Willett’s – Welcome to The Cadogan’s new British bistro and bar in the heart of Chelsea
The Cadogan has always been Chelsea’s most storied address. Oscar Wilde was arrested in Room 118 over 130 years ago. Actress and socialite Lillie Langtry lived at the adjacent 21 Pont Street, which became part of the hotel in 1895. Since Belmond took over, it has become one of London’s finest hotels, and its new restaurant Willett’s is well worth a visit.
Taking its name from the family who built the original 1887 townhouse, rather than another hotel dining room, Willett’s is a genuine neighbourhood bistro. Open daily from 7am to 11pm, it is built around British seasonal cooking and is priced to keep visitors coming back. The set menu is £32 for two courses, £36 for three, and available from lunch into the early evening.
In the kitchen is Executive Chef Michael Turner, who spent thirteen years with the Gordon Ramsay Group, most notably at The Savoy Grill. The cooking is classical, elevated and shaped by the seasons – prawn cocktail, chicken pie, nostalgic puddings – the kind of British food that is harder to do well than you might think. The signature is a sourdough crumpet, served from breakfast to late night, with a range of savoury and sweet toppings from Dorset crab to duck liver parfait with Yorkshire rhubarb.
The space, refurbished by Studio Shayne Brady, works with the building in a heritage green and neutral colour palette, with the original 1887 herringbone flooring still underfoot. An open kitchen with counter seating keeps the energy in the room, and Sunday lunch is served sharing-style. The bar menu offers around 20 wines by the glass, showcasing contemporary British producers, including selections from London’s first urban winery in Fulham, Hattingley Valley and Chapel Down.
“Being in Chelsea, it’s important that Willett’s feels part of the area,” says Michael Turner, “a place for weekday suppers, long Sunday lunches and everything in between.” We’ll be sitting down with him in June to find out how he’s making it happen.
Willett’s at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, 75 Sloane Street SW1X 9SG. Open daily 7am-11pm.
