This April 2, 2026, marks the opening of Willett’s, the latest addition to The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel in Chelsea, London. Willett’s is a modern British bistro and bar, inspired by the seasonal flavours of the UK, and set within the heart of one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. This new establishment brings a refreshing approach to British dining, with a focus on neighbourhood hospitality, and locally-sourced, seasonal produce.
Willett’s is named after the Willett family, the original builders of the historic 1887 Chelsea townhouse that houses The Cadogan. The bistro’s design and concept are deeply rooted in both the rich heritage of the building and the dynamic energy of its surrounding neighbourhood, which includes Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and Belgravia. The aim is to provide a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience for both locals and visitors to the area.
A British Bistro with Seasonal Delights
Executive Chef Michael Turner, who joined The Cadogan in 2025, leads the culinary direction at Willett’s. With over 13 years of experience, notably at the Gordon Ramsay Group, Turner brings his expertise from iconic venues such as The Savoy Grill and The River Restaurant. At Willett’s, he offers a confident, uncomplicated take on classic British cuisine, inspired by the changing seasons and strong relationships with UK producers.
Willett’s menu is designed to be approachable and reflective of British culinary traditions, with a modern twist. A highlight of the menu is sourdough crumpets, fried daily to achieve a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. These crumpets are served in both sweet and savoury variations, including Gentleman’s Relish with mushroom parfait, and duck liver parfait with Yorkshire rhubarb. At breakfast, a signature dish features a sourdough crumpet with cep parfait, a poached St. Ewes egg, hollandaise, and shaved Wiltshire truffles.
The menu also includes comforting Starters, such as hand-chopped ex-dairy beef with mushroom ketchup, prawn cocktail with Bloody Mary jelly, and an English garden salad. For mains, guests can enjoy dishes like Sutton Hoo chicken and morel pie with mash and liquor, or soused Cornish mackerel with fennel and Yorkshire rhubarb.
In keeping with British tradition, a dedicated Sunday lunch service will offer roast dinners with the finest cuts of meat, served family-style, alongside seasonal specials. Classic British puddings such as sticky toffee pudding, jam roly-poly, and custard tarts will be featured to satisfy those seeking nostalgic comfort.
A Contemporary and Inviting Design
The design of Willett’s reflects the warmth and character of Chelsea while embracing contemporary elegance. Studio Shayne Brady, the interior design team behind the bistro’s refurbishment, aimed to celebrate Chelsea’s agricultural past with a modern reinterpretation. The restaurant’s décor includes heritage greens and neutrals, complemented by bronze detailing and antique mirrors. Lighting is softened with linen café curtains, and the original 1887 herringbone flooring provides an authentic touch.
The dining room features an open kitchen, where guests can sit at the chef’s counter, offering an interactive experience as they watch their meals being prepared. The bar area has also been redesigned to create a relaxed atmosphere for larger groups and casual gatherings, where guests can enjoy drinks, bar snacks, and the full restaurant menu.
The restaurant’s layout includes intimate booths for small gatherings, providing a more private dining option that still connects to the energy of the bustling dining room.
A Seasonal Bar Programme to Match
The bar programme at Willett’s focuses on seasonal ingredients and a zero-waste philosophy. Signature cocktails such as the Willett’s Bloody Mary and a unique Rhubarb Punch made with Yorkshire rhubarb and goat’s milk reflect the British sensibility behind the bar. The wine list showcases around 20 wines by the glass, with a particular focus on contemporary British producers, including wines from Hattingley Valley and Chapel Down.
Rooted in Chelsea’s Rich Heritage
Willett’s is more than just a restaurant; it is designed to become part of Chelsea’s daily rhythm. Whether it’s weekday suppers, weekend brunches, or the much-anticipated Sunday lunches, the bistro will serve as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant aims to become a natural fixture in the community, where both residents and tourists feel at home.On the opening, Chef Turner expressed his vision: “Our ambition is to create a true neighbourhood bistro, somewhere welcoming and centred around British cooking and produce. We want Willett’s to feel like a place residents return to regularly, a spot for everything from weekday dinners to long Sunday lunches.”
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