BF
- Moyses Stevens Flowers – 188 Pavilion Rd, London SW3 2BF
- Heidi Klein – 257 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- The Little White Company – 184 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- London Cheesemongers – 251 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- The Roasting Party -253 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- Bread Ahead Bakery Pavilion Road – 249 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- The Chelsea General Store – 174 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0AW
- Natoora Sloane Square – 245 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- Provenance – 247 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- The Sea, The Sea – 174 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- Wulf & Lamb – 243 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- Granger & Co – 237-239 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
- Parlour by the Ice Cream Union – 166 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0AW
- Hans’ Bar & Grill – 164 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0AW
- Hicks of Chelsea – 168a Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0AW
How To Get To Pavillion Road
Getting to Pavillion Road is made easy with Sloane Square underground only a few meters away with District and Circle lines. You also have access to Knightsbridge Station a short walk through Sloane Street.
