A concierge really is a rare breed of person. This is a job that requires its candidates to be unerringly plugged into the minutiae of what makes a place unique, and have the resources to be able to pull off remarkable feats of grandeur, ingenuity or distinction for guests who are used to the very best standards of hospitality.
So we offered our Instagram followers the opportunity to put their most burning questions to the Street’s concierges, including Les Clefs d’Or London Concierge of the Year 2023 Daniel Bethel, concierge at The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel. And we knew these experts wouldn’t disappoint with their insider knowledge on where to get the best Sunday Roast in the neighbourhood, the best place to go for a date, the most romantic thing to do in Chelsea and more.
After all, these are the concierges and guest services teams that put The Cadogan and Beaverbrook Townhouse firmly among the favourite UK hotels for readers of Conde Nast Traveller in 2023.
Below, see what the Street’s expert concierges had to say…
No. Fifty Cheyne
The restaurant at ...At Sloane
La Poule au Pot
The LaLee
The Cadogan Arms
Wild Corner
Wild Tavern
The Phene
Teresa Tarmey at The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel
Beaufort House
Cadogan Hall
Chelsea Physic Garden
What is the most romantic restaurant in Chelsea?
In my opinion, the most romantic restaurant in Chelsea is No. Fifty Cheyne. It offers excellent food, and beautiful views of the Thames, and creates the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening.
– James Harrison, 11 Cadogan Gardens head concierge
It can be none other than the top-floor restaurant at …At Sloane. Our private dining cupola room is the perfect hideaway for a romantic dinner for two, with candlelight, stained glass windows for British intimacy, and views over Sloane Square. And our simple, unpretentious cuisine is the perfect blend of French flair and Chelsea flavour – try the caviar and champagne for a match made in heaven! So Parisian and so seductive…
– …At Sloane concierge team
La Poule au Pot, which serves traditional French cuisine in a beautiful candlelit setting with cosy nooks and crannies. Little has changed there since the ’60s.
– Beaverbrook Town House host team
Which Chelsea bar or pub has the best vibes for:
Drinks with friends
The LaLee – Not to be biased but it is a fabulous bar located in a fantastic area and has such a sense of fun in a relaxed atmosphere. We have some fantastic musicians playing from Thursday to Saturday. The booth seats are very popular with larger groups of friends and families. There is plenty of room for a comfy chat and a catch-up with a few cocktails.
– Daniel Bethel, concierge at The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel
The Cadogan Arms on Kings Road, which reopened in 2021 and was beautifully renovated using excellent craftsmanship, is my top choice for drinks with friends. It has a very traditional ambiance on the ground floor, serving excellent British food. Downstairs, you can enjoy sports in a friendly and inclusive environment, making it the perfect mix for a fun outing.
– James Harrison, 11 Cadogan Gardens head concierge
Jak’s Bar in Chelsea is nestled on the stylish Walton Street between South Kensington and Chelsea. This popular venue is perfect for after-work drinks and lively weekends with the Chelsea crowd. Enjoy an evening with friends on one of the comfy sofas or chic bar tables, surrounded by the quirky interior.
– The Carlton Tower concierge team
A hot date
Wild Corner – A fabulous, small, intimate bar in the centre of Chelsea. Very cosy and perfect for a date. They have some fabulous wines and a small kitchen with one hob where they create some fabulous dishes.
– Daniel Bethel, concierge at The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel
For a memorable hot date, consider Barts in Chelsea Cloisters. This quirky speakeasy bar always offers something to talk about. Afterward, take a short walk to Wild Corner, where you’ll find a great selection of wine. Alternatively, you can head to big brother Wild Tavern for fantastic food and an excellent wine selection.
– James Harrison, 11 Cadogan Gardens head concierge
Beaufort House Chelsea – Sophisticated venue offering all-day European dining and afternoon tea. This is also paired with a lovely champagne bar making it a perfect place for a hot date.
– The Carlton Tower concierge team
After work
The Botanist – The perfect location for easy access to find your way home being right by Sloane Square station. It’s a nice bar with attentive service. Perfect in the summer months when Sloane Square comes alive with people.
– Daniel Bethel, concierge at The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel
Cooper’s Arms – Located on 87 Flood Street, it is a casual pub with a large outdoor terrace, allowing for large meetups of colleagues after work to enjoy a drink after work.
– The Carlton Tower concierge team
The Phene on Phene Street is a great choice for post-work relaxation. It has a lovely garden that’s covered even in winter. With a wide selection of food and drinks and a pleasant atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to catch up with colleagues and unwind.
– James Harrison, 11 Cadogan Gardens head concierge
Late-night fun
Beaufort House – A great bar and open until 00:30 – 01:30 seven days a week. It is a big local favourite but does get busy later on in the evenings, especially Friday and Saturday nights. However, it is without a doubt the best place in Chelsea for a late-night drink.
– Daniel Bethel, concierge at The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel
Sumosan Twiga is in the heart of Knightsbridge, and a short walking distance from The Carlton Tower Jumeirah. Step into a world of electrifying energy and vibrant beats. Dance the night away and indulge in a multisensorial experience like no other. The state-of-the-art sound system and immersive lighting create a dynamic ambiance that will keep you moving on the dance floor all night long.
– The Carlton Tower concierge team
If you’re looking for late-night fun, the Bluebird Bar and Lounge is a fantastic option for the weekend. It boasts a resident DJ and a dance floor. For those who enjoy Mexican cuisine and a wide selection of tequila, Tonteria in Sloane Square is the perfect choice. It’s lively and offers great after-hours entertainment.
– James Harrison, 11 Cadogan Gardens head concierge
“A romantic walk through the streets of Chelsea, particularly by the Thames, is a magical experience” – James Harrison
Honestly, who gives the best facial in Chelsea?
It’s tough to choose only one in Chelsea, with so many lovely places around. It would have to be a draw between KX on Draycott Avenue and The Organic Pharmacy, just around the corner on Cadogan Gardens, which offers exclusive products.
– …At Sloane concierge team
Teresa Tarmey, here in the Treatment Room at The Cadogan. She is the go-to for those in the know and has a huge celebrity following. What’s more, her treatments have limited downtime.
– Daniel Bethel, concierge at The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel
Sarah Chapman on Pavilion Road is wonderful. She’s a master with a global reputation as London’s most sought-after facialist.
– Beaverbrook Town House host team
Where can I find the best Sunday roast in Chelsea?
Definitely at The Cadogan Arms. Its Bloody Mary is to die for, which says a lot, considering that we are strict Bloody Mary connoisseurs. And there are at least four different roasts to choose from each Sunday.
– …At Sloane concierge team
The Surprise, a local pub off the beaten track that serves a cracking roast in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. The roasts are generous in size with top-quality produce, and there is a great wine list.
– Beaverbrook Town House host team
What unexpected service are you asked for regularly?
Tying a bow tie request happens much more than you think, and it’s a valuable skill I’ve learned. Another unexpected service we offer is shoe repair. Every couple of weeks we will have a person in distress because a heel on a shoe has come loose. Luckily, Timpson’s on Kings Road do a fabulous job.
– Daniel Bethel, concierge at The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel
Nothing too outlandish, we always go above and beyond for any guest request. We polish shoes, help to style hair, collect shopping and do photoshoots – to name a few.
– Beaverbrook Town House host team
One unexpected service which we are asked on a regular basis is to assist guests with purchasing items from Amazon.
– The Carlton Tower concierge team
What’s the most unexpected skill you need to have as a concierge?
The most unexpected skill required as a concierge is the ability to adapt to the diverse needs of guests. Guests come from different nationalities and age groups, and their preferences vary widely. A good concierge should not only meet these needs but also anticipate them.
– James Harrison, 11 Cadogan Gardens head concierge
Efficient prioritisation – although it may seem basic it is incredibly important as a Concierge to be able to prioritise tasks and not lose track, especially on a busy day where it is easy to get overwhelmed.
– The Carlton Tower concierge team
What is the most outrageous thing you’ve ever been asked for?
I was once asked to fill a bathtub with champagne for a wedding couple who were on honeymoon. Made famous by Marilyn Monroe, it is said to take 350 bottles to fill a bathtub. However, I can confirm it only takes 280 at a cost of around £11,000.
– Daniel Bethel, concierge at The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel
What is the most romantic thing to do in Chelsea?
Enjoy a classical music concert at the Cadogan Hall. Its unique selection of artists is incredible and you can enjoy fabulous concerts by artists usually not appearing elsewhere.
– …At Sloane concierge team
A romantic walk through the streets of Chelsea, particularly by the Thames, is a magical experience, and especially at night with all the lights. To top it off, enjoy a glass of wine on the 1st floor of No. Fifty Cheyne, which overlooks Cheyne Gardens and the Thames, creating a truly romantic atmosphere.
– James Harrison, 11 Cadogan Gardens head concierge
A private sunset boat ride from Chelsea Pier, drifting down the Thames with a glass of champagne in hand.
– Beaverbrook Town House host team
