The Stone's Chelsea Drugstore

This is the site of the long-gone infamous Chelsea Drugstore
Location: 49 Kings Rd, London
Description: I went down to the Chelsea Drug Store,
To get your prescription filled
From The Rolling Stones song You Cant always Get What You Want (1969), with the reference to the pub that is now sadly a McDonalds. It also features in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange.
The modern glass and aluminium frontage of the Chelsea Drug store shocked Royal Avenue residents when it opened in July 1968. They were even more appalled by the clientele.
This was Britain's first American style drugstore and replaced the White Hart pub. Stainless steel, brass, marble and mirrors were all used, leading a resident to describe it as a Gin palace turned into a tin palace. Open 16 hours a day, seven days a week it is hardly surprising the residents complained. It closed in May 1971 and a pale imitation reopened in September.
The Chelsea Drugstore was modelled on Le Drugstore on Boulevard St Germain in Paris. Arranged over three floors the complex included bars, food outlets, a chemist, newsstand, record store and boutiques. It was open 16 hours a day, seven days a week. A major attraction was the flying squad delivery service. This was made up young ladies in purple catsuits using motorcycles to make home deliveries.
Tours: A Clockwork Tour
Tours: The Rolling Stones London Tour
Themes: Music


This is the site of the long-gone infamous Chelsea Drugstore |
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Credits: BKRolling Stones
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