ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD . . .

One of the smallest and most densely packed of London’s neighborhoods, Chelsea is a smartly-styled microcosm of London life. The center of London bohemia during the 1960’s, Chelsea is where bands such as the Rolling Stones and the Beatles solidified their stardom. Hints of the swinging London era are still visible at such institutions as the Chelsea Arts Club, which local artists, musicians, and writers still frequent. However, the Chelsea of today has shed its hippy roots in favor of luxury shopping destinations and manicured white stucco houses, which harken back to the elegance of the early nineteenth century and are a signature of London’s residential style. The streets of Chelsea are lined with gracious art galleries, sophisticated eateries, and quintessentially British institutions such as the storied food halls of Harrods and one of the world’s largest and most prominent contemporary art collections at the Saatchi Gallery. One of the borough’s most significant hubs is Sloane Square, where history, luxury boutiques and cutting edge culture meet. On the square is The Royal Court Theater, dedicated to presenting the works of some of the world’s innovative contemporary writers for the stage. Flanked by the River Thames to the south and Hyde Park to the north, Chelsea has become an exclusive neighborhood with a sophisticated flare.