Around Blakes

The Neighbourhood

Tuesday, 26 November 2019

The Neighbourhood
Blakes Confidential, our Concierge service, is where we share our knowledge of the spaces and sites of London is available to anyone who enquires. Our glorious location offers you a quiet respite from the hustle of the city as well as a wide range of places to visit day and night all within relatively easy access. We present to you our current choice of the hidden specialities that will delight any Blakes guest:

Just off Kings Road lies Duke of York Square with a branch of Parisians’ favourite breakfast spot Cuisine de Bar and its bakery counterpart, Poilane. On Saturdays the square hosts a food market. Then head to the neighbouring world-class Saatchi Gallery.

Closer to home is the secluded Chelsea Farmers’ Market on the quiet enclave of Sydney Street off Kings Road. Less a traditional Farmers’ Market, more a scenic square with one-off shops and restaurants with al fresco dining. In summer, the courtyard becomes a foodie oasis.

Humble Pizza is our sprightly new friend serving plant-based pizza catered towards vegans and those looking for gluten free alternatives to the World’s favourite meal. Styled after a classic London café its exterior and equally delightful interior are all in shades of soft pinks. Healthy food, animal friendly and impeccably presented. 342 King’s Road, SW3.

Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanical garden founded in and occupying four acres of land on the edge of the Thames. First established by the Apothecaries (Pharmacists of their day) to grow medicinal plants, this extraordinary garden in London has had wide reaching impact around the world. Entry is £10 per adult and it has various opening times through the seasons.

GOAT is a quality New York–Italian restaurant on Fulham Road, just a short walk from Blakes. Whilst the restaurant is well worth the experience, its hidden speakeasy bar The Chelsea Prayer Room is a special delight. Reservations required.

Heading North into London’s museum district with Natural History, Science and V&A Museums being a gentle amble from Blakes. Each has annual special exhibitions alongside their permanent collections.

For guests with plenty of time to explore, Hyde Park hits the top spot for open space. A reasonable 30 minute walk from Blakes to Kensington Palace and then into the “lungs of London”. Fact: 47% of London is ‘Green Space’, made up of parks as well as public and private gardens.

International Arrivals
Heathrow - 45 min by car
London City - 60 min by car
St Pancras - 30 min by car

Local Transport
South Kensington Underground - 10 min walk
Gloucester Road Underground - 7 min walk

Parks
Hyde Park - 30 min walk
Regents Park - 30 min by car

Shopping
Kings Road - 10 min walk
Knightsbridge & Harrods 15 min walk