AFTER an afternoon shopping in the Kings Road, it can be nice to find a quiet spot for dinner, away from the hustle and bustle.

Just a couple of minutes away is Cale Street, a small residential road which makes you think you’ve taken a wrong turning if you’re looking for somewhere to eat.

But stick with it and you’ll find Geales, dubbed Chelsea’s ‘posh fish and chip’ restaurant.

I took a friend for a much-needed catch up, and it proved the perfect environment for a chat and a giggle.

Inside, we were a little disappointed to find the restaurant was as tiny as it looks from the outside.

The impression wasn’t helped by the grey decor, but it did have a traditional feel with wood panelling and gingham tablecloths.

We were seated by the window and served a bottle of crisp white vin-de-pays.

I went for the rather unhealthy choice of deep fried whitebait for a starter, redeeming myself by following it with grilled sole.

My friend chose squid rings with batter, and, deviating from the fish dishes, chose a steak to follow.

But when the starters arrived, we were beginning to wish we hadn’t ordered two courses because the bowls were piled high.

My companion said the squid was delicious, while I found the whitebait had just the right amount of saltiness, and was perfectly cooked so that the batter was crisp, but the fish itself moist and tender.

The only trouble was that the portions were so big we couldn’t finish them. But for about £6 each, the starters are great value for money.

As the wine and conversation flowed, the main courses arrived.

My grilled sole was a healthy option, served with lemon and at £12.50 pretty well priced. The flesh fell away from the bone and the dish was complemented by the wine perfectly.

My friend’s steak with onion marmalade and wild mushrooms was tender and juicy, and impressively, she cleared her plate, despite the mammoth starter.

Understandably it was one of the pricier items on the menu (£17.50) but for a restaurant that specialises in fish, Geales does a great steak.

I didn’t do quite so well given the mountain of food I had been faced with, and I wanted to leave a little room for dessert.

We shared cookies and ice-cream (£5.50), which were sweet and chocolatey without being sickly.

We both finished the meal with a refreshing mint tea to try to soothe our full bellies.

Tucked out of the way, Geales must be one of Chelsea’s hidden gems.

Emma Heseltine