With streets lined with white pillar fronted townhouses and a different secret, cobbled mews around every corner, the Royal Borough is easily one of the Capital’s most beautiful boroughs. Now that lockdown has finally come to an end and London is reopening to visitors once more, there is no better time to explore the area. So, to help prospective visitors discover the best the borough has to offer, South Kensington’s own, 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel has shared its recommendations on the most picturesque areas to visit and even snap some pics for the grid including Chelsea and Kensington…
The Victoria & Albert Museum
From vintage fashion exhibitions to contemporary interior design inspiration, the Victoria & Albert Museum’s ever-changing, mix of collections are as beautiful as the building itself. Located in the heart of South Kensington, the world-leading museum in Art & Design is the perfect destination to windle away a weekend afternoon come rain or shine.
The Botanica Tearooms
Nestled in 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton, is the beautiful Botanica tearoom. The plant-adorned tearoom draws inspiration from an authentic Victorian orangery, housed in a stunning botanical glasshouse. Its leafy setting offers a nod to the explorative heritage of previous owner and aristocrat, William Alexander, while the natural daylight flooding in via the atrium creates the perfect setting for guests to relax and enjoy Afternoon Tea.
Peggy Porschen, Kings Road
Every explorative trip requires an afternoon cake and tea stop and there is none more beautiful than the Peggy Porschen flagship cake shop on Kings Road, Chelsea. Its pastel pink exterior, adorned with blooms and blossoms attracts visitors from far afield to experience the store’s delectable cake and patisserie offering. And inside, the décor is just as aesthetically pleasing; the plush pink interiors neatly complement the countertop treats, so beautiful they deserve a spot on everyone’s Instagram grid.
Oakley Street
Oakley Street is just one of the Royal Borough’s many picture perfect, symmetrical streets and runs from the north of the Kings Road to the River Thames, where it continues to the Albert Bridge that connects Chelsea to Battersea. Aside from its ‘Insta worthy’ white buildings, paired with matching black doors and railings, the Chelsea street is also known for its plethora of famous, previous residents. From Oscar Wilde to Bob Marley and David Bowie, some of the Capital’s leading creatives have resided here and some of their homes can still be spotted by a blue plaque of recognition – a great way to learn more about the history of such a beautiful area.
The Churchill Arms
Kensington pub, The Churchill Arms, has been donned London’s most colourful pub on many an occasion, making it an unmissable stop on a tour of the borough’s most beautiful locations. During the Summer months, the exterior of the public house is festooned with beautiful plants, flowers and blooms, providing a wonderful backdrop of natural colours to any Instagram shot. While in the Winter months, The Churchill Arms is adorned with over 80 Christmas trees of varying sizes, planted in-between twinkling festive lights. The photo opportunities don’t end inside the cosy pub either; as the ceilings and walls are a treasure trove of eclectic trinkets and ornaments, inspired by the pub’s rich heritage – a shot sure to mix up any Insta grid.
