The Antelope, Belgravia
A stones throw from glamorous Sloane Square and Chelsea’s famous King’s Road lie a number of timeless classic Central London hostelries.
Set amongst grand apartment buildings with eye-watering price tags in an area which becomes more bling and glitzy with every advancing year it is refreshing entering a time portal into a venue firmly rooted in the past.
Built in 1827, like other local pubs it was built for the servants of local gentry. However, its worth noting that although it was designed “only” for the drinking classes the interior, although humble for late Georgian times, is strikingly beautiful.
Wood panelling runs throughout along with intricate etched glass blessing the hostelry with a refined elegance that creates a warm atmosphere. The island bar overseas proceedings and is a fine focal point when entering the pub. There are plenty of stools which surround the bar making it a venue that not only bares witness to the aesthetics of the past but the age old custom of social interaction around two feet of mahogany.
The exterior also cuts a warm and inviting scene with a beautiful wooden facade and dripping foliage. All the while the Antelope pub sign sparkles in the reflecting sun.
The food here is excellent and it’s rare in London now to blend a first class culinary experience in the confines of a traditional hostelry. Too often high end gastro pubs take the sanitised wine bar interior route, removing old features and styles. Those who are after a traditional setting are often left disappointed, feeling more as if they’re in a Hilton Hotel reception or a piano bar. Not so here and the whole scene is likely no different to any of the last eight decades.
The staff are always particularly friendly here and that personal service is also what maintains this as a timeless stalwart preserving the high standards and values of victuallers of the past. The usual Fullers brewery beverages gleaming on display from a meticulously spotless bar is also a cheery sight.
Arguably very much a winter pub for many pub enthusiasts its one to enjoy a couple of pints of Guinness or sharing a bottle of red wine with good company. Regardless of the season a real backstreet treasure awaits.
