Rumour has it that Samuel Pepys, the 17th Century diarist, used to frequent 'Little Chelsea' for refreshments when he wanted a respite from the capital and a brisk prowl through the planning archives of Kensington and Chelsea reveal the King's Arms' features at this site as far back as 1760. The current incarnation arrived in 146 years ago in 1861 when George Godwin the younger architect, editor of 'The Builder' and resident of Alexander Square, sold a 99 year lease to Edwin Curtis Senior of Bayswater. He undertook the development of 1a and 2a Redcliffe Road, 192 to 200 Fulham Road and the Kings Arms.

Thirty years later saw the first refurbishment and addition to the current ground floor when the prolific public house architect H. I. Newton was employed to render changes amounting to the fee of £2030.00!

With the latest refurbishment completed, reams of other history are starting to surface which cast the premises with something of a bohemian demeanour. Some way back when Chelsea was at the forefront of art dealerships, the pub was known to be where 'Art met Crime' as certain alleged illicit transactions were undertaken on the premises! More recently, the pub was a notable haunt for a variety of actors and artists. Richard Harris, Maggie Smith and Oliver Reed have all been patrons as well as Dame Elizabeth Frink who worked out of Stanley Studios just across the road off of Park Walk. Ronnie Scott, the Legendary Jazz Saxophonist, has also played here.

So here we are entering the latest chapter of King's Arms History which we will endeavour to rekindle to the same colourful heights as have been enjoyed previously.