The Botanist is an all day restaurant and bar that sits on the Corner of Sloane Square. Peering down the King’s Road, The Botanist acts as the last bastion of Chelsea drinking establishments before London transforms into Knightsbridge and everything becomes rather touristy.
The Venue
The Botanist is divided into two main areas – The bar and the dining room; and true to Chelsea form, it has an elegant yet simple design. The bar’s layout resembles that of a 1950’s American diner with a more minimal and less brash colour scheme. White cream leather banquettes line the bar (as opposed to the bright red counterparts found in the states), exposed oak wood floors run through the entire bar (a far cry from the tinnitus inducing, loud, black and white chequered patterns found stateside), and extra leather bucket seating line the perimeter of the floor space with close quarter tables – creating a more intimate and cosy atmosphere.
The bar area at The Botanist on Sloane Square
Though the restaurant area is quite snug, the cream furniture and floor to ceiling windows create an atmosphere of boundless space. Guests, though relatively close together, only need interact with one another at will – and despite being close enough to your neighbour to interact with them without having to drastically increase your volume, your meal can be as discrete or as sociable as you fancy.
The Atmosphere & Clientele
From the moment you exit Sloane Square Station and head towards The Botanist, it is clear that it is a favourite amongst the people of Chelsea. Given its status as the Gatekeeper of Chelsea restaurants and bars The Botanist is almost always busy. It stands alone as the first stop for Chelsea dwelling after-work drinkers, and the most logical meeting place for a pre-dinner drink or a catch up with a friend if you intend to carry on your night in this part of South West London. Unsurprisingly, blazers and Barbour Jackets are the attire of choice amongst the men and the women confidently pave routes through the perpetually busy bar with large designer handbags.
The simple yet elegant design of the restaurant at The Botanist
Food and Drink
The cocktail list is a combination of signature and classic cocktails. The bartenders made drinks, both on and off the menu, efficiently and were delivered by extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff. Cocktails I couldn’t resist were the ‘King’s Road Buccaneer’ -Diplomatico reserve rum, Grand Marnier, Chocolate and Orange Bitters; and the ‘Sloane Ranger’ – Lemongrass infused vodka, lychee, lime and grapefruit bitters. (their respective names sold it for me). The food menu is based on an Anglo-French theme (essentially, translates as modern twists to English classics). I went for the Seared Isle of Man King Scallops, Oxtail Ravioli, Pickled Girolles (£16) to start and as a main went for Bavette Steak (£21) - both dishes were incredibly flavourful, quality and fresh ingredients were clearly used throughout, and the turn around was fast and not invasive. I don’t tend to regret ordering scallops and bavette steak (in fact I very rarely continue reading if I spot the two on a menu) and, true to form, both dishes were delicious and, though The Botanist doubles as a pub, would rival any restaurant in the area.
Guests can have nibbles at the bar or more formal meal at the restaurant
Summary
It is not, by any stretch of the imagination, my first dining experience in Chelsea and it probably won’t be my last. But given all of the pomp and flashiness some venues in Chelsea are guilty of, The Botanist certainly stands out as one of the best.
Follow this reviewer - @lateefokunnu
