London
24 hours in beautiful Kensington and Chelsea
Insiders recommend some of their favourite places in the Royal Borough. Exclusively curated for guests at The Kensington Court, part of the Crystal Hotels collection.
Read on to discover some of Kensington and Chelsea’s hidden gems.
Coffee: Over Under
Earls Court
181A Earls Ct Rd, Kensington, London SW5 9RB, UK
Delicious coffee and breakfast at Over Under coffee shop in Earl's Court
In the sea of chain cafes around Earl’s Court station, Over Under is coffee shop perfection and the perfect place to start your morning. This bijou cafe draws inspiration from coffee culture around the world. Channeling New Zealand vibes in particular (the owner Ed grew up there), but with a bit of New York and Dublin throw in.
Insider tip: A lot of heart has gone in to crafting the breakfast menu, so if you can get a table and have room for than just coffee why not try their take on the classic PB&J sandwich - toast topped with cashew butter and chia seed jam… mmmm.
Recommended by Rob, co-founder of Ginza
Hidden gem: Brompton Cemetery
Chelsea
Fulham Rd, Kensington, London SW10 9UG, UK
Brompton Cemetery is a tranquil oasis between Chelsea and Fulham
Why not take your coffee to go and take a walk through beautiful Brompton Cemetery. This garden graveyard is Ginza Insider Verity’s favourite place in London (if not the world!). Children’s author Beatrix Potter took inspiration for many of her character’s names from the gravestones here.
Recommended by Verity. Verity lives and runs her chocolate company Troffle Chocolates in Chelsea.
Breakfast: Megan's
King's Road
571 King's Rd, Fulham, London SW6 2EB, UK
Eggs breakfast heaven at Megan's on the King's Road in Chelsea.
Megan’s is something of a Chelsea institution when it comes to breakfast and brunch. The entire space is ultra quaint and romantic, but the fairy-lit heated garden is really something special.
What to order: Mary usually gets the Eggs Benedict with a side order of bacon and pot of Earl grey tea. Recommended by Mary, illustrator and designer. From Colorado Springs, Mary lives in Clapham with her husband Tyler. Follow @marybandrews on Instagram
Shop: The Shop at Bluebird
King's Road
350 King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5UU, UK
Designer clothing and accessories in a bright and airy converted garage
The Shop takes inspiration from retail experiences such as Colette in Paris, but with a Chelsea-twist. The emphasis is primarily on fashion, with UK designers featuring heavily. There is also a selection of books, music, furniture and homeware. The setting is a former art deco garage and there is a spa on site.
Insider tip: If you are in need of a pit stop post- or pre-shopping spree, the next door Bluebird Cafe is the perfect spot.
Recommended by Sarah, co-founder of Ginza
Lunch: Fernandez & Wells
South Kensington
8A Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2HF, UK
Al fresco dining at Fernandez & Wells
A great menu of Iberian small plates and sandwiches, a comprehensive wine list and delicious coffee. What more could you ask for in a lunch spot conveniently located for all the South Kensington museums, as well as the Royal Albert Hall.
Recommended by Sarah, a South African born graphic designer living in Wimbledon and working in Camden
Unmissable sight: V&A
South Kensington
Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL, UK
There is a lot to explore at the V&A, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time
The V&A is the world’s largest museum dedicated to decorative arts and design. The museum has 145 different galleries and spans 5,000 years of history in terms of art and design. You will regularly find new temporary exhibitions, looking at everything from ancient artefacts to modern pop culture and fashion. The V&A is a unique tribute to beauty, the arts, and human ingenuity and creativity.
Recommended by Katie, founder of Look Up London, award-winning history blogger and Ginza Insider Experience host
Pub: The Builders Arms
Chelsea
13 Britten St, Chelsea, London SW3 3TY, UK
Quirky and colourful decor at this gastropub
This trendy gastropub in the heart of Chelsea is the perfect place to spend an evening drinking and dining with friends. Tucked away on Britten Street, the decor is quirky and the atmosphere relaxed and friendly.
Recommended by Ida. A West London devotee and big time foodie, Ida is originally from Oslo, but is now firmly planted in Westbourne Park.