About Chelsea Splendidly chic boutiques, exquisite antiques shops and hundreds of charming eighteenth and nineteeth century houses make Chelsea one of the most desirable areas in London. King's Road is the main shopping area and provides a wealth of opportunity for the keen shopper. Most outlets (especially on the King's Road) tend to be small, with smart fashionable bars and restaurants jostling for space in between. The Royal Hospital was founded in 1682 by Charles II and houses the Chelsea Pensioners who you will probably see strolling around the streets of Chelsea in their bright red coats and tricorn hats. Every year the grounds of the Hospital open to the public for the world famous Chelsea Flower Show - one of London's great social events.