The Pelham

Local restaurants

Italian fine dining and superb martinis are to be had at Brunello at the Baglioni Hotel (+44 (0)20 7368 5700). Modern British Bistro 190 at sister property The Gore on Queen's Gate in Kensington is not far away and does excellent pre- and post-theatre menus. At Brompton Cross – a short walk down Pelham Street towards Chelsea – long-time London icon and classic Sloane diner Bibendum (+44 (0)20 7581 5817) is worth a visit just for its quirky interiors and Secessionist setting: Michelin House. There's a café, trad French restaurant and excellent oyster bar, plus a stall selling caviar and crustacean snacks. For steaks as big as your plates, cooked with Argentinian flair, head to El Gaucho, at 30 Basement, Old Brompton Road (+44 (0)20 7584 8999). 

For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in London, check out our London eating & drinking guide

Nightlife

The infamous Boujis on Thurloe Street (+44(0)20 7584 2000) is where the fashionable Kensington crowd flock. The Roof Gardens (+44 (0)20 7368 3993) in Kensington is a unique London venues; book a table at Babylon restaurant for dinner on a Friday or Saturday night, and you'll get access to the private members' club on the roof at a reduced rate.

Worth getting out of bed for

Here in South Kensington, you're close to the Royal Albert Hall, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the wonderful V&A, as well as Kensington Palace and Hyde Park (where you can also visit the Serpentine Gallery). There's swanky shopping galore, too, with Knightsbridge and Kensington High Street nearby – so you can get Harrods ticked off your shopping-to-do list. It's only a short Tube ride into the centre of London, if you want to catch a show in the West End or explore Covent Garden's boutiques and markets.

For a full list of recommended activities in London, check out our London destination guide