Postcards from London - South Kensington and Knightsbridge

The London postcard series is coming to an end, but would not be complete without a stroll through South Kensington.. it is such a lovely part of town, and a wonderful place for shopping and eating.

The neighbourhood is beautifully calm, and quiet side streets are lined with trees that have pink blossoms in spring, and white terraced houses. Their glossy black doors have house numbers and door knockers in polished brass, and are flanked by immaculately trimmed bay or box trees, or urns filled with flowers.

The cross roads are lively with many shops and restaurants, but in comparison to London's big shopping streets, it feels as if you are walking in a residential shopping area. Brompton Cross is a perfect starting point. It is dominated by the iconic art deco Michelin Building, where you find the Bibendum oyster and champagne bar in the basement, as well as the chic and stylish Conran shop (furniture and home accessories, founded by Bluebird's owner Terence Conran). From here, you can explore the nearby fashion boutiques on Sloane Avenue, Draycott Avenue, Old Brompton Road and Pelham Street.

The Brompton Cross is also just 'A short walk from Harrods'. Walk down Walton Street for about a kilometer, and you'll pass by lovely and interesting boutiques and galleries until you reach the famous department store (even if you don't have much time, it's worth checking out the opulent food halls), and to it's more cutting edge neighbour, Harvey Nichols.

Dragons of Walton Street offers hand-painted children's furniture (they also have a bespoke service), as well as toys and accessories (Prince George's nursery furniture was purchased from Dragons)

Chelsea Textiles at No 13 is another long-time favorite, their hand-embroidered fabrics are wonderfully luxurious and beautiful. They also carry a range of ready made curtains, pillows and other small home and tableware items

 

Just before you get to Harrods, you come past Beauchamp Place on your left. At No 22 you'll find San Lorenzo, a beautiful trattoria with a rich history, founded by Mara Berni and her husband Lorenzo. It offers northern italian food, and has been a neighborhood restaurant as well as a favorite haunt of famous figures ever since it opened in 1963.

• Bibendum Oyster Bar: Michelin House, 81 Fulham Rd, London SW3 6RD, Tel: +44 (0)20 7589 1480 www.bibendum.co.uk
• Dragons of Walton Street: 23 Walton St, London SW3 2HX, Tel: +44 (0)20 7589 3795, www.dragonsofwaltonstreet.com
• Chelsea Textiles: 13 Walton Street. London SW3 2HX, Tel: +44 (0)20 7584 5544, www.chelseatextiles.com
• San Lorenzo: 22 Beauchamp Place, London SW3 1NH, Tel: +44 (0)20 7584 1074, www.sanlorenzolondon.co.uk

Coming tomorrow:

Final London postcard ~ where to stay, and a souvenir