Blakes
Local restaurants
Zuma (+44 (0)20 7584 1010) for outstanding Japanese. Mao Tai (+44 (0)20 7731 2520) for mouthwatering Chinese in a contemporary setting. San Lorenzo (+44 (0)20 7584 1074) for Italian in Knightsbridge. A cab ride over the river takes you to Chez Bruce (+44 (0)20 8672 0114) for fine dining, and Ransome’s Dock (+44 (0)20 7223 1611) for Modern European. Both have outstanding wine lists. Pickled herring with cheese or Swedish meatballs with lingonberries and pickled cucumber isn't your usual pub fodder in Chelsea, but thanks to a Scandinavian overhaul, the Phene Arms on Phene Street SW3 (+44 (0)20 7352 3294) is a refreshing option for lunch or dinner. The grazing menu at 1880 at the Bentley on Harrington Gardens, SW7 (+44 (0)20 7244 5555) is well worth parking up for; they range from six courses at £40 a head, to nine courses at £48 a head.
Local bars
The Collection restaurant (+44 (0)20 7225 1212) for expert cocktails. Bardot (+44 (0)20 7351 1711), a small but perfectly formed designer bar. K-Bar (+44 (0)20 7352 6200) for drinks and dancing in Chelsea. The Ifield (+44 (0)20 7351 4900), a stylish pub with good food. The Chelsea Ram (+44 (0)20 7351 4008) for a lazy Sunday lunch. Cooper’s Arms (+44 (0)20 7376 3120) for a pie and a pint. The Thomas Cubitt, on Elizabeth Street in Belgravia (+44 (0)20 7730 6060), has the best of both worlds with a cosy bar, as well as a stylish dining room serving excellent dishes.
Local cafes
The legendary Kebab Kid for a midnight feast on the New King’s Road. And for an afternoon tea of thinly cut sandwiches, scones, jam and clotted cream, why not visit the Ritz (www.theritzhotel.co.uk/tea)?
Worth getting out of bed for
The Royal Albert Hall (+44 (0)20 7589 8212; www.royalalberthall.com). Shopping in Chelsea and Knightsbridge. UGC Fulham Cinema, a two-minute walk away. Kensington Palace. Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens (+44 (0)20 7402 6075; www.serpentinegallery.org) holds free exhibitions.
Diary
January London International Boat Show (+44 (0)1784 473377; www.londonboatshow.net). May Chelsea Flower Show (+44 (0)20 7649 1885; www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea). June Wimbledon (+44 (0)20 8944 1066; www.wimbledon.org). July the Proms, Royal Albert Hall. November Christmas lights get switched on.
