Just a 15 minute leisurely stroll from Hyde Park, in the heart of Chelsea’s fashionable district, sits The Admiral Codrington (otherwise known affectionately as The Cod to locals). A mix between a traditional British pub and an old-fashioned elegant dining room, this is a much-loved local. You’ll understand why when entering. It’s lively, without being overbearing. In fact it’s rather homely. You get a good feeling from it right away, which makes for a good breakaway from the area’s shopping, museums, galleries, parks and gardens.
Cask Marque ales and legendary bar snacks (they do seriously have a reputation) add to the perfect pit stop, but I’d encourage you to take a bit more time to sample the understated, yet superb menu. Dishes are sophisticated and refined, which has led to six consecutive years and counting in featuring in the Michelin Guide Eating Out in Pubs.
The devilled whitebait is devilishly good and it’s served with a homemade tartare sauce. I’d recommend you definitely come hungry because this portion is seriously generous! The Caprese salad, meanwhile, is absolutely perfect for summer. It’s fresh, it’s light and it’s beautifully colourful in presentation. The peach and fresh corn are unorthodox additions, yet they actually work really well.
The seasonal summer Cornish fish casserole is a wholesome dish that packs salmon, prawns, mussels and scallops. The saffron aioli it comes with is a definite win. Mop up the lot with the crusty bread.
Still have room after all that whitebait? Then fill that hole with a 9 oz prime rump steak. It’s juicy, it’s tasty and it comes with skin-on fries (always best with steak) and a Romesco sauce, which traditionally in Catalonia is used with fish, but it works really well with both the meat and the chips.
When it comes to drinks, The Cod’s bringing the sass this summer! They’ve partnered with French cider brand Maison SASSY until 31st August and created a fresh and zesty cocktail menu. Definitely try the Apple Spritz, made with SASSY Cidre Rose and the Gin and Pear, which is made with Elephant Gin, lemon juice, agave syrup and SASSY Cidre Poire.
The dining area at the back of the pub is nice and bright thanks to the skylight and is given a playful, nautical vibe thanks to the crab-covered wallpaper. There is a more private dining area discreetly hidden away upstairs called the Navarino Room. It has its own private entrance, seats up to 22 guests or 60 for drinks and canapes, and makes for an ideal setting for a private Chelsea event, dinner or meeting.
For great food in the heart of one of London’s most exclusive retail and cultural precincts, look no further than this award-winning restaurant and bar.
For more information visit www.theadmiralcodrington.co.uk
