The Campaner in Chelsea is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem, even though it’s clearly designed to be a destination spot. Sitting within Chelsea Barracks, it’s got that polished, effortlessly stylish look that you’d expect from this part of town, vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, and a terrace that just begs for a long, lazy lunch with a bottle of wine.

The Campaner Vibe

I went for an early dinner, so it was fairly quiet when we arrived with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for catching up with my date. By the time we were finishing up, the place had started to fill up, and you could tell that by 8pm, it would have that lively, buzzy energy. This is the kind of spot where people settle in for the evening, drinking good wine, soaking up the ambiance, and people watching.

What to Eat

The menu takes inspiration from Barcelona, and you can expect top-quality ingredients, many of them sourced from the UK but treated with that unmistakable Catalan touch. We started with a selection of bite-sized plates. The Iberian ham croquettes were indulgently creamy inside, with a crisp, golden shell that shattered beautifully with each bite. We also had pan con tomate, which was a simple yet perfect balance of crisp bread, ripe tomatoes, and rich olive oil. The charred endives with Olavidia cheese and beetroot cream sounds a little underwhelming but hits the spot. Smoky, creamy, and with just the right hint of sweetness, it was one of those dishes you don’t expect to love but end up thinking about later.

For mains, we went with the Catalan Socarrat with red prawns. This was one of those dishes that makes it to every ‘gram account.  When our waiter popped it on the table, we cut our chat to appreciate it properly. The rice was perfectly al dente, infused with a rich lobster bisque flavour, and topped with stunningly deep-red Carabineros prawns.

What to Drink

The drinks menu is well-curated, offering a strong selection of Spanish wines that pair beautifully with the food. We opted for a bottle of Albariño, a crisp, clean white that complemented the seafood dishes perfectly. Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a good pairing, there’s something for every palate.

By dessert, we were already full, but we couldn’t resist the Basque cheesecake, with its gooey, slightly molten centre that was just the right level of indulgent. The pistachio ice cream was also another highlight, and the side of melted chocolate was the best accompaniment.

The Campaner gets a lot right. The vibe is effortlessly stylish, the food is packed with flavour, and there’s a real sense of occasion about dining here. It’s not cheap, but for the quality you’re getting, it feels justified. Whether you’re after a long lunch, a romantic dinner, or just a place to drink good wine and eat fantastic Spanish food, this spot is well worth a visit.