The Builder`s Arms, Chelsea – Review

Chelsea is famous for a variety of reasons – its class, its price tags, its flash cars and now (rather unfortunately) its reality TV credentials. However, we were lucky enough to be invited along to the Builder`s Arms, which has all the expected class of the area, yet without the exorbitant price tags. A part of the Geronimo Inns chain, the food is accordingly rustic, flavoursome and yet highly fulfilling!

The décor is smart and full of decorative flourishes, complete with plush furnishing and pleasant service. We felt comfortable, at home and at ease during our visit. We were also pleased to see everyone else revelling in a relaxed and calm Sunday mode.

To start, the potted smoked salmon with a pickled cucumber ensemble was particularly refreshing and satisfying. I am a fan of anything featuring smoked salmon and it has to be said that this dish pulled it off rather well! Deep rich flavours of the salmon were underpinned by the zing of the pickled cucumber. Another classic starter came in the form of the chicken liver pate, served on a traditional board and accompanied by fresh bread. Simplicity is the key here, but flavour comes in bucket loads too.

We visited on a Sunday, so our mains were Sunday lunch themed, as you would expect! Now, a lot of places claim to do Sunday dinners and fail miserably; however, we were really impressed by the quality of this particular course at the Builder`s Arms. In particular, the rolled pork belly with baby vegetables and red cabbage was an absolute treat. What a great way to dine on a winter`s day! The meat melted in the mouth and warmed the our chilled bones. A really hearty and delicious dish.

On a slight tangent, I would also like to highlight the Builders Arms` Christmas menu (or feast, as I should put it). For a fantastically tempting £75 you can sample up to 6 Yule Tide courses, including blueberry marinated monkfish, crisp tuna bacon, Hollandaise sauce to start, ballotine of bronze turkey, wild boar stuffing, streaky bacon for main, and sugar glazed figs to finish. Sounds gorgeous!

For more information and to make your booking, please click here: http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/