Tuesday, 24 March 2020
Free Admission

These are turbulent times. Social distancing and isolation may have put the kibosh on Spring plans in Chelsea, but that doesn’t mean we need to live without the fabulous stores, fitness classes and restaurants that make the King’s Road the incredible place we know and love. Local businesses need your support now more than ever, so we’ve rounded up ways you can support them through the next few weeks and months while safely self-isolating at home.

From online workouts to freshly delivered meals from your favourite restaurants, take a look at what’s available now.

Fitness

KOBOX

Their Chelsea boutique boxing studio is closed, with any pre-paid workout packages frozen until further notice, but KOBOX are encouraging everyone to keep moving through their Instagram (@kobox) Live sessions. Join them every morning at 10am for a live workout, where their trainers will be running one of three types of 30 minute class types: Sweat, Strength and Core.

Barrecore

Likewise, with studios closed for the forseeable, Barrecorre are moving their offering online. Plié from the comfort of your living room with on-demand classes and access to their unique Barrecore Method from any device, anytime and anywhere. Your first two weeks are free, and can be bought from their on-demand webpage here. Alternatively, you can tune into their BarreLIVE classes, which are specifically tailored to have you feeling the burn in the space of 30 minutes. The first class is free; sign up and view timetables here.

Entertainment

Fashion School at home.

With their regular workshops closed, the Fashion School are staying true to their creative roots and getting innovative, offering  inspiring at-home design kits for families to collect and continue their education online. Keep children occupied at home with a variety of fashion kits for ages 6-18, including the Technovate Pack, which gives a thorough grounding in technical skills, and the Creative Sleeve Pack, taking you on a historical journey through sleeve shapes and how to sew them. Find out more about their Sustainable Fashion Kits on their website.

John Sandoe Books
Could Covid-19 be the time to read more? John Sandoe may wisely be operating a closed-door policy, but they are still serving booklovers a literary route to escapism via their mail order options. In the absence of opportunities to browse their shelves, staff will also be more than happy to make recommendations over the phone. Call them on 020 7589 9473.

Restaurants

The Sea The Sea

They may no longer be offering dine-in dishes, but they’re still selling fish at this famous Chelsea eatery – it is a fishmonger after all. They’ve also prepared marinated fish portions (for easy cooking) and are selling pantry staples like pasta for you to stock up on. What’s more, they are offering 75% off to essential NHS staff workers.  If you live in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, free delivery is available for orders over £20. Call 0207 824 8090 to place yours.

Juice Baby

This healthy King’s Road spot is still open for Deliveroo. The team are also working on offering pre-ordered weekly packages to get you through these difficult times. Stay updated via their Instagram.

Made in Italy & Sticks n Sushi

Just because you’re stuck inside you don’t need to go without your favourite cuisine. Treat your family to an Italian night with Deliveroo orders from Made in Italy, or opt for a delicious sushi and yakitori platter from Sticks n Sushi. Find them on the Deliveroo website.

Rococo Chocolates

Rococo Chocolates on King’s Road is still open for locals to get their chocolate fix (perfect in the lead up to Easter). They are also offering free local no-contact deliveries so that you can keep a safe distance  and comply with government advice. Simply call up the local Rococo store on 020 7352 5857, pay over the phone and enjoy fine Chelsea-made chocolates delivered to you.

Hagen

This small but mighty King’s Road espresso bar has taken the decision to protect staff and customers by closing its doors, but they’re working hard on launching a Deliveroo service. They’ve even set up a direct hotline, in case you miss your daily coffee fix or want to be updated when they’re back in action: you can message their baristas directly on 07920131250. In the meantime, follow @thehagenproject to be the first to know when the new service launches.

Fundraising & Discounts

La Mia Mamma

With many of those in the hospitality industry impacted by restaurant closures and zero-hours contracts, La Mia Mamma is fundraising for those who have lost jobs. Their goal is £10,000 and the money will cover the costs of their team and ingredients, who will cook for the community and help support them with hot food prepared with love.⁣⁣⁣⁠ Donate online on their Go Fund Me page.

Markets

Manicomio Mercato

Avoid crowded supermarkets and opt for Manicomio Mercato, just off the King’s Road on the entrance to Duke of York Square. The Food & Wine Community store is currently still open from 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday and stocks plenty of delicious things to keep in the store cupboard. Alternatively, you can order ahead on 020 7730 3366 or email info@manicomio.co.uk, then pop in to collect your order.

Pavilion Road delivery service

Low on groceries? The Pavillion Road shops (find this hidden gem of artisan stores just off King’s Road) are still offering a delivery service to those within a five-mile radius. Just call up one of the participating stores, which includes The Sea The Sea, Provenance Village Butcher and London Cheesemongers for same-day delivery via a zero-emission e-cargo bike.

With government advice changing regularly, please check with businesses directly to stay up to date with services offered.