My Kensington

When people ask me why I have never moved away from the Kensington area, I tell them that i have everything I need in this neighbourhood. I also really think that nothing beats the combination of the quiet Kensington / busy-trendy Notting Hill. Here are my favourite gems around Kensington Church street:

Hungry?

I love Clarke's store  (122 Kensington Chruch street) for its amazing cheeses, jams, and breads. You can also find fresh fruit juices, lovely home made ready meals and even some products from Quiberon in France (Sardines etc...).

On the other side of the street, fill your shopping basket with healthy organic products from the Chegworth Farm Shop (221 Kensington Church street). Apples and Pears are the royalty of the shop but you will also find plenty of very natural vegetables (yes, carrots and potatoes with mud on it and tomatoes without their plastic wrapping do exist in London!). While you are there, pick up some beautiful flowers and a piece of the fabulous brownie they receive every Thursday, it is to die for. Last but not least, all this come at a very reasonable price.

If you are feeling lazy for lunch, why not walking down the street and stop at Ottolenghi (1 Holland street), the modern Mediterranean deli? healthy salads, main courses and gorgeous desserts to take away. Don't miss their aubergine and pomegranate salad and the seared tuna with chili sauce!

About Beauty 

Nothing relaxes me more than a deep tissue massage after an intense week. I have been faithful to Zen (32 Notting Hill Gate)  for the last five years and never regretted it. All their therapists are very experienced and make sure you leave the place without all these tension points you had in the shoulders. Prices are very competitive and the ratio price/quality is the best in town. Book well in advance for evenings and weekends appointments as their treatments are very much in demand. Make sure you arrive ten minutes early for your massage, it will give you time to enjoy the beautiful tea they will give you while you are waiting. Delicious..

Fashion?

Yes, Kensington Church street might not be your first thought when you want to buy clothes, but this is where My Favourite Thing (99 Kensington Church street) decided to open. In this place you will find designer clothes at reduced price. Unfortunately for us, all pieces are unique. No chance to buy the same coat as your best friend. But what can make you feel better that knowing you re going to be the only one wearing this dress at your next party?So stop often, the stock is changing all the time!

Best dry cleaner in the neighbourhood? Go straight to Pure Stitch (46 Kensington Church street). They respect your clothes as if they were their own and they also offer a very experienced tailoring and alteration service. So don't hesitate to leave your designer pieces!

Time for a drink...

When the Kensington Wine Rooms (127-129 Kensington Church street) opened on the street, I thought it would be the perfect alternative to the classic Churchill Arms (119 Kensington Church street) or Windsor Castle (114 Campden Hill road) pubs. As a non-beer drinker, I have always been frustrated by the quality of wine in the pubs. So this wine bar first came as a relief: nice interior design, short list of quality tapas and about 40 wines by the glass. All this unfortunately comes at a price: Count minimum 6£ or 7£ for a 12.5cl glass. If you plan on a drinking evening, cross the road and go to the pub instead.