For Tricia Guild, Designers Guild was “so much more than a business”.

“It is my passion and my life’s work,” she said, describing how she built the brand over decades with “an unswerving belief in the power of creative design and a constant striving to achieve only the very best”.

Guild spoke movingly of the “sadness” she has felt at the collapse of the company she developed, whilst reflecting on what it has achieved and the legacy it leaves behind.

She said that “recent years have brought a succession of challenges to the business” and that, “despite the best efforts by our team and others over numerous months, we have not been able to find a way forward”.

After 56 years, the iconic company – and one of the King’s Road’s most recognisable names – is gone. For generations of Chelsea residents, its closure has come as a genuine shock.

Guild’s statement was also a tribute to the “wonderful people” she has worked alongside over the years, thanking the “talented, dedicated individuals” across the business, from the design studio and warehouse to head office and shop floor.

Guild said she hoped “the many positive and happy memories will be the ones that stay with us”.

There were “the gorgeous fabrics, wonderful interiors, photo shoots in the most inspiring places around the world, daring and successful product launches, the opening of showrooms in Paris, Munich and Stockholm, the gradual growth and development of the King’s Road store”.

But, above all, Guild said it was “the many lovely times spent with colleagues, suppliers, clients and friends over the years”.

And one final hope from Guild: “that, in some small way, I have brought colour into people’s lives. Above all, I am proud of the lasting legacy that Designers Guild Ltd leaves in homes around the world.”

Designers Guild Statement. Photo © DG Instagram

Designers Guild Statement. Photo © DG Instagram

It is a sentiment that has been echoed across Chelsea, with an outpouring of grief and sympathy as the gloom-coloured curtains finally came down on DG.

The Citizen first posted an Instagram reel on Monday showing the state of the famous shop, after Sky News reported on 7 September that the company was on “the brink of collapse”, having filed a notice to appoint administrators.

This early reel has gathered more than 17k views and has been forwarded more than 270 times, prompting a stream of heartfelt responses.

For many, it captured a piece of Chelsea history disappearing before their eyes.

“That’s terrible! I have lived in Chelsea for nearly 40 years, and this wonderful shop was like a longstanding companion for all those years,” wrote one.

Another shared their disappointment from an employment and creative perspective: “Such a sad day to see this glorious store have its doors closed. This for me as a young textile designer to see what could be achieved on cloth and to sit beside fabulous ceramics, glassware and objets d’art. What a sad end to see such a wonderful store be dismantled and abandoned”.

Others kept it simple, focusing on their own memories: “The end of an era – I remember my first visit in 1983”.

The reaction online came as the reality of what had happened was becoming clear on the King’s Road.

A sign had been put in the window over the weekend stating that the store would be closed for its “annual stock take,” with the promise that it would be open as usual on Monday. It did not open.

The sign, as pictured in TCC Instagram reel

Looking through the famous shopfronts revealed a bleak sight: the café dismantled, while what little stock remained was stacked or packed up in a threadbare showroom.

Boxes line the DG cafe

A sadden of its former glory

It also marked the end of the spirited defiance of a store manager, whose comments to The Citizen the previous week suggested there might still be hope.

On Tuesday, the confirmation appeared in the store windows: “with great regret after 56 wonderful years on the King’s Road the Designers Guild store is closed”.

The TCC posted the news, attracting more than 70k views and approaching 400 emotional comments.

The closure sign in the store windows

Past employees joined in: “18 years I worked at DG, alongside some of the very best people. DG ran through our blood, and we gave everything to the company”.

The comments quickly widened beyond DG itself, with some questioning the future of the King’s Road. One wrote: “until the government recognises the importance of small creative businesses or any independent business for that fact our High Streets will be decimated”.

Another warned: “The independent spirit of the Kings Rd is being lost a bit more each year”.

Some also picked up on the issue the TCC is already investigating, encouraging our line of enquiry: “Please keep putting pressure on Sloane Stanley…they are decimating the upper ends of these streets”.

It brings into sharper focus The Citizen’s ongoing investigation into the state of play at Super Landlord Sloane Stanley. Their “New retail opportunity” boards have appeared on empty properties across the area.

We asked the company’s CEO for an interview last week to understand what is happening, but have yet to receive a reply.

For now, Chelsea is left to mourn the passing of a business that helped define the King’s Road for generations. Good luck to Tricia and all the DG staff. You will be missed.

Some of the many responses on Instagram:

The change sees funding decisions made every six months, with around £3 million available across the borough.

RBKC NCIL statement

NCIL is funded through contributions made by developers when certain developments take place in the borough. Some of this funding is used for infrastructure projects that benefit local communities.

This process was introduced in September and replaces the previous system of two six-week application windows. Residents and community groups no longer need to wait for a bidding round before putting forward a project idea.

The funding can support practical improvements to neighbourhoods, from cycle storage units to safer streets, CCTV instalments, pedestrian improvements and other community facilities.

Since 2021, the borough has helped fund over 250 projects through NCIL, including traffic-calming measures, community gardens, planting schemes and improvements to local facilities.

NCIL funded plant scheme

NCIL funded speed bumps

NCIL funded Oscar Wilde sculpture on Dovehouse Green

Projects must deliver a broad community benefit. Applications are assessed against the Council’s NCIL criteria and funding is not guaranteed. Applicants may be asked to provide evidence of community support, project costs and any permissions required. Funding decisions are made by ward councillors, and the amount available varies between wards.

Cllr Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Resident Services, Planning and Enforcement, said: “If you’ve ever walked past somewhere in your neighbourhood and thought of a way to improve it, NCIL could bring your idea to life. It might be a plan for a safer crossing, secure cycle parking, Christmas lights or a community space that needs freshening up.

“Residents know their areas best, and we want to help turn their good ideas into practical improvements that everyone can enjoy. And because those ideas don’t always arrive within a six-week window, we’re now welcoming applications all year round. Whenever inspiration strikes, we’re ready to hear about it.”

Further information about NCIL, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available on the Council’s NCIL consultation website. Applicants can contact the NCIL team at NCIL@rbkc.gov.uk or on 020 7361 3012.

Sian Magee’s award-winning Chelsea Bun

Hosted by Partridges of Gloucester Road, the popular awards are open to professionals and amateur bakers of all ages. This year’s challenge was to create the ultimate spiced bun to fit the theme “Traditional Chelsea Buns Meet Innovation”.

Ms Magee’s Chelsea Bun impressed the judging panel, which included former chef, food business owner and TV and radio presenter Mark Wogan, Partridges owner and managing director John Shepherd, and lifestyle magazine Velvet senior editor Alice Ryan. Entries were judged on both taste and appearance.

The 2026 Judges: Alice Ryan, Velvet magazine and Mark Wogan, TV & Radio Presenter with John Shepherd, owner and managing director of Partridges.

For her brilliant efforts, Sian took home £250 and the prestigious title of Best Chelsea Bun Baker 2026.

Other winners included 10-year-old Lila, who won the Under 18s category and received a bespoke hamper. For the full list of winners, visit World Chelsea Bun Awards.

Judging took place at the Gloucester Road ’North’ Autumn Street Festival on Sunday 20 September, celebrating local businesses, with food, drink and stalls from across the area.

Entrants were invited to make a donation to Partridges’ chosen charity, React, which provides rapid assistance to children with life-limiting illnesses living in financially disadvantaged UK households.

The Awards were sponsored by The Drury Tea & Coffee Company and premium vanilla extract brand Potion de V.

Tom Kerridge’s The Chalk Freehouse, just off the King’s Road, has teamed up to launch ‘The Dog’s Dinner’ – special canine cuisine for pooches joining their owners for Sunday lunch.

Tom Kerridge. Photo © The Chalk Freehouse

Already proudly dog-friendly, The Chalk is giving its furry guests more than a warm welcome, with a place at the table of their own. And all in time for Chelsea Dog Day (3 Oct) and the annual Chelsea Halloween Dog Parade.

The canine dish has been developed by The Chalk Freehouse’s Head Chef Tom De Keyser and the Butternut Box team to be safe, nutritious and, crucially, tasty for dogs. Naturally, it comes with all the trimmings – including a dog-friendly Yorkshire pudding.

Combining Butternut Box’s Pork This Way with The Chalk Freehouse’s take on classic roast accompaniments, the result is a proper Sunday lunch for pups – and, hopefully, fewer hungry eyes staring up from beneath the table.

Tom De Keyser, Head Chef at The Chalk Freehouse, said: “Sunday lunch is about bringing everyone together, and for many of our guests, that includes their dog. We wanted The Dog’s Dinner to have all the fun and theatre of a proper Chalk Freehouse Sunday roast, right down to the roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding.”

A pawfect Sunday. Photo © The Chalk Freehouse

For those dining on two legs, The Chalk Freehouse’s Sunday menu offers you 30-day dry-aged ribeye of beef (£38.50), half Devonshire White Chicken (£34.50), loin of Blythburgh Pork (£36.50) and a ragu of summer vegetables with braised Portobello mushrooms (£26). Each comes with roast potatoes, crushed carrot, and a stuffed Yorkshire pudding.

Just an eight-minute walk from Sloane Square, Kerridge’s pub brings his take on reimagined British favourites with a contemporary twist to Chelsea – now with a Yorkshire pudding for every member of the family.

Charlotte McCormack, Physical Product Director at Butternut Box said: “By combining our expertise in dog nutrition through fresh dog food with The Chalk Freehouse team’s culinary creativity, we have developed every element of The Dog’s Dinner specifically with dogs in mind. Pork This Way provides a wholesome base for the finished dish and gives owners confidence that their dog can enjoy the Sunday lunch experience too.”

The Dog’s Dinner – literally. Photo © The Chalk Freehouse

The Dog’s Dinner is available every Sunday up to and including 1st November. It is complimentary for dogs accompanying guests dining from The Chalk Freehouse Sunday menu.

Reservations can be made at thechalkfreehouse.co.uk.

The American billionaires were among the investors who joined Clearlake in the £2.5bn purchase of Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in 2022. The private equity company Clearlake held a 61.5% stake following the takeover, with Boehly, Walter and another investor, Hansjörg Wyss, divvying up the leftover shares.

Todd Boehly

Boehly served as chairman of the club and, under the joint ownership, the club has seen substantial investments across the men’s, women’s and youth squads.

However, the club’s private ownership has had mixed popularity as shown by the protests covered by the TCC in April of this year against BlueCo, the ownership group behind Chelsea and Strasbourg.

Chelsea’s Wednesday statement read: “The progress made over the past four years reflects the shared commitment of Clearlake, Boehly and the wider ownership group and the leadership, staff, coaches and players at Chelsea. Clearlake intends to continue building on the strategic course the Club is now on and realising the ambition that the ownership group has developed together.”

The Club was also keen to reassure supporters: “There will be no changes to the day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy at the Club”.

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea men’s manager. Photo © Chelsea’s instagram

Todd Boehly said: “It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Chelsea Football Club. I would like to thank the many who helped secure a bright future for the Club, including the English Premier League, the coaches and players, the talented leadership and staff at Chelsea, and the legions of dedicated fans. I have valued my partnership with Clearlake and the wider ownership group, and the collective decisions and investment we have made to support the immediate and long-term success of the Club.”

Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano thanked Boehly for his contribution as chairman and said the firm would “continue investing in the Club’s infrastructure, sporting performance, player development and delivering long-term success for Chelsea and the Club’s supporters.”

The owners made a statement today: “Yesterday marked an important milestone and the beginning of the next chapter for Chelsea. We thank our departing partners and are grateful for their contributions to the Club. We move forward with a shared sense of purpose, clear direction and confidence in what comes next. Our ambition is clear: to compete at the highest level, to win major trophies, and to build sustained success.”

Sky News reported last week that the beloved home décor store – launched by Tricia Guild in 1971 – is in serious trouble, with the company having filed a notice to appoint administrators.

City Editor Mark Kleinman claimed that DG was on “the brink of collapse”, stating that those at the helm had been left with “no alternative but to line up insolvency practitioners”. He added that business re-structuring experts Interpath Advisory have been put on standby to assist with an administration process.

The reported crisis comes less than 18 months since textiles and home furnishings giant Dunelm acquired the luxury home brand and licensed it back to its founder. Questions are now being raised as to what has gone wrong since the link up.

But yesterday, The Citizen visited the company’s flagship shop in Chelsea to talk to staff. There, a senior manager dismissed reports of an imminent closure.

“Do you see a closing-down sale?”, he said, pointing to the continued activity in the store. “I am currently working on a £200,000 project. As far as we are concerned, it is business as normal.”

He added that he was “suspicious of uncertainty” and alluded cryptically to an “acquisition process” which he said was due to reach a conclusion at the end of this week.

Referring to the Sky News report and The Citizen’s Instagram reel – a post that featured images of the Guild’s expansive six-unit shop frontage set to sombre funeral music – the manager described the coverage as “way too presumptuous”.

DG itself is an international company with offices in Tokyo, Munich, New York and Paris and is widely recognised for its vibrant designs, fabrics and upholstery.

Meanwhile, DG’s founder and creative director has continued to see success in recent months, with Mador Architects and Tricia Guild winning the 2026 UK Royal Institute of British Architects London Award for their project ‘Greenside Road’.

So why would the potential downfall of DG matter so much to Chelsea?

The company was first established by Tricia Guild in 1970 before being joined in partnership by her brother, Simon Jeffreys, in 1986.

Their iconic flagship store opened its doors in November 1971 at 277 King’s Road and has been there ever since – subsequently spanning from Nos.267-277.

There were sad responses from readers and customers alike to The Citizen’s Instagram Reel breaking the news of problems at DG. More than 12,500 people have so far viewed the Reel and many Followers posted comments of sadness and disbelief:

“Is there anything your local clientele can do to help?”, wrote one customer.

“I hope this isn’t true. Tricia is a visionary and DG on the Kings Road would be sorely missed.”

“Yet another Great British institution facing ruin, how terribly sad! I do hope it can be saved.”

The Citizen sends best wishes to Ms Guild and her team.

As written in the Sky News piece, a DG spokesperson said: “We have been working with our advisers for a number of months as we assess and explore a range of potential investment options which will help drive the next phase of our strategy. In recent days, we have taken legal steps to protect the position of the business while discussions with potential investors continue. In the meantime, it remains business as usual and we will provide further updates in due course.”

56 YEARS OF DESIGNERS GUILD

Tricia Guild and Simon Jeffreys. Photo © Designers Guild

Tricia Guild was born in Marylebone in 1946 and, by the age of 24, was married and had acquired David Bishop, a London interior company specialising in imported Indian cottons, with an investment of £42,000.

With degrees from the Royal College of Art, Winchester School of Art, and Loughborough University, Guild’s qualifications are numerous and put her in good stead to go solo.

“My aim for Designers Guild has always centred on the idea of making your life easier. We give you the tools to create your own individual sense of style, which hopefully makes your life more energetic and pleasant” – August 2020, Guild, DG Instagram.

“Don’t opt for a space with no personality because of fear of pattern and florals. When it comes to designing your own home, be passionate in your own belief” – April 2026, Tricia Guild, DG Instagram.

Guild is the author of over 20 books and has won multiple awards for her contributions to design.

Indeed, Guild managed to establish unique access to royal residencies when DG was granted a Royal Collection licence in 2007. This led to DG’s Royal Collection being launched in 2008 likely leading, at least in part, to Guild’s OBE for services to interior design that same year.

Her inspiration? Guild has frequently spoken of her grandfather and his garden, describing childhood visions: “One of my earliest memories is of gardening with my grandfather and looking up through clouds of lilac-coloured wisteria at the blue sky beyond. I remember being struck by the colours and in a sense, I have always been searching for that same sense of wonder in my work.”

Tricia Guild and Simon Jeffreys. Photo © Designers Guild

KX gym is planning to erect four new padel open-air courts and members facilities on a brownfield site – spreading over 2,400 square metres  – near its main workout club and spa on Draycott Avenue SW3.

The site, known as The Clearings, was formerly used by Peter Jones as a storage depot, but has been empty for nearly 20 years due to a failed sale in 2007. Successive schemes for property development have also failed, not least in recent years due to a slow down in the property market.

Now KX (pronounced Kicks) has lodged a planning application with RBKC for padel courts, including detailed designs that show toilets, a reception, an open air hangout area and a van serving coffee and refreshments. If granted council approval, the KX project is projected to £2 million and could be up and running within a few months. They say that the structure will only be in place for “12 months”.

Membership at KX for one person costs £8,750 annually on top of the £2,500 joining fee – your first year costing you £11,250 for access to the luxury health and wellness club.

Location of proposal and an aerial view of the brownfield site

An architect’s illustration of the courts layout

But the plan has been met with fierce opposition from residents who are hitting back with a volley of complaints lobbed into the council portal. The key points of opposition are NOISE from play, disruption from CARS used by players, and LIGHT pollution. The courts would be open from 6am-10pm, which residents say, will bring extensive disruption – particularly to those who live in flats where bedrooms overlook the site.

Residents also claim unfair play by KX and its property agent Savills for filing the planning application in early August when most people were away – and giving just three weeks during peak summer season to lodge objections.

Residents also claim that they were only alerted to the scheme by a single Public Notice board tied to a lamppost on Draycott Avenue.

The Clearings brownfield site and possible home for the padel club

Residents are further dismayed that neither company made any effort to consult them in advance of the application, nor give prior warning.

Following multiple requests for comment from KX, The Citizen received this reply from its external public relations company: “KX has no comment to make on this and will not be putting anyone forward for interview. Should that position change, we will let you know.” Savills has not responded. 

The CGI image of the KX Padel Club design, complete with the outdoor social area for members and refreshments van

Lord Richard Grantley, chairman of the Milner Street Area Residents Association (MISARA), called upon his members to act. He also submitted a detailed letter [published in full below] to RBKC’s planning officer Cheryl Collins in August detailing the areas of concern and reasons for objection. Lord Grantley states:

“We fully expect the very frequent “gunfire-like” sound of 4 padel courts to disturb many residents in many of the surrounding streets, including those some distance away, for up to 16 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Two things are certain: this ugly structure will create light pollution, and it will be highly visible from surrounding streets. We appreciate that the current housing market is poor, but this padel scheme in the middle of a quiet residential area is not the right answer…this application should be refused.”

Noise remains the point of contention – and KX are aware. Spend enough time on their planning documents and you find notes about light and noise in the plans already. Indeed, they have completed Environmental Noise Survey and Noise Impact Assessment Report with the conclusion: ‘negligible’.

The Citizen will monitor progress of the planning application and bring readers full coverage of proceedings when it comes before the Planning Committee.

Side view of the padel courts roof structure

Some of the many objections letters to the council

Three letters of SUPPORT for the scheme

The damning letter from MISARA

If you took the summer off from football following England’s sorry exit from the World Cup, here’s The Citizen’s “idiot’s guide” to get you effortlessly back up to speed with the 11 new faces at The Bridge.

Indeed, it has been a bustling – and financially busting – closed season: £328m has been spent on transfers, but £519m has been generated from sales and loans. The selling of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125m made all the headlines, but here’s what else has been going on…

First off, Xabi Alonso signed his four-year managerial contract on 1st July. The Spaniard has previously coached Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen and his work is already underway coaching the squad in their pre-season. With Chelsea concluding last season’s Premier League in 10th, Alonso has his work cut out.

Morgan Rogers, 23, tops the expensive transfers at £117m. An attacking midfield from Aston Villa, he has already scored his first goal for the club.

Maxence Lacroix – the French 26-year-old centre-back from Crystal Palace – cost £52m. He began his six-year contract at the end of July and has already been credited with an assist against Fulham.

Also in July, Marco Palestra joins Chelsea from Atalanta for £47 million. The 21-year-old right-back starts his seven-year contract off the back of a successful loan spell at Italian side Cagliari.

Geovany Quenda takes the title of youngest transfer in at just 19, joining from Sporting CP at £43m to play as a winger for the Blues.

Valentín Barco, 22, joins the central midfield from Strasbourg at £34m. His biggest test might be winning over the fans – home and away – following his ill-judged and unsporting celebrations during the World Cup.

Emmanuel Emegha, another Strasbourger, is one of three new strikers, coming in at £22m at the age of 23.

28-year-old Pep Chavarria has joined Chelsea in a five-year deal worth about £16 million. He joins the defence from Rayo Vallecano.

As for the latest transfer coming on 30th August, Emiliano Martinez makes it two from Villa, costing a touch less than his counterpart at £7.5m. He joins the squad in goal and played the day the transfer was announced in a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. He will wear No.26 – the number made famous by Chelsea legend John Terry, so Emil has big boots to fill.

Danny Welbeck transferred from Brighton & Hove Albion at £5m with the hope that the 35-year-old will bring some seasoned experience to the pitch.

At almost the ‘cheapest’ – should we be allowed to use that term at all given yesterday’s records? – Dastan Satpayev is the goal-scoring hope from Kairat costing the club £3.4m, but who is on loan to Burnley for this season.

And finally, from the World Cup squad, Jordan Henderson, 36, joins the central midfielders – from Brentford. He made headlines for breaking an arm after tackling an advertising hoarding during the World Cup, so the club are hoping for more positive press surrounding the 36-year-old. After leaving Brentford, Henderson exited as a ‘free agent’ hence the lack of transfer fee with Brentford.

Now over to you, Xabi. The ball is in your court…

A sleep out is a great way to raise money for the charity whilst also giving people a stark glimpse into the difficult life so many face on the streets of London every night.

No doubt compounded by the cost-of-living crisis, homelessness in London is at a record high with Glass Door Homeless Charity caseworkers supporting more than 2,000 people a year.

So, on 9th October, more than 100 people are expected to sleep out at the Duke of York Square in Chelsea in the hope of raising £100,000.

Glass Door Homeless Charity Sleep Out 2025

All money raised – with the further support of their sponsor Cadogan Estates – will go to help fund Glass Door’s emergency winter night shelters and its team of caseworkers.

To put any money raised into tangible context: £34 can give a homeless person a safe place to sleep for the night, plus a hot evening meal and breakfast the next day;  £59 will provide 20 people a hot evening meal and breakfast.

The charity’s vision is to reach a future where no one experiences homelessness in London, and they have spent 25 years helping thousands of people find a route out of homelessness.

Jo Carter, CEO of Glass Door Homeless Charity, said: “Our Annual Sleep Out brings friends, neighbours, colleagues and families together with one shared purpose: to help people who have nowhere to call home.

“Every pound raised helps us provide the support people need to leave homelessness behind and rebuild their lives. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when a community comes together with compassion.”

For more information and to register your interest visit HERE 

Watch a video about the great Sleep Out initiative HERE  

Whether you are professional or amateur, sweet-toothed or savoury-inclined, the popular Bun Awards – hosted annually by Royal Warrant-holders Partridges of Gloucester Road – are open to everyone, with a special section returning for Under 18s.

What better way to celebrate the British classic Chelsea Bun than to pit contestants against each other, competing not only for the best taste, but also for aesthetic and ‘viral’ appeal that will see the buns rise to the top of social media.

The challenge? Create the ultimate spiced bun to fit year’s guiding twist – “Traditional Chelsea Buns Meet Innovation”.

With the first Chelsea Bun said to have appeared in 1700, it has seen over three centuries of fine-tuning. Some opt for lemon peel, while others lean more towards cinnamon or spice: the mix is up to you.

The competition is free to enter but entrants are encouraged to donate to this year’s chosen charity: React, a charity that helps children with life-limiting illnesses who are living in financially disadvantaged households in the UK.

The Best Chelsea Bun Baker 2025: Fitzbillies of Cambridge

With prizes for both amateur and professional bakers, plus an Instagram competition running alongside, there are opportunities for all.

Prizes up for grabs include a selection of cash and Partridges hampers, with the overall Live Tasting Winner to receive £250 and – most important of all – to be awarded the prestigious accolade of Best Chelsea Bun Baker 2026.

Those in charge of judging the delicious entries include TV and radio presenter Mark Wogan and Alice Ryan, senior editor of lifestyle magazine Velvet. More judges will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Entries for the live competition must be delivered on 20th September whilst Instagram offerings must be submitted by 18th September using the hashtag #worldchelseabunawards and tagging @world.chelsea.bun.awards.

More information and full entry requirements at www.worldchelseabunawards.com.