King of the Beach

Most fulhamites of mine and Jess’s generation will remember ‘Finch’s’ on the famous ‘Beach’ strip of the Fulham Road. The scene of many a post A level drinking session this pub was the place to be. On a weekly basis it acted as the warm up venue before the frenzy of teenage hormones took place at Purple. Sadly times have changed, Purple no longer exists and full time employment has stolen the appeal of drinking cheap white wine on a Monday night during the Easter holidays (obviously after we turned 18, ahem).

Luckily for our older, wiser and more sophisticated selves, The Kings Arms, part of the Geronimo Inns group, has now moved in to target the posher pub crowd. I attended the launch party last week keen to see another reincarnation of this local listed landmark and was pleased to witness the place buzzing again like the glory student days. Whilst the crowd has changed, the room itself is recognisable as its old self; the beautiful tiled wall remains but the bar has been funked up with bright turquoise lamp shades, a mural covering one wall a lick of paint.  

The food menu serves a range of retro British classics including Toad in the Hole and Fish and Chips, this is apparently in keeping with Geronimo Inns’ traditional approach, ‘to create affordable food that is simply constructed and effectively delivered’ which I’ve interpreted as posh pub grub! The room was heaving and we could barely breathe for pretty young chelsea girls and groups of friends soaking up the sociable atmosphere, a sure sign of good things to come for Geronimo. This would be the perfect Sunday lunch pub and great for a group of friends, I’m yet to make judgement on the food as due to the popularity of the launch we were less successful than hoped at devouring the canapés!

http://www.kingsarmschelsea.com/
190 Fulham Rd
London SW10 9PN