Matilde Mourinho’s Things to Do in Chelsea

Words by
Clara Taylor

24th June 2026

Local jeweller and daughter of former Chelsea FC manager José Mourinho, Matilde shares with SPHERE all her favourite things to do in Chelsea.

Matilde Mourinho - things to do in Chelsea.
Matilde Mourinho, jeweller and entrepreneur.

As the age-old adage goes, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. In this instance, however, when in Chelsea, do as Matilde Mourinho does. As a lifelong local, owner of MATILDE JEWELLERY in the area and whose father, José Mourinho, was Chelsea FC’s most successful manager, she certainly has the credentials.  

From shopping the latest collections on the King’s Road, slurping bowls of ramen, or soaking in artistic installations, Matilde shares with SPHERE everything she loves to do in Chelsea.

Where to Eat and Drink in Chelsea

At Sloane Restaurant

At Sloane - things to do in Chelsea.
At Sloane restaurant ©AC Gambet.

I love At Sloane for its balance of understated luxury and warmth, it feels very reflective of modern Chelsea. The space is beautifully considered, making it just as suited to a business meeting as it is to a relaxed dinner with friends. The menu is always thoughtful and seasonal, which I really like. It’s one of those places that feels quietly impressive and overall brings a touch of its Paris roots to this corner of London.

La Familigia

An absolute favourite of mine, I’ve been going there with my family for almost 20 years, and it’s one of those rare places that never loses its charm. The atmosphere at La Famiglia is warm and familiar, with a real sense of heritage that makes every visit feel special. The food is consistently excellent, especially their Petto di Pollo All’Aretina, which is a personal favourite and never disappoints. It’s somewhere that feels both nostalgic and timeless, and I always find myself returning to it.

Manicomio Duke of York Square

A Chelsea institution that blends Italian elegance with a relaxed, neighbourhood feel. Set within Duke of York Square, Manicomio is perfectly positioned for long lunches with friends that stretch into the afternoon. The food is consistently refined yet comforting, with a focus on quality and fresh ingredients. It’s a go-to when you want something dependable and comforting.

Volta do Mar

Volto do Mar - things to do in Chelsea.
Volto do Mar in Chelsea.

A Portuguese restaurant I absolutely love going to. The menu is inspired by Portugal’s seafaring history, with dishes that feel very soulful and transportive. There’s a warmth to the space, making it perfect for relaxed, flavour-led dining. It’s a standout for when you want something a little different yet authentic.

Phat Phuc

Phat Phuc Noodle Bar - things to do in Chelsea.
Phat Phuc Noodle Bar.

Unassuming but exceptional, with laksa and pho that are genuinely some of the best in London, particularly their rich, fragrant chicken laksa, which is a must-order. It’s the kind of place that delivers entirely on flavour, without relying on aesthetics. Every dish feels comforting, deeply satisfying, and consistently executed. A true hidden gem that locals return to time and time again.

Alley Cats Chelsea

A fun, slightly irreverent addition to the Chelsea dining scene. Alley Cats offers a more relaxed, social energy compared to the area’s more traditional spots. The concept feels fresh and contemporary, appealing to a younger, design-conscious crowd. It’s ideal for casual meet ups that still feel considered. Who doesn’t love pizza?

Bottarga

Bottarga - things to do in Chelsea.
A selection of food and drink from Bottarga. ©Jessica Wang.

Bottarga is one of my favourite spots for an evening out. It strikes the perfect balance between great food and a lively atmosphere. The menu leans Mediterranean, with beautifully executed dishes that feel both fresh and indulgent. I’ve always loved Zephyr, so I was especially pleased when they brought Bottarga to Chelsea. It’s somewhere I return to when I want a relaxed but elevated dinner that naturally turns into drinks.

Mulliri

Mulliri - things to do in Chelsea.
Matcha, coffee and cookie, and the shop exterior. ©Mulliri.

Mulliri has quickly become my go-to coffee spot in South Kensington. It’s understated but does everything exceptionally well, from the quality of the coffee to the overall feel of the space. There’s a calm, easy atmosphere that makes it perfect for a quick reset during the day. And their cookies are genuinely worth going out of your way for. Don’t miss out on the cookies!

Where to Shop in Chelsea

When the weather allows, I love to walk down the King’s Road, Sloane Square and Sloane Street area. From Reformation and Anine Bing to L’Objet and Toteme, I really like that you can find a real mix of brands around Chelsea.

Soho Home 

Soho Home is a beautifully curated space that brings the Soho House aesthetic into the home, offering pieces that feel both luxurious and just nicely lived in. From furniture to smaller decorative details, gifts, etc., everything carries a strong design point of view. It’s an easy destination for elevating interiors with a considered, contemporary edge. It was always a good spot to go when I was sourcing for my home.

Toteme 

Toteme - things to do in Chelsea.
Toteme Chelsea shop exterior. ©Toteme.

Toteme’s Sloane Street boutique brings a refined sense of Scandinavian minimalism right to our doorstep, offering a more intimate, neighbourhood-focused retail experience. Designed to feel like a private wardrobe, the space is calm, tactile, and quietly luxurious. It’s a go-to for elevated wardrobe essentials, with a focus on timeless silhouettes and materiality. It feels less like shopping and more like stepping into a perfectly curated, modern wardrobe.

The White Company

An essential for timeless, understated luxury across homeware and wardrobe essentials. The White Company is rooted in a clean, neutral aesthetic and everything feels effortlessly elegant and considered. Its simplicity done exceptionally well, with a focus on quality and longevity.

Rixo

Rixo - things to do in Chelsea.
The Rixo Chelsea shop. ©Rixo.

The store itself is incredible, full of personality, colour, and vintage-inspired charm. It feels immersive, like stepping into the brand’s world, with collections that balance statement and everyday wearability. A go-to for something distinctive, expressive, and joyfully designed.

Designer’s Guild

A standout destination for interiors, known for its bold use of colour, pattern, and texture. The space feels like a creative hub, offering constant inspiration for design-led living. Ideal for statement pieces that instantly elevate a room.

What to Do in Chelsea 

Exhibitions

Saatchi - things to do in Chelsea.
Sun and Moon exhibition, Saatchi Gallery. ©David Owens.

Saatchi is always a great spot to visit in Chelsea, consistently offering a strong mix of contemporary exhibitions. I also love the V&A and the Schiaparelli – When Fashion Becomes Art showcase feels especially exciting from both a fashion and creative perspective.

Cinemas

I love going to the cinema, and the Everyman Chelsea is great to visit, perfect to visit on a weekend to escape the hustle of the King's Road.

Townhouse - things to do in Chelsea.
Townhouse King's Road salon. ©Townhouse

Beauty and Wellness

Heartcore - things to do in Chelsea.
Heartcore Chelsea studio. ©Chelsea.

My favourite hair salon is Richard Ward on Duke of York Square and is literally the only place I will go to get my hair done. Townhouse Nails on King’s Road is great, and I also love Blink Brow Bar too. FaceGym has a results-driven approach to skincare that feels more like a workout than a traditional facial. Treatments are focused on sculpting, lifting, and energising the face through targeted techniques. It’s perfect for when you want immediate, visible results with minimal downtime. 

Heartcore is a beautifully designed studio that blends fitness with a strong sense of community. Known for its Pilates and strength-focused classes, it delivers a highly effective, considered workout. The space feels serene and intentional, making it easy to stay consistent. It’s a go-to for both physical and mental reset.