The Other House South Kensington

Worth getting out of bed for

South Kensington isn't just one of London’s most Mary Poppins-esque neighbourhoods – it’s also a learning experience, with the Science and Natural History museums very close to the hotel, the spectacular craftsmanship on display in the Victoria & Albert, and in a Brutalist building in between, the Royal Geographical Society, which hosts talks and exhibitions. Hyde Park isn’t just a top-notch picnicking spot; pedalo around the Serpentine Lake, muse over thought-provoking pieces in the twin Serpentine Galleries, and then head over to the west side for a tour of Kensington Palace, which many actual royals call home. Holland Park is smaller, but is worth a visit for its dainty Japan-inspired Kyoto garden and open-air auditorium where a three-month summer opera programme is held. And on its south edge is the Design Museum, which covers all aspects of aesthetics, from sneakers to furnishings to fashion. If that puts you in an acquisitive mood, well you’re in the right place – some of London’s finest shopping is all around you. Harrods and Harvey Nichols megastores, the labels and indies along the King’s Road, Sloane Square’s big-deal boutiques and more will lighten your wallet and weigh down your suitcase. While in Chelsea tour the Saatchi Gallery and pick up some apothecary knowledge at the Chelsea Physic Garden. If you’ve arrived in May, the streets and Royal Hospital will be in bloom as the Flower Show springs up (keep your eyes peeled for the famous red-coat-sporting Chelsea pensioners too). Dopamine Land is also a riot of colour with sparkly, rainbow installations said to spark joy (or at least provide an engaging Insta backdrop); and a little more authentic is Leighton House, once owned by Frederic Leighton, a member of the pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, and his creative flair is visible throughout in the intricate detail and Moorish stylings. There’s more Eastern promise in Japan House too, which also has a store and restaurant. Then, continue your cultural foray into the evening with a show at the Royal Albert Hall, a film at the French Institute’s Ciné Lumiere, or live music at the historic Troubadour in nearby Earl’s Court.

Local restaurants

Look around you – the elegant centuries-old townhouses, the erudite boutiques, the Hugh Grant speech inflections: dining here tends to be on the ‘pound, pound, pound’ metric, but with meals that easily match that in quality and experience. Ceru has earnt an impressive reputation for its Middle Eastern-Mediterranean fusion fare. Flavours go hard in dishes such as the five-hour slow-roasted lamb shoulder with a 12-spice-blend rub, pomegranate sauce, mint and pistachio; sticky roasted aubergines with tamarind and sesame; or ginger and coconut cream profiteroles in a date syrup. Claude Bosi at Bibendum is set in the spectacular art deco Michelin House, formerly home to the tire company and gourmet guide, set with colourful stained glasses. Food is elegantly Gallic, with garlicky, lemony frog’s legs; Brittany rabbit with Scottish langoustine and tarragon; and a double-chocolate soufflé. Daphne’s – a ‘local’ if you live in Chelsea – has an upmarket menu of Italian favourites with a special truffle menu when in season. And, Brindisa, on Exhibition Road, is a more affordable option, serving their famous chorizo, rocket and piquillo peppers on toast; and goat’s cheese with orange blossom honey and beetroot crisps, alongside temptingly authentic tapas.

Local cafés

Just around the corner from the hotel is Fait Maison, which you’ll recognise for the several weddings’ worth of flowers coating the front. You can have the usual cream tea here, but we recommend trying the Turkish delights on offer – say the brownie topped with Turkish cotton candy or the coconut sponge spread with pistachio. The breakfast menu has some very tasty picks too, such as the simit bread topped with labneh, a poached egg, chilli sauce and za’atar. And, Guillam Coffee House is a laidback space with a serious coffee addiction, showcasing speciality blends from all over the world.

Local bars

The Kensington Hotel’s K Bar has a Mad Men-esque appeal – one could imagine having either a swish business meeting or hush-hush affair in its wood-panelled, velvet-upholstered, chandelier-hung environs. Order up a Brown Derby (bourbon, grapefruit juice, honey and maple syrup), or the classic Champagne Cocktail (cognac, brown sugar, Angostura bitters, orange zest and Perrier Jouët Grand Brut), and sip suavely. Meanwhile, Janet’s Bar, set in a townhouse on Old Brompton Road, has a rather different vibe. Packed with memorabilia tied to no specific theme or date, and serving toothache-sweet cocktails, it’s where the suit jackets come off and ties get loosened – and the star of it all, Janet herself, is as welcoming a landlady as you could hope for.