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Hours
Sun
12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Mon
12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Tue
12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Wed
12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Thu
12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 12:00 am
Sat
12:00 pm - 12:00 am
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
features
Is this a pub?
Details
About
The Chelsfield is a majestic 1930's pub nestled in the splendid parish of Chelsfield in Southeast London.
A second home for our locals, The Chelsfield is a space to relax, unwind and unite with loved ones.
With distinctive, double-height ceilings and a traditional art deco style, there are plenty of cosy or lively spots to sit back and enjoy with a drink in hand.
CUISINES
Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service
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4.5
221 reviews
Excellent
159
Very good
31
Average
10
Poor
10
Terrible
11
LondonSam
158 contributions
Feb 2022 • family
Walked in Sunday afternoon & place was buzzing which was great to see that word has got round of the improvement since the refurb.
Problem that brings is it felt the staff were slightly stretched & rushed, whereas usually things have been more relaxed & enjoyable.
Food was pretty good again, although they have now removed the pulled beef coquette that came as standard with the roast beef on previous visits, but 3 good slices of beef made up for it.
Roasties slightly soft for my liking & a slither of mash provided on the kids sausage & mash.
Recommended improvements since my last review such as blinds, have now been installed in the dining area which is great.
However still no simple fruit shoots for kids & the tipping for staff is still cash only! The likes of Liv, Toby etc appear to work very hard & seems odd that Punch have still not worked out a way to add a tip through the card payment. Must remember cash next time!
Overall another good quality Sunday lunch
Written 28 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandieroche
Orpington38 contributions
Sept 2021 • family
The pub & restaurant has recently been refurbished & looks great. The meals that we had were delicious & the service from Sarah was brilliant. All the staff made us feel so welcome & totally relaxed. Nothing was too much trouble & the chef even brought us out extra custard to go on our dessert. Will definitely be going back as it’s a great pub & will be our local from now on.
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cirda
Thank you very much for taking time to write us such a positive review. We hope to see you soon.
Team Chelsfield
Written 19 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
W I
Orpington5 contributions
May 2022 • none
As an old (literally) and former resident of the village, I though it might be interesting, but possibly disappointing, to visit the old pub again and have lunch.
Because we are two aged ducks, we chose 3 dishes from the snacks and starter sections, having in mind very moderate offerings.
What a not very Mini-fest! The crab rarebit was generous, great fun and perfectly delish- a new one on us.
Yikes! along came a beautifully presented good quality hot round of gooey cheese with warm toasted sourdough. Glorious and we were pleased that we had ordered wine to accompany our lunch. The smoked salmon was good, too .
Hang onto that chef, The Chelsfield. It was a treat if a bit on the pricey side- but then, in this case, we very happily got what we paid for!
Written 12 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trudy Bailey
Bishops Stortford38 contributions
Dec 2022 • friends
Visited The Chelsfield with friends today. Was really disappointed.
When we arrived, we were told that the average waiting time was over 50 minutes. We didn't really mind as we were there to socialise and catch up.
I understand that the food can be slow, however the pub wasnt very busy. There were two waitresses who didnt know the menu very well, got our drinks order wrong and didnt know what the chef could and couldnt provide.
They were also slow - which in combination with a reduced staffed kitchen is a disaster.
The fish and chips looked lovely, but the fish wasn't fresh and was served on cold chips. The burger was awful, bun was burnt and chips cold. The pie and mash looked fine but both the mash and peas had been on a hot plate so long the peas changed colour and the mash developed a crisp topping.
We were asked if we wanted sauces and by the time they arrived, our food was stone cold.
We ordered profiteroles for pudding and these were stale and old. The cream inside was fresh, but the profiteroles were sliced to put the cream in because they were stale!
Plus point - the toilets were clean.
However, I will never be visiting again.
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guide793333
London20 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
We have regularly visited this pub over the years but the food has really gone down. If I pay gastro pub prices £18.50 for a main; I expect to wait for the food to be cooked from scratch. Our food came out within 10 mins of ordering, clearly warmed up in the microwave. The meals had to be sent back as the food was not cooked evenly through and my sausages were cold in places. not something you would’ve sheaved if it was cooked in the oven as we do at home. The £18.50 Thai Prawn Curry had just 3 prawns - what you would normally get for a starter in an Indian restaurant. No vegetables with the sausage and mash. The food was not good value for money - indeed, I’ve had better at Wetherspoons for a fraction of the price; not to mention that you get a drink with it! We spent £80 in the pub - left feeling very disappointed. Will not eat there again.
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Escape11908974888
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • family
Went there for lunch to celebrate a family birthday, 9 of us and a baby.
As it was a Sunday, there were several different roast dinners. 3 picked the beef roast, 1 the chicken, and 1 the pork. 3 others picked from the standard menu. When the order was placed it took for ever to be served, almost to point of us leaving as we had another event to go to after lunch. The beef was dry, the chicken was dry, and the pork which should have has a crackling crisp top was soggy and the normal knife couldn't cut through it. The roast potatoes were all soft, soggy, not crisp and looked like frozen roasts. Those that had standard menu, the beef burgers were just about o.k., the big steak was overdone, but worse of all was the fish and chips!!
The whole plate of the fish and chips were all dark brown, the chips almost burnt and inedible, the fish was dark brown batter and two tiny pieces of fish which you had to dig out of the voluminous batter pyramid. That person left 80% of the meal. Then it took them almost 30 minutes to collect our finished dishes, by then we were late for the next venue that we couldn't wait for any dessert and coffees etc. The worse meal we have had and pathetic service delivered in an unfriendly fashion. Not even the relishes on the table, i.e. mustard for steak and beef, horseradish, or even ketchup for the younger children.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen D
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • none
Visited the Chelsfield pub for the first time a couple of weeks ago on the recommendation of a family member, varied interesting menu, food was great and portion sizes were generous especially side dishes.
As we were a party of 10 we were served by many members of staff who were all very pleasant but our main waiter was Toby who did an exemplary job and was eager to please.
This was my first visit but it won't be the last, very happy to recommend.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manager
Thank you for your lovely review and hopefully to see you soon again.
Team Chelsfield
Written 10 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter K
3 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
This is our second visit for a meal. And will not be our last. Lovely clean place with excellent staff, mainly served by Toby again today and his attention to all customers is exemplary. Food is great value and could not be faulted in any way. The menu is just the right size to ensure everything is available and cooked to perfection.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G P
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • none
As long term locals (going back to when The Chelsfield was known as The Heavy Horse) both my partner and I supported the campaign to save The Chelsfield as we value local business so always support important venues such as The Chelsfield - particularly through these difficult times.
We arrived at 12:45 and requested a table for two. Was told by a server (Red hair and Nose Ring) to sit to the left of the bar on any table without cutlery laid out where we would be served. We took the table immediately closest to the bar to ensure we could be seen by bar staff (2x front of house, one person serving, not particularly busy for a Sunday). We waited for 25 minutes with no service and so went to the bar instead to order. Nose Ring then said that no food was being served in the left bar and that we'd already sat down before she knew this. I asked why she hadn't though to tell us having seen us whilst going back and forth between the kitchen? Shrug of shoulders and no response. Really sh**y service.
Instead had an excellent meal at Indian Essence. Would go to the Chelsfield for drinks where there is regular trade in the evening but with this kind of abject performance from Front of House - would recommend other local options such as the Bo Peep or the Five Bells where the experience is always first-class.
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LondonSam
158 contributions
Feb 2023 • family
Sadly quality of food is falling way below the initial standard set just after the Punch refurb.
Roast beef used to be pink, crispy spuds, beef croquettes & lovely red cabbage came as standard.
The croquettes dropped off the dishes a while ago & now red cabbage seems to have gone missing.
Spuds seem like oven baked auntie bessies. Broccoli very firm.
Beef was good, albeit no pinkess. Cauli cheese (£ extra) was very good.
£18 a pop now for beef, soggy Yorkshire pud, supermarket spuds, broccoli & carrots.
The sunday roasts were a class apart when it re-opened, not sure whether they are cutting back cost or what, but shame it's not maintained that level.
Kids meals were decent enough & the chicken/ham terrine with pickle starter was excellent.
Service is still good, decent selection of drinks/wines, nicely decked out pub, good outside area.
Definitely worth a visit still, just hope they get the roasts back upto previous efforts!
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennie Y
1 contribution
May 2022 • friends
Before our visit, I had a look at the menu and was very impressed with the choices and found it really difficult to shortlist. Although I couldn’t order everything, all the dishes and drinks I had were really tasty and of high quality. Special shout out to Toby. He was wonderful and super friendly, very polite and it was great to be served by him and all other waiters and waitresses as well. We will definitely come back again so that I can try other things on the menu and have a great experience again.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cath G
3 contributions
May 2024 • family
Just had a terrible evening at The Chelsfield. Went for a family dinner but ended up leaving after 1 hour & 20 minutes because our mains hadn’t arrived and didn’t seem to be coming. There were only 3 tables occupied so we couldn’t understand why we were waiting so long. No explanations given. We paid £50 for some drinks and 2 starters ( no complimentary drinks offered for delay!) and went to M&S for microwave meals for dinner! Definitely one to avoid!
Written 10 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsfield Manager
Dear Cath,
I'm truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience at The Chelsfield. It's clear we fell short in both service and communication during your visit. Your feedback is invaluable, and we'll be addressing these issues with our team to ensure improvements are made.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Best regards,
Chiara
GM
Written 20 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue M
Crawley9 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
Poor at every level Lovely staff Most of menu unavailable eventually ordered salmon , very pale tasteless , had to ask for sauce which was greasy tasteless. Probably the worse pub grub , dont look on line , nothing like the description. Travelled long way looking for gastro meal , special event Left without finishing Meal not fit for purpose
Written 5 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenlouwinnie
London15 contributions
Dec 2021 • friends
Today my 5 friends and I visited The Chelsfield for our annual Christmas lunch and we could not fault it in any way! Great, efficient service, delicious food, good value and every staff member was professional and pleasant. We will definitely be returning. My husband and I love that this pub is so local and we usually come in for a drink with our daughter, but I will definitely make sure we have food now when we visit- very impressed.
Written 5 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manager
Thank you for your lovely review , we are very happy you have enjoyed your time with us and hopefully to see you soon again.
Team Chelsfield
Written 9 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan
1 contribution
Sept 2022 • couples
My girlfriend and I went to dinner at the Chelsfield and what a lovely experience it was, made all the better by the friendly staff. At first we was sceptical about the food as pub food in general doesn’t always have the best reputation however our food was delicious and served to a high standard in a designated restaurant area which felt clean and nicely maintained. We was checked up on regularly for condiments and drinks and really felt welcomed. Toby who was mainly looking after us was extremely professional, friendly and polite. Couldn’t fault his service. Would recommend taking a trip to the Chelsfield to anyone. Thanks to the Chelsfield team.
Written 17 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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