The Hunter’s Moon – Chelsea

Last Updated on February 3, 2025

A chic and stylish reinvention of the traditional Chelsea pub

The Hunter’s Moon is named after the warm orange glowing full moon that appears in the night sky between October and November each year.  This vibrant new pub and dining room is set in the heart of Chelsea on the fashionable Fulham Road and opened at the beginning of October.  Judging by my recent visit, it’s already proving to be a big hit with the locals and clearly the place to be seen in South-West London.

The stylish interior separates the pub area of The Hunter’s Moon from the elegant dining room at the back. Designed by Boxx Creative, the bar boasts rustic oak wooden floors, rich and textural furnishings with striking patterns, dark racing green coloured walls are adorned with vintage prints and a cosy romantic corners which are complimented by mood evoking lamps and bountiful foliage.

The dining area is equally chic but lighter and airier than the bar as a large skylight floods the space with natural daylight. A stone tiled floor, horseshoe shaped booths with green leather banquettes, wooden tables, large mirrors and sparkling chandeliers set the scene beautifully.

The Hunter’s Moon is the brainchild of founders Oliver Marlowe and Hubert Beatson-Hird. Oliver as the Chef Director has created an exciting modern European menu showcasing classic British favourites alongside more innovative choices, using the best seasonal ingredients. Expect the likes of beef wellington with cocotte potatoes, crispy trompettes and Madeira sauce or double-baked cheese soufflé with Montgomery cheddar, melted leeks, button mushrooms and truffle. The blackboard champions a range of meat cuts and daily specials, whilst for a lighter bite there’s a bar menu of snacks and sharing plates. Think hearty scotch eggs and sausage rolls, alongside courgette and ricotta croquettes and steak tartare.

The Hunter’s Moon also serves brunch on Saturdays and a traditional roast on Sundays along with The Hunter’s Moon signature Bloody Susan to share. Plus there’s an extensive drinks list to match all occasions including an excellent wine list, craft beers and ales alongside and a good selection of spirits and classic cocktails are available on request.

We took a seat in the restaurant where we were brought some delicious dense, salty and olive-oil drenched bread whilst we perused the menu and chose a bottle of wine. We opted for the Wally Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays de Val du Loire, 2018 – dry and creamy, bursting gooseberry and elderflower with a bit of zest.

We started with a divinely creamy, good quality burrata with soft braised leeks, sprinkled with a crisp breadcrumb crunch and a subtle chilli kick and a hint of anchovy. The bowl of scallop ceviche was served with whipped avocado, pickled ginger and ponzu dressing; it was fresh and tasty but slightly overwhelmed by the pickled ginger.

For mains I enjoyed the braised feather blade of beef, it was rich, tender and flavoursome, but not overindulgent, served with some delicious sweet carrot purée, kale and fluffy and crisp triple cooked chips with a cheesy truffley flavour. A perfect winters dish.

Whole plaice served on the bone, with fennel purée, seaweed butter, pickled cucumber, mussels and samphire was perfectly cooked and enlivened by the flavours of the vegetables.

The desserts at The Hunter’s Moon were beautifully presented and didn’t disappoint- the blackberry and custard pavlova was like a cross between a crème brulée and a pavlova – light and fluffy meringue with a velvety cream, dotted with sweet and juicy blackberries, set off perfectly by a good sprinkle of pink praline crunch.

The chocolate mousse was rich and creamy, matched by the freshness of the milk ice cream and the indulgent sticky sweetness of the dulce de leche and hazelnut nougatine.

The opening of this charming new London pub is clearly drawing in the locals. The Hunter’s Moon is both atmospheric and buzzy, proving to be a successful reinvention of the traditional Chelsea pub into a desirable bar and dining destination, whether you’re brunching, lunching, dining with friends or just having an after-work drink.

 
The Hunter’s Moon
86 Fulham Rd
South Kensington, London
SW3 6HR
+447497425819

info@huntersmoonlondon.co.uk

We also loved The Builders Arms in Chelsea, another gastropub worth checking out.