The Kensington district is a timeless snapshot of London with bustling shopping streets, elegant garden squares and world-class cultural institutions. The area was granted its Royal Borough title in 1901 and this sense of regal esteem has ensued throughout the years. W8 is home to some of London’s most desirable architecture, from grand portico-fronted Victorian mansions to pastel-toned cottages and mews façades covered in springtime wisteria. With excellent transport links and top-rate schools, it’s no wonder that Kensington is one of the capital’s most sought-after locales for working professionals and families.
Set adjacent to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens is a beautiful network of lawns and pathways that’s tailor-made for runners, dog-walkers and summertime picnics. Kensington High Street forms the area’s bustling centre with an array of retail and grocery offerings; by contrast, the peaceful alleyway of Kensington Church Walk is lined with antiques and arts boutiques. The Serpentine Gallery, Royal Albert Hall and museums of South Kensington make up the neighbourhood’s enriching hub of culture.
On the corner of Abingdon Road, your eye is drawn upwards to several trompe l’oeil window paintings, created in 1999 by John and Stuart Blight. One of the scenes depicts Amicia and Suki Staples as children, now hosts of this family-run gastropub. Paying homage to its esteemed history, the booth seating, art-deco inspired design and rich wooden floors set an elegant scene for the upmarket British-style menu.
Serving Danish-inspired coffee and specialty pastries, there’s no better way to start your morning than at HJEM. As you’d expect, their interior design is a picture of Scandinavian minimalism, with pale wood floors and swathes of sunlight. There’s a small garden at the rear, perfect for catch-ups in sunny weather. While you’re there, stock up on artisanal cupboard products and freshly-baked bread.
This Michelin-starred restaurant is one of Kensington’s most treasured institutions, both for its sophisticated culinary offerings and its friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. Founded by restaurant superstars Rebecca Mascarenhas and Phil Howard, their menu is a fine-tuned blend of modern English and French cuisines, changing throughout the year to showcase the best seasonal produce.
An exuberant façade of blooming flowers paints The Churchill Arms as West London’s most characterful gastropub. Its interior decor is equally eclectic, decked out with layers of British paraphernalia. This was the capital’s first pub to serve Thai food, which it does with excellence, alongside an extensive range of locally-sourced beers.
A taste of France in the heart of Kensington. This Parisian-style pitstop is loved not only for its interior style — bistro-esque marble tables, arched walls and continental artwork — but also the authentic croissants, éclairs, galettes and omelettes. It’s a quiet spot to work or ‘rendezvous’ with friends.
This is Kensington’s go-to for authentic Indian cuisine. Tucked away on Holland Street, Chakra has a welcoming atmosphere complemented by a flavourful menu of traditional and contemporary dishes. On warm evenings, their decked veranda is an inviting backdrop for curry evenings, or try their brunch and afternoon tea for something a little different.
Nestled between Holland Park, Kensington and Notting Hill, The Windsor Castle is one of those quintessential hidden-gem drinking holes beloved by those in the know. Dating back to the 1820s, heritage features have been preserved while making way for contemporary interior styling. There’s an open fire for cosy winter nights, while the summer months call for al-fresco dining in the courtyard garden.
Hailing from Tbilisi, this family-run artisan bakery can be found in Notting Hill, Mayfair, Westminster and Kensington – the latter being its most recently-opened branch. The innovation of Georgian cuisine is showcased across a day-long menu of breakfast, lunchtime and dinner offerings – make sure to try their infamous cheeseboat khachapuri and authentic gozinaki.
A West London pub with rock-and-roll history. Once frequented by the likes of Queen and The Clash in the seventies, this iconic institution is just a stone’s throw from Kensington Palace. The Champion’s charm lies in its open-armed atmosphere and classic British menu, with a garden terrace and open fire suited to every season. Plus, dogs are welcomed with enthusiasm.
'Kensington is a timeless snapshot of London with bustling shopping streets, elegant garden squares and world-class cultural institutions.'
London’s most venerated museums stand with architectural grandeur along Exhibition Road in South Kensington. From 1851 until the present day, this has been the capital’s most-frequented hub of culture and education, containing the Victoria & Albert, Science and Natural History museums and various international embassies and schools. After a day of gallery-hopping, enjoy fine dining at Claude Bosi at Bibendum, Dinings at SW3 or Elystan Street.
This workout studio has revolutionised London’s fitness scene, with high-intensity cardio sessions, reformer pilates and spin cycling paired with motivating music. 1Rebel’s industrial-leaning interior design is complemented by a cohort of friendly instructors, following their philosophy that exercise should be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Tranquillity and regality in the heart of Kensington. The Palace bears witness to over 300 years of royal residency and is open year-round for guided tours and exhibitions. Surrounding the historic building are the beautifully maintained grounds. The Sunken Garden is a fantastic example of Edwardian landscaping, surrounded by a walkway with an arched arbour of red-twigged lime. There’s also a huge wildflower meadow with native plants that help to pollinate the city and the Elfin Oak, a 900 year-old tree that’s been hand-carved with mythical creatures.
A domed elliptical skylight crowns this boutique fitness centre, which is split between an open-plan strength floor, yoga, boxing and cycling studios, as well as a luxury spa. Wellbeing is Equinox’s forte, from the personalised training sessions to their eucalyptus-infused towels and padded gym floor
— an extra support for exercised legs.
Every Sunday, a host of market sellers take to Phillimore Walk, a leafy stretch with mews properties tucked off Kensington High Street. Whether you’re doing a weekly shop or gathering fine ingredients for a dinner party, you can find every kind of food and drink here — all sourced from local, sustainable and artisanal producers.
A globally-esteemed concert venue. Since its opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall has hosted shows from world-leading artists, defining speeches from political leaders and inspiring charity events. Outside, the Grade I listed building is crafted with the iconic glazed iron roof and an 800-foot-long mosaic frieze depicting the Triumph of Arts and Sciences. Inside, the Henry Willis Organ — once the largest instrument in the world — backdrops the BBC Proms, Cirque du Soleil and English National Ballet performances.
A globally-esteemed concert venue. Since its opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall has hosted shows from world-leading artists, defining speeches from political leaders and inspiring charity events. Outside, the Grade I listed building is crafted with the iconic glazed iron roof and an 800-foot-long mosaic frieze depicting the Triumph of Arts and Sciences. Inside, the Henry Willis Organ — once the largest instrument in the world — backdrops the BBC Proms, Cirque du Soleil and English National Ballet performances.
'The Serpentine Gallery, Royal Albert Hall and museums of South Kensington make up the neighbourhood’s enriching hub of culture.'
This family-run gallery has been showcasing specialist, architecture-focused artwork of London and Italy since 1995. Headed by Gordon French, who began his career as a theatrical set designer, you can find a range of original and limited edition paintings, reproduction maps and miniature models, Tuscan ceramics, Florentine stationary and an exclusive range of archival giclee prints by the founder himself. There’s also a bespoke framing service in their basement workshop.
There’s a quintessential British eclecticism to Hornets, a vintage menswear store on Kensington Church Walk. The team are experts in their field, sourcing quality items from an amalgam of periods for a variety of occasions. A far cry from the homogeneous high street offerings, you can expect to find one-off pieces with a story to tell.
Specialising in 18th and 19th century homeware, this family-run antiques business has over 30 years’ experience in the field. Patrick Sanberg is in good company with other vintage dealers along Kensington Church Street and is celebrated for their handsome wood furniture, bronze and ormolu pieces to explore.
Located in Kensington Church Street, three generations of antiques dealers have garnered a loyal clientele with their exceptional antique collectibles and curiosa. Specialising in arms and armour, maritime artwork and heritage walking canes, this is the place for those seeking something out of the ordinary.
Running between Kensington Gardens and Holland Park, the neighbourhood’s High Street is a vibrant setting replete with shops, cafés and restaurants. Stand-outs include the large Whole Foods which spans two floors and Kensington Flower Corner, which brings colour and fragrance to the corner of St Mary Abbots Church.
