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A Perfect Day in South Kensington, London
My picks for cafes, shopping, museums & more in South Ken, London
South Kensington is one of London's prettiest residential areas and offers so much for everyone of all ages. Here's my take on one way (there's many more) to spend a Perfect Day in this charming neighbourhood …
Morning Glory
Up and at em' in grand Hyde Park take a stroll, power walk or run and don't miss the ring around the Serpentine. On a sunny morning, it's hard to beat starting your day in this way in a city. The swan pond and adjacent Kensington Palace gardens are a lovely place to end your jaunt and exit through the wrought iron gates to the top of Gloucester Road.
Breakfast, Café Society Style
When fresh and dressed, breakfast at Aubaine, a California-meets-South of France style café and patisserie on Brompton Road. Their croissants, brioche, egg dishes and open-faced sandwiches are truly high quality worth-the-calories wonders. Outdoor tables are popular, so get there before 9:30 a.m. to secure yours. Indoors, the communal table is my favourite.
Strolling, Shopping & Antiqueing
Stroll around the pretty clothing, home interior and children's shops on charming Walton street, covering both sides of the street and making your way back to Brompton Road to enjoy the gorgeous flowers in the interior courtyard-like area of Bibendum—another choice spot for breakfast—and passing Pelham gardens on your right hand side. This stretch of Brompton Road is so pretty architecturally, and is filled with great shop after shop. I'd walk to the intersection of Fulham Road and Neville Street, where the four corners comprise a fab antique shop, a framing atelier, a gorgeous interiors shop and a classic wallpaper vendor. What a constellation!
Christie's: Once, Twice, Three Times … SOLD!
Turn right and head up to Old Brompton Road where the grand dame, Christie's, South Kensington, sits about two blocks in. Auctions typically start at either 10:30 a.m or 2 p.m. (Some are in the evenings, so do consult their Website for details.) Whether looking for something specific or in the mood to let a piece 'take your fancy,' Christies is a fun shopping experience that is both laid-back, social and fun. Nothing staid and formal about it! (like so many perceive auction houses to be).
Leisurely Lunch
Hungry again? Thought so …. If your kids are along, the best place to lunch is Carluccio's, around the corner. While the food is decent, nothing special, they cater so well to children with drawing tools, and messes are never an issue. An adult day? My pick would be the fairly new Casa Brindisa for a wonderful tapas and Rioja lunch. Food is gorgeous, staff are very warm and the prices are just right. Save room (in either case with the kids or solo) for a frozen yogurt L.A. style from "Snog," around the bend. I prefer the natural flavour over green tea; toppings over to you! (If it's a cold day, opt instead for a sweet crepe at Café Crêperie across the street from Casa Brindisa, yummm …)
World Class Culture at My Local Museums
And now, back to culture … (enough food already!). The two main museums, both within a 5 minute walk, are the Natural History Museum (your kids won’t stop talking about it) and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Exhibits are both permanent with others changing every 6 months or so, so do see their websites.
A great day of healthy park air, yummy food, window shopping (or the real deal), auction shopping experience and culture—memorable and fulfilling, just the way a Perfect Day should be!
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