The Cross Keys

The Cross Keys is a Georgian pub in Chelsea, England, featuring exposed brick walls, wooden shutters, and a central skylight that brings light into the dining and drinking spaces through mirrored walls. The building combines traditional pub design with these architectural elements that shape how visitors experience the interior.

The pub was built in 1708 and remains Chelsea's oldest bar. It closed in 2012 but reopened following community support to save the establishment.

The pub attracted artists and musicians such as Turner, Whistler, and members of the Rolling Stones across many decades. This connection to creative figures shaped how locals and visitors understand the place.

The pub is located on Lawrence Street in Chelsea and opens during daytime hours, serving ales and traditional British food. Visitors can come for lunch or dinner, and the interior is well lit by the central skylight and mirrors.

In 1920, the pub became the scene of an unsolved murder when landlady Frances Buxton was found beneath sawdust in the cellar. This mysterious incident remains part of the building's past.

GPS coordinates: 51.48370,-0.17095

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53