36 Hours | Kensington

From Left: Statue of Queen Victoria in front of the Kensington Palace; Maggie Joness Restaurant off of High Street
Kensington; The Conran Shop on Fulham Road in South Kensington

By: Leslie Argenbright and Alexandra Woodcock

Known for its five-star dining, timeless antiquity and high-end designer shopping,
Kensington, the super-posh and highly trafficked area in central London, provides its
dwellers with a small-borough feel while not skimping out on big city spending. Between
South Kensington and High Street Kensington, history buffs can frequent a number of
distinguished museums, shopaholics can have their fill with alluring trends and food
connoisseurs will go crazy over the decadent cuisine. The urban, affluent area is
comfortably situated between the tourist-infested City of Westminster and the political
hub of Hammersmith & Fulham, making it the perfect region for a weekend away from
the hustle and bustle that is London.

Friday
5:00 p.m.
1. Wine and Cheese Please
On your way into High Kensington, stop by Londons best fine wine merchant, Roberson
Wine (348 Kensington High Street, +44 (0)207 371 2121,
http://www.robersonwine.com/). Winner of London Merchant of the year 2010 and
2012, Roberson is Londons best collection of seriously smart wine available by the
single bottle, claims wine critic, Jancis Robinson MW. Chat with the charming and
knowledgeable staff regarding your favorite Bordeaux or Merlot. The customerproclaimed Rock n Roll wine shop offers wine tastings for gloomy afternoons; but if
weather permits, grab a bottle for take away and head to Holland Park for some reprieve
of the fast-paced city. Considered one of the most romantic parks in West London,

Holland Park is the ideal location to enjoy a glass of wine while wandering the Kyoto
Japanese Garden.
7:00 p.m.
2. Dinner at the Cozy Cottage
Fun and high-end restaurants can be found all around High Street Kensington, but if
youre looking for an old Kensington classic that is tucked away from the main road,
then Maggie Joness (6 Old Court Place, Kensington Church Street, +44 (0)207 937
6462, http://www.maggie-jones.co.uk/index.htm) is the ideal romantic dinner
destination. The restaurant has been a beloved spot among locals for over four decades,
offering an exceptionally rustic and inviting atmosphere and impeccable service. A
range of soups and salads are offered as starters (6.25-9.00) and main dishes include
a variety of fish, potpies, steak, lamb or chicken (11.25- 26.50). These eclectic recipes
have been around as long as the restaurant itself and are reasonably priced for British
cuisine. When we first went in to Maggie Joness on our honeymoon and walked
downstairs, there was a big fire going and a great big cat sitting on the hearth, said Sue
Harvison, a visitor of Kensington who has frequented the restaurant when in from the
States. The atmosphere was neat and the food amazing. That was 46 years ago and here
it still is. Finish off your delectable meal with a scrumptious dessert including bread
and butter pudding, Maggies apple crumble and cream, various ice creams and sorbets
(5.50) or a number of dessert wines, cocktails or coffee (5.00- 10.75).
9 p.m.
3. A Starlit Showing
The Kensington Roof Gardens (99 Kensington High Street,
http://www.roofgardens.virgin.com/en/the_roof_gardens) is one of the most luxurious
venues in all of London that can liven any day or night with its splendor. The grounds
are comprised of a gourmet restaurant, an extravagant event site and a prestigious
Private Members Club. There are three spectacular themed gardens, the Spanish
garden, the Tudor garden and the English woodland, sprawling over 1.5 acres that are
open to the public daily free of charge, unless there is a scheduled event. This summer,
you can view cinema like never before at one of the open-air film screenings located here
courtesy of the Rooftop Film Club. Its a movie watching experience like never before,
full of glitz and glamour. You can lounge in the comfy chairs and listen to your favorite
classic films or a recent release through the high quality wireless headphones provided.
Screenings begin at sunset, giving you just enough time to enjoy dinner down the road,
and tickets sell for 22 each. So sit back, relax and grab a cold drink while enjoying this
incomparable film experience under the stars on a warm summers night.

Saturday
10 a.m.
4. Custom Crepes

For an authentic, flavorful start to your day, you cant go wrong with The Kensington
Creperie (2-6 Exhibition Road, +44 (0)20 7589 8947,
http://www.kensingtoncreperie.com/pages/about.html) nestled in the heart of South
Kensington. Here, there is no crepe you cant order. With an extensive already prepared
menu, you can chose from almost an flavor or topping imaginable and if nothing sounds
out of this world, just ask the chefs if you can create your own so youre sure to enjoy
every last bite. If your creation is a hit, it might even appear on the menu next time you
pop in. They have even begun to offer a Continental Breakfast that includes delicious
freshly made waffles, whose toppings are also endless, and fresh fruit and vegetable
smoothies, juices and milkshakes. The authentic ingredients are often sourced direct
from France to insure savory decadence. The place is always full of hungry customers
who leave undoubtedly satisfied, having paid the decent price of around 7 per crepe.
11:30 a.m.
5. Treat Yourself like Royals
After eating like a king, make your way around the block to the worlds greatest museum
of art and design, the Victoria and Albert (Cromwell Road, +44 (0)207 942 2000,
http://www.vam.ac.uk/). For every wannabe fashion designer, rock singer or
photographer, the V&A Museum is a must. Its collection of art transports you back 5000
years, while new and immersive exhibits give you their vision of the future. Free
admission, kid friendly atmosphere, and enticing gift shops only make you feel more like
royalty.
2:00 p.m.
6. Meet Me in the Market
For a seasonal al fresco lunch and afternoon shopping, head to the Chelsea Farmers
Market (125 Sydney Street, http://chelseafarmersmkt.org/). Although it isnt your
traditional produce stand market, it provides an escape from the hustle of stuffy city
restaurants and pretentious storeowners. The off beat compilation of cottage style
restaurants and shops give character to an already charming township of London.
Decorated with white picnic tables, covered awnings and sun umbrellas in the summer
months, the bungalows in the Chelsea Market give patrons a small slice of relaxed
beach-life while in London. Grab a fresh meal complete with a glass of English Pimms
from one of the many open-air restaurants; then peruse the stalls of handmade crafts
and first edition books.
4:30 p.m.
7. Spend Till You Drop
The shopping in South Kensington is nothing short of fabulous, rivaling any other area
of London with its matchless boutiques, esteemed designer outlets and superb antique
shops. After a morning and early afternoon of grubbing and touring, what could be more
leisurely than strolling through some on the trendiest shops in London? For the eclectic
homeowner, you can find clean, modern and incredibly unique home enhancers from
furniture to stemware to textiles at The Conran Shop (81 Fulham Road, +44 (0)20 7589

7401, http://www.conranshop.co.uk/). For a seductive blend of high-end designer and

quirky, affordable buys visit The Shop at Bluebird (350 Kings Road, 020 7351 3873,
http://www.theshopatbluebird.com/), where you can find womenswear, menswear,
antique furnishings, books, magazines and artworks; theres even a spa. All along the
way you will pass world-renowned designer shops including Chanel (278-280 Brompton
Road, +44 (0)20 7581 8620), Zadig & Voltaire (301 Brompton Road, +44 (0)20 7591
3810), Gucci (18 Sloane Street, +44 (0)20 7235 6707) and Joseph (16 Sloane Street, +44
(0)20 7235 9869) among countless others, where tourists and locals go to splurge on the
latest fashion trends.
6 p.m.
8. Lets 86 the Pub
Although it is English tradition to grab a cider at an authentic pub, times are changing,
and we found a before-dinner cocktail at the chic Eighty Six Restaurant (86 Fulham
Road, +44 (0)20 7052 9620, http://www.86restaurant.co.uk/) was the up-and-coming
practice of Kensington locals and visitors. Located in a three-story Georgian townhouse,
the restaurant is host to a luxury bar, private dining room and eclectic Charlotte Cory
portraits. The gold leafed dcor of the fashionably decadent Gallery Bar provides an
upscale, but relaxed and inviting ambiance, before it comes alive at night with bands
and DJs. Treat yourself to the glamour of Kensington and grab a pre-dinner drink from
the impressively detailed and unique cocktail menu.
7:30 p.m.
9. Table for Two
Daphnes Restaurant (112 Draycott Avenue, +44 (0)20 7589 4257,
http://www.daphnes-restaurant.co.uk/) serves up fine Italian dishes while providing a
quiet and romantic atmosphere, an experience hard to come by in any urban city these
days. Nearly half a century old, this experienced staff caters to local regulars and new
visitors combined. The elegant scene is a hotspot for the Kensington elite and famous;
yet, the warm and intimate feel greets all visitors. Daphnes is one of our favorite and
most memorable restaurants, says an out-of-town diner. We first went there on our
honeymoon, some 26 years ago, and always make a point of going back when we are in
London. On our most recent visit, we found the people, menu and surrounding a little
different, but our experience was the same- a quiet, romantic dinner in a great part of
London. Classic Italian cuisine meets London in this romantic setting.

Sunday
9:00 a.m.
10. Breakfast in Bed
Wake up and have breakfast in your own living room at the Candella Tea Room (34
Kensington Church Street, +44 (0)207 937 4161, http://www.candellatearoom.co.uk/),
designed to bring a home-like feel to a cozy dining experience. After a busy weekend
bopping around Kensington, the Candella Tea Room is a great place to unwind and start

your Sunday morning off right. This family owned business offers cups of the finest
organic black, red, green, white and specialist teas from around the world, and hot foods
and homemade cakes made fresh daily. Enjoy your breakfast in this 1920s inspired
living room setting while marveling at the pianist who plays in the shop all day.
10:00 a.m.
11. Historic Tranquility
London is known for the lush green grass that carpets their hundreds of acres of parks.
It would be a cardinal sin for a Kensington vacationer to not stroll through the lavish
260 acre Kensington Gardens (http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensingtongardens). It is one of the Royal Parks of London and once served as the private gardens
of Kensington Palace. Needless to say, it is fit for a king. Children or lovers of the classics
can visit the Peter Pan statue, as the park is the setting of J.M Barries book, Peter Pan
in Kensington Gardens. In addition to Peter Pan, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial
Playground gives children a world of pirates and ships to escape to, while the people of
the park reflect on the legacy left by the late princess. Situated outside Kensington
Palace is a statue commemorating Queen Victoria and her 50 years of reign, sculpted by
her daughter, Princess Louise. The gardens cater to history buffs, nature enthusiasts and
even provide routes for cyclists. The grounds welcome children and dogs, but still
remain serene and charming. It is an iconic and historic part of Kensington with a flare
for entertaining its guests.
11:30 a.m.
12. Do As the Royals Do
When strolling through the Kensington Gardens, its impossible to miss out on a chance
to visit the historic Kensington Palace (Kensington Gardens, +44 (0)20 3166 6000,
http://www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace/). The residence has been home to some of
the most infamous and championed members of the British Royal Family throughout
history and soon to be home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. When you
purchase a ticket to the palace (online for 14 or in person for 15), you gain access to a
wide range of daytime events including exhibitions, special activities, tours, talks and
live performances. Some current features available consist of the Victoria Revealed
exhibition and Garden History Tours, among others. After you spend some time touring
the exhibitions, head over to Queen Annes 18th century Orangery for an elegant lunch or
an indulgent afternoon tea (beginning at 2:00 p.m.). If the weather suits, sit outside on
the scenic terrace and enjoy some of the finest tea selections in London with over ten
different flavors to choose from, as well as a range of premium wines and champagnes.
As afternoon tea goes, this is a great value for a one-of-a-kind tea experience, priced at
22.65 per person or between 28.50 and 32.50 for royal afternoon tea which includes
an alcoholic beverage from your choice of three. Main course lunch dishes range from
11 to 16.50.

THE BASICS
Visiting Kensington

One can fly into Heathrow International Airport (+44 (0) 844 335 1801,
http://www.heathrowairport.com) or Gatwick International Airport (+44 (0) 844 892
0322, www.gatwickairport.com). Both airports have express trains that arrive at Victoria
and Paddington Stations, which are serviced by the London Underground.
Kensington High Street is easily accessible by the London Underground High Street
Kensington tube station. It is serviced by both the Circle and District Lines. South
Kensington is accessible by District, Circle and Piccadilly Lines.
The Royal Garden Hotel (2-24 Kensington High Street, +44 (0)20 7937 8000,
http://www.royalgardenhotel.co.uk) is conveniently located next to the Kensington
Gardens and is one of the best value 5 star hotels in London.
The Seraphine Kensington Olympia (225 Kensington High Street, +44 (0)207 938
5911, http://www.seraphinehotel.co.uk/olympia/index.html) is located near the shops
of Kensington High Street, Holland Park and other tourist attractions.
The Kensington Close Hotel (Wrights Lane, +44 (0) 870 751 7770,
http://www.kensingtonclosehotel.com) is a great location with history. Sir Isaac Newton
commissioned the land it sits on almost 300 years ago.