Tuesday, September 9, 2014

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.

Coming tomorrow:

Final London postcard ~ where to stay, and a souvenir

16 comments:

  1. As I was reading this post (your wonderful descriptions always make me feel like I'm reading an exciting and very interesting story), I could recall some of the places I visited when I was in London 17 years ago, namely The Michelin Building, the Conran Shop, Old Brompton Road and Harrods, of course.
    Knightsbridge is one of my favourite London areas. <3
    Thank you for the lovely and sweet words on the last post, my dearest MaiTai. I feel very grateful too for having you and this little magic corner with so many lovely ladies.
    Look so much forward to seeing what you brought home with you. M*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The best things never change.. the ones you mentioned were among my favorites 17 years ago too! Here's to our magic corner, and the lovely friendships within xx

      Delete
  2. MaiTai, thank you for such a lovely tour! Best wishes, Angie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh I Woulld like to go to Chelsea Textiles !! Are there Liberty's tissus?
    Amitiés
    Anne Marie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sure you'd love it! No Liberty fabrics though, they only carry their own range of embroidered fabrics. Amitiés

      Delete
  4. Oh Mai Tai I cannot believe it, your addresses are mine all of them!!!
    San Lorenzo I cannot thik that it's still fashion. It was the address of Diana poor of her
    I bought meters if tissus at Chelsea Textile and set of tables....
    Amities
    Monica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chelsea Textiles and San Lorenzo! Our address books seem identical, my dear Monica ;-) You might enjoy this article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9221906/Mara-Berni.html Amitiés

      Delete
  5. Your photos and words make me feel as if I am really there--thank you for a little mini-vacation!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So very happy to hear! Hope you'll enjoy the final part too x

      Delete
  6. Mis à part les adresses shopping merci pour ces belles photos de Londres dont j'ai de très lointains souvenirs...J'aimerais beaucoup y retourner à l'occasion!Bonne rentrée

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Merci pour votre gentil commentaire, chère Veronique. Je suis ravi que la reportage vous avait plu! Une très bonne rentrée à vous aussi

      Delete
  7. I am sorry. i forgot to sign. 'M' in the first comment stands for 'Manuela'

    Manuela xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for your tip dear Mai Tai.
    I always take a coffe at Bibemdum, near the flowers.... And I brought back a nice bix from Dragon of Walton. Such good memories.
    Spend a good week end.
    Amities monica

    ReplyDelete
  9. Chelsea Textiles...what's not to love!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dearest Maitai! I am new on your blog and I am sooo happy to find it!
    I am also in love with Hermes and your ideas are ansolutely exciting, especially your great scarf rings!!
    Tanks a lot for your great ideas...
    best wishes from Ulrike from Germany

    ReplyDelete