Known for its luxury shopping, this city-centre collection of neighbourhoods is a haven of calm for its residents
Internationally known as London’s ultimate shopping district, Knightsbridge remains one of the capital’s most salubrious, yet surprisingly quiet areas. Residents love the peaceful garden squares, cobbled mews and family-run restaurants away from the bustle of Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
“It’s a unique urban village: ask anyone fortunate enough to live there,” says Stuart Bennett, head of sales at Beauchamp Estates Mayfair. “Behind the designer stores of Sloane Street lies a labyrinth of intimate streets that are home to boutiques, delis, restaurants and artisan suppliers.” Micro-neighbourhoods can be found at street intersections, including Lowndes Street-Motcomb Street– West Halkin, Pont Street-Cadogan Lane or Beauchamp Place-Walton Street, each one with its own charm.
“The listed status of many buildings, and prevailing planning restrictions ensure that change is minimal,” says Bennett. While Noel de Keyzer, head of Savills Knightsbridge office adds, “The quintessential garden squares are a significant appeal: Montpelier, Ovington, Brompton – which contain magnificent Georgian and Victorian family homes”. Christian Lock-Necrews, head of sales in Knight Frank’s Knightsbridge office describes it as “an exclusive 15-minute neighbourhood”, with everything a discerning resident could want within easy reach.
“Knightsbridge is a global brand and key destination in central London.” Homes remain consistently in demand. “Even in less certain times the market is always firm, as buyers find security in the knowledge that they’re buying into the very best location in London,” says Bennett.
A DAY IN KNIGHTSBRIDGE
9 AM
Autumn walk
On your way to your PT session, pass appointment-only antiques dealer Adrian Sassoon on Rutland Gate. Stroll past Montpelier Place and Cheval Place to admire the architectural details. At Wilton Place, your session with dedicated trainer Norbet Konja at The Berkeley hotel will make sure you reach your fitness goals, from yoga to aquatic fitness.
10 AM
Breakfast elegantly
Refuel with a post-workout hot drink. The award-winning Feya café on 146 Brompton Road, awaits. Enjoy a cup of karak chai or speciality latte.
11.30 AM
Nail care
Treat yourself to a manicure at the newly opened Townhouse nail salon within Harrods. Whether you’re after a colour refresh or bespoke look, you’re in good hands with the in-house nail artists. Afterwards, have a wander round Harrods, where new additions include the beauty concierge’s The Restory, where treasured accessories can be restored.
1.30 PM
Lunch heartily
Eat at Layalina on Beauchamp Place Next, head south to Dragons of Walton Street for luxury children’s furniture. A few doors down at Besselink & Jones, you’ll find English fine lighting.
3 PM
Designer emporium
No trip to Knightsbridge is complete without a look at the latest styles. Harvey Nichols is always a must-see. Sloane Street is set to welcome a raft of new luxury openings later this year, including Emilia Wickstead and Diptyque, alongside Chanel and Fendi.
5 PM
Pavilion sunset
Unwind at Knightsbridge’s newest members club, The Pavilion on 64 Knightsbridge, where you’ll find a, exclusive menu from Tom Kerridge, events, and a library, to end the day with a relaxing read.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE: ASK A LOCAL
Emily Campin, Director of Gladwell & Patterson, says, ‘ Our gallery, Gladwell & Patterson, established in 1752, is on Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge and we absolutely love working in such an eclectic and bustling environment. There are some fantastic independent shops on our street such as The Map House, Caroline Charles and McKenna & Co, and the collective spirit of the street is second to none. We have some wonderful restaurants in the area and frequently entertain our clients at Giovanni’s on Yeoman’s Row and The Enterprise on Walton Street. Knightsbridge has a welcoming, residential feel while also being a fashionable international hub – there are many five- star hotels in the area, such as The Cadogan.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE: FOOD AND DRINK
1-3 Walton Street
An iconic Italian restaurant in the heart of London, serving classic Italian cuisine for more than 30 years. Known for exceptional seafood and grills, generous portions and an expansive wine list, Scalini is loved by regular clientele and international visitors alike. With an emphasis on tradition, quality and exclusivity, yet with a warm welcome and family feel, experience a taste of authentic Italy in London.
5 Raphael Street
Zuma’s menu showcases authentic modern Japanese cuisine. A twist on the traditional Japanese izakaya style of informal dining, it still respects traditions of the past. Its interiors are inspired by Eastern philosophy, making it the perfect space for any time of day. The menu features a range of flavours and ingredients from ponzu to wafu sauce.
77 Walton Street
From breakfast to dinner, Jak’s London offers a variety of delicious home-cooked food. Inspired by the Mediterranean, Italian and British cuisines, dishes can be paired with some of the finest cocktails in London. A local favourite, Jak’s eclectic interiors are as distinctive as their dishes.
66 Knightsbridge
Directly inspired by historic gastronomy, the menu taps into the world of the British Library, with research spanning from 14th century cookbooks to Lewis Carroll. The result is a wonderland of food that’s too good to miss, especially in the magical setting of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, pictured above.
6 Hans Road
Translating to ‘small plates’ Cicchetti Knightsbridge, is one of the more recent additions to the Knightsbridge dining scene. Diners can expect elevated Italian dining with a touch of Venetian bácaro culture. The inviting colourful plates and menu offer all the Italian favourites and more, including the popular (and decadent) black truffle ravioli.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE: SCHOOLS
Knightsbridge offers excellent schools, particularly suited to its international community. Hill House School on Hans Place is a family-run school welcoming girls and boys, aged four to 13. While most children are born and bred in London, their parents represent 50 different nationalities. ”Hill House believes in a broad based curriculum that kindles children’s curiosity. We’re passionate about music, art and drama as a way for young people to discover their world.
Our school environment is happy and purposeful, offering children a strong sense of belonging,” says a spokesperson.Knightsbridge School on Pont Street offers an ‘all-through’ education in the heart of London, from pre-prep to GCSEs, with easy access to museums and galleries. Leavers head for some of the capital’s leading sixth forms, including More House School, a small Catholic school for girls, also in Pont Street, and Francis Holland School in nearby Sloane Square.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE: ON THE MARKET
Ask an Agent: Shaun Drummond, Director at Harrods Estates
“The biggest changes in Knightsbridge over the past 20 years have undoubtedly been the arrival of world- class, purpose-built residential blocks such as 199 Knightsbridge, One Hyde Park, 19-22 Trevor Square and 10 Lancelot Place. These buildings offer services and facilities that rival those of similar developments in other global capitals with 24-hour concierge, security, underground parking with valet service, state of the art health clubs/spas with gyms, swimming pools and treatment rooms – all key requirements for the discerning Knightsbridge purchaser. Prices rocketed after the arrival of these developments. Knightsbridge truly set the pace for the rest of central London. It’s where it all started, and it has stood the test of time.‘’
199 KNIGHTSBRIDGE
A sought-after four-bedroom lateral apartment with an 800sq ft reception room on the second floor, with 24-hour concierge, underground parking and valet service, plus the use of a spa and pool. £13.95m.
Agent: harrodsestates.com
ALBERT COURT
Near the Royal Albert Hall, this two-bedroom apartment in a 19th century mansion block and comes with passenger lifts. £29.995m. has wonderfully high ceilings. £2.395m.
Agent: beauchamp.com
ENNISMORE GARDENS
Overlooking beautiful communal gardens, this townhouse was rebuilt behind its facade and comes with passenger lifts. £29.995m.
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