Chauffeur Service in Chelsea

From Sloane Square, Chelsea runs west along the King's Road towards World's End, the river holding its southern edge along Cheyne Walk and Chelsea Embankment. More relaxed than Knightsbridge, more residential than Mayfair: gallery openings, long lunches, school runs and the Physic Garden all packed into a single postcode. At the eastern end, Duke of York Square and Pavilion Road have handed the area a second wind. Passengers are usually residents, or else visitors staying close by who move between here, the West End and the river.

Bus lanes and limited waiting cover much of the King's Road, so our set-downs go to the side streets, Bywater Street, Markham Street, Sydney Street, or over towards Duke of York Square where the layout permits it. Cheyne Walk is a fast one-way run and awkward to stop on; the Embankment behind it is kinder. Chelsea falls outside the congestion charge zone. Bridges count for something here as well: a weight limit on Albert Bridge shuts out heavier vehicles, so a larger car crosses at Chelsea or Battersea instead.

Shopping here is spread out rather than gathered in one place: the King's Road from end to end, the independents on Pavilion Road, and the antique and interiors dealers down towards World's End. Late in May the Royal Hospital grounds take the flower show, which rearranges the traffic for a week and has to be planned around. At the far western end sit Chelsea Harbour and the design showrooms, awkward on foot and simple by car. Evenings drift towards the restaurants around Sloane Square and the river.

Put 40 to 70 minutes aside for Heathrow, whether we pick up the A4 near Earl's Court or run the Cromwell Road instead. Gatwick asks for 60 to 95 minutes, crossing at Chelsea or Battersea Bridge before dropping onto the A23. Along the Embankment, London City works out at 45 to 70 minutes. Ascot, Windsor, or a Sunday somewhere green all sit a short hop west on the M4, and our habit is to be gone before the King's Road has properly stirred.