Festive dining at The Cross Keys pub Chelsea: Review

The Cross Keys pub in Chelsea has that cosy, neighbourhood pub feel that just screams winter and Christmas with a roaring fire and rustic feel.

I recently visited the pub with my dog Rosie to try out their new festive menu, which just launched on November 18, featuring festive food taking inspiration from across Europe.

The Cross Keys pub in Chelsea has that cosy, neighbourhood pub feel that just screams winter and Christmas with a roaring fire and rustic feel. (Image: Amy Williams Consultancy)

We started off with some drinks, their menu features a wide selection of wines and beers as well as cocktails and mulled wine, depending on what you fancy.

I was tempted by the ‘Bramble Pie’, which was a sweet and spicy take on a Bramble with apple and spices, and wasn’t like any other cocktail I’ve tried before.

Their menu features a wide selection of wines and beers as well as cocktails and mulled wine. (Image: Amy Williams Consultancy) To begin with we got a selection of starters from their Christmas specials, which are great as Tapas-style dishes if you just fancy some drinks and nibbles with friends.

Festive specials included a Baked German Pretzel with a beer and gruyère Dip, Turkey and Pancetta Scotch Egg with spiced plum chutney, and Roasted Parsnip Chips with cream cheese and maple syrup.

We loved everything, but my favourite was the Roasted Parsnip Chips which had a rich cheesy topping, and the parsnips were so light and crispy.

The starters from their Christmas specials are great as Tapas-style dishes if you just fancy some drinks and nibbles with friends. (Image: Amy Williams Consultancy)

On to the main event, we had a selection of dishes to try which were the Turkey, Ham Hock and Leek Pie and the Pork Schnitzel with Sprout ‘Kraut.

To accompany this, we also got the Pigs in Blankets with a cider and honey glaze, the Brussel Sprouts with bacon and chestnuts and the Loaded Festive Fries.

I really enjoyed the range of dishes, my personal highlights were the Pigs in Blankets, the pie with its flaky pastry and the Loaded Fries which had a buttery lemon sauce giving it a fresh taste.

I really enjoyed the range of dishes, my personal highlights were the Pigs in Blankets, the pie with its flaky pastry and the Loaded Fries. (Image: Amy Williams Consultancy) My absolute favourite thing from everything we tried was the dessert, I went for the Sticky Figgy Pudding served with gingerbread ice cream and brandy butterscotch, which was just the quintessential festive dessert with all the festive flavours.

We also tried the iced citrus parfait with raspberries, sorbet and maple granola, which was light and refreshing, although not as festive as the former.

The Sticky Figgy Pudding served with gingerbread ice cream and brandy butterscotch was the quintessential festive dessert. (Image: Amy Williams Consultancy) The Festive Menu at The Cross Keys will be running until January 5 and you can also book their Festive Set Menu for £55 for 2 courses or £65 for 3 courses.