London shopping

If you're looking for ideas for shopping in London, King's Road offers some of the best luxury shops and boutiques. Here are ten suggestions:

1. Peter Jones Kings Road
2. Heal's Kings Road
3. Habitat King's Road
4. Austique Kings's Road
5. The White Company
6. Cath Kidston Kings Road
7. King's Road Sporting Club
8. Jaeger King's Road
9. Wolford King's Road
10. The Shop at Bluebird

Feel free to add your own suggestions too.

Chelsea Girl - Up in the air

My plans for the Bank Holiday weekend are up in the air because I can’t decide what to do.

If I decide to stay in London then I must drop by Notting Hill Carnival. I usually end up at Norman Jay's Good Times Sound System via Westbourne Station and Kensal Road. It’s not about getting stuck in a gridlock of people traffic.

To carry on with the party, I’ll probably head back to the King’s Road. I’m thinking of going to Embargo 59 on Sunday but I need to decide quick because reservations are essential for this popular night.

There’s also Ibiza Reloaded at Crazy Larry’s on Sunday night. This goes on until 6am and is the after-boat-party for the promoter Love To Groove.

I’ll also need to do some shopping. The other day, I popped into Penhaligon's for the relaunch of their fragrances Zizonia and Jubilee Bouquet and I’ve fallen for the latter. I’ve also fallen in love with the Bluebell solid fragrance. I know summer’s pretty much over but this scent is timeless and the case, divine. I can’t believe I have just discovered this place.

Thanks to the weather, I’ve been wearing boots this past week and now all I can think about is my autumn wardrobe. Saying that, I do love some of items that are still in the sale at Austique.

So maybe I’ll just try and hang on to the summer for a tad bit longer and enjoy the carnival fever. I don’t want to let go of the summer fragrances and fashion just yet. Looks like I'm staying local.

By MZ

Follow her @kingsroadrocks
Read the Chelsea Girls Rock blog

Azendi King's Road - the write ups

Last week Azendi had its launch party for the press and fashion bloggers. Here are some of the write ups:

Marian Kihogo > Azendi Jewellery 104 King's Road store launch

Like Gold Dust > Azendi's 20th Store Opening - King's Road London

Fashionista:London > Store review King's Road

ReallyRee > Champagne Cocktails and Cupcakes - Azendi on the King's Road

If we've missed any off, feel free to add them below.

King's Road shop openings

Soon we'll have a What's On section for King's Road to help keep tabs on everything that's going on around here; from new shop openings to local cinema times and local events.

In September there will also be some new shop tenants towards the top of the road near Beaufort House and The Cadogan Arms. And right down towards Sloane Square, we have The White Company and Cath Kidston unveiling their new stores in early September too.

The White Company Symons Street Launch September 3

Behind Peter Jones, you may have noticed the shop units which are set to be the home of the The White Company's new London Lifestyle store on Symons Street.

Opening on September 3, the new store is set to span two floors and showcase its new ranges and services for the home, fashion and kids. As well as a bespoke furniture desk and fitted changing rooms, there will be a luxe bathroom with running water.

The White Company was founded by Chrissie Rucker 16 years ago now, starting out as a mail order company to become one of the UK's leading luxury lifestyle brands.

The White Company Symons Street opens September 3 - photos to follow.

Chelsea Girl Blues

So the football season is in full swing and Chelsea are at the top of the Premier League.

So in honour of CFC, here is a list of my five favourite blues on the King’s Road.

The Bluebird

The Café or forecourt for lightbites and the restaurant for British dishes with a contemporary twist. The cocktail bar is the busiest on a Saturday night where you might have to wait a while at the bar. And of course, there is the Epicerie and Wine Shop.

The right hand entrance into the clothes shop is my favourite part. It is a museum of style and its current bestsellers include Isabel Marant, J Brand jeans, Woolrich Arctic Parkas (even though it is summer) and especially for the men, Orlebar Brown swim shorts.

There is also a wonderful spa, which sells Micheline Arcier, Ole Henriksen and Malin+Goetz products.

Facial Fuel

Kiehl’s skincare range for men all wrapped up in blue. My boyfriend is a big fan of the Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men. For women, I recommend Midnight Recovery Concentrate also from Kiehl’s.

Made In Italy

This is my favourite Italian on the King’s Road and there is nothing better than sitting on its terrace during a beautiful summer’s afternoon, next to those large blue ceramic plant pots, and devouring the tastiest pizza on the street.

Chelsea Library

Through a set of blue doors, this is a wonderful building with plenty to offer including a first floor art gallery and an antique or fashion sale on the ground floor every now and again.

And finally, the Sir Carol Reed blue plaque on 213 King's Road which I love.

So come on you Blues. Make us proud again!

By MZ

Follow her @kingsroadrocks
Read the Chelsea Girls Rock blog

What are your favourite places on King's Road? #krplaces

Before the launch of our revamped newsletter (which is due out this Friday) we wanted to ask you what your favourite shops and restaurants were on the King's Road. Through our King's Road Local Favourites section on Kingsroad.co.uk we can see the top ten businesses as voted by you! Here they are as it stands at the moment:

1. Love Bakery
2. Fifi Wilson
3. Cath Kidston
4. Anya Hindmarch Bespoke
5. Austique
6. Cineworld
7. King's Road Sporting Club
8. Ad Hoc London
9. Amra Lifestyle & Spa
10. Designers Guild

To comment on your local favourites on Twitter we have created the following hash tag #krplaces. Alternatively you can comment below this blog post.

If you have not set up your KR reader profile you can influence the Local favourites directly. Simply sign up here and then you will be able to start selecting your favourite businesses from Kingsroad.co.uk as well as being able to publish each favourite you set via Facebook and Twitter and share with your friends.

Chelsea Girl

So, how to get the most out of Chelsea?

1. Don’t go for the obvious

Instead of your typical sandwich chain for lunch, try something different.

My favourite local, The Sporting Page, where you can have lunch for a fiver (Fridays only); head to The Top Floor restaurant of Peter Jones and take in the wonderful view of Chelsea’s rooftops and beyond; or take your pick of dishes from around the world at the Duke of York’s Food Market on a Saturday.

If you want something a little different for dinner, there is the Chelsea Physic Garden: an oasis of horticultural beauty.

And this growing list of King's Road restaurants is helpful too.

2. Look for the free stuff

There is The Saatchi Gallery of course but also take a wander down to the Park Walk vicinity and explore the smaller galleries containing works of local artists and new talent. The Little Black Gallery is my favourite photography gallery in London.

3. Get yourself in

It is true that private members clubs such as Raffles and Beaufort House are where the local it boys and girls hang out with Royalty and A-list celebs. But contrary to public perception, Chelsea is not an exclusive area for the Turbo Toffs.

Beaufort House private members club is hidden away upstairs but the cocktail bar downstairs is open to everyone. It is a wonderfully swish place, which is rocking with Chelsea locals every Saturday night.

The great thing about this area is that quality exists at every price. Many A-listers frequent Chelsea's local haunts where form filling isn’t necessary because they are part of the neighbourhood. I remember once sitting in Sophie’s Steakhouse and being told that Kylie had been sitting across the room the previous night.

And remember. Keep an eye on special deals or local shopping news. King's Road is now only a click away.

By MZ

Follow her @kingsroadrocks
Read the Chelsea Girls Rock blog

Luxury Shopping - Sloane Square & Duke of York Square

Image via WikipediaIn our voyage of discovery since launching the local magazine for King's Road we have found some wonderful places to go luxury shopping. In preparation for this post I decided to take my girlfriend for a wonder down the KR knowing that she had a few things on her "to buy" list for her up coming holiday with her girlfriends she was in a great position to help articulate the experience that the King's Road as a whole provides to the luxury shopper around Sloane Square and Duke of York Square.

Standing in the centre of Sloane Square it is easy for the luxury shopper to locate the luxury brands we have all heard of that epitomise the modern King's Road area. As we walked out of Sloane Square Station my girlfriends eyes light up and she shows me one of her best smiles in anticipation that she will be able to spend, spend, spend! The likes Hugo Boss, Cartier, Rigby & Peller, Links of London, Thomas Pink and Gieves & Hawkes all sit proudly hoping for us to wonder in. As I squint trying to see as far down the KR as possible towards Fulham my attention is brought back into focus by those businesses that back on to Duke of York Square. Brands like Wolford, Boggi, Gas, Bcbg Max Azria, Descamps, Ted Baker, All Saints, Whistles, Space NK, Cath Kidston & LK Bennett. But where has my girlfriend gone?

She has been drawn to one of the newest shops Bcbg Max Azria and knowing that she is after a serious fashion fix I decide to move into Boggi, Gieves & Hawkes and Hugo Boss to see if I can find a suit for an up and coming wedding we have been invited to. The staff in all places were incredibly helpful but after trying on several suits I decide that I'm not making a buying decision because my girlfriend had disappeared. For me it is very important to get female input before buying clothes as I can ultimately make duff fashion decision if left to my own devices!

She's not answering her a phone so I decide to make my way into the warming setting of Duke of York Square in preparation for a snoop around Partridges and a spot of lunch. Partridges is one of the best independent grocery store I have visited, it houses some really unique luxury grocery products. This time I did buy something, from the deli, which has some of the most amazing meats, cheeses and condiments.

After strolling round Partridges and picking up a few bits my girlfriend and I meet up. She has several bags and an even bigger smile that earlier! She loves the top end of the King's Road and today has chosen to spend her money in Wolford, Bcbg Max Azria, Myla and King's Road Sporting Club (KRSC) this time. Now she says she feels ready for her holiday. When we get back she shows me her purchases:

• Wolford - Lace garden tights & Daytona Skirt
• Bcbg Max Azria - Printed one shoulder dress & Cutout zip back heel
  
• Myla - Mindy One Piece
  
• KRSC - Fitflop Electra

On this occassion Sloane Square and Duke of York Square did a great job in making sure my significant other is ready to look her glamourous best when she hits the beach. Next time we will be looking at the bottom of the King's Road, an area that has become globally renound for for housing some of the best independent furniture and interior companies.

My King’s Road

Local resident and Chelsea Girl columnist, Mina Zaher, reveals her last kiss and King's Road secret.

What’s your earliest memory of King’s Road?
Stepping out of the Chelsea Cinema having watched my first film: Snow White.

What’s the tastiest meal you’ve had on the King’s Road?
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, on Royal Hospital Road just off the King's Road. Couldn't eat duck for almost a year just in case I was going to be bitterly disappointed.

Which shops do you rely on?
Peter Jones for everything practical and its Benefit counter. Kurt Geiger and French Sole for shoes. King's Road Sporting Club for well, sporty stuff.

What tips would you give a tourist?
Go to the top floor cafe in Peter Jones for a rooftop view of Chelsea. There are plenty of seats along the long window. It's one of London's best kept secrets.

What was the last song you listened to?
Pussycat Dolls 'Beep'

What do you most like wearing?
I have a lovely pair of simple black YSL heels. When I wear those, I know it's a special evening.

Your fashion hero?
John Galliano.

Your most romantic memory of the King’s Road?
Kissing the boyfriend when it last started to snow.

What’s you latest discovery on King’s Road?
There's something I've been intending to discover - Napket. Keep meaning to go in there. It looks so divine.

Where were you when you were last out of town?
Last weekend in Hampshire for a few days. Before then, sailing in Turkey for a couple of weeks in June.

What would you do if you had a whole free day on the road with money to burn?
Buy out MiMi's entire stock.

Favourite pub?
The Sporting Page, just off King's Road.

Your favourite tipple?
Dirty Martini.

Your last kiss on the King’s Road?
Last night.

Your favourite fashion designers?
Alannah Hill (Australian designer) typifies everything I love in fashion. Miu Miu and Kurt Geiger are also fun.

What are you up to at the moment?
Writing a couple of screenplays; blogging and writing the Chelsea Girl column for King's Road - as well as working with a company to seek new theatre writing talent to showcase at Soho Theatre.

The last show you saw at the Royal Court Theatre?
Ionesco's Rhinoceros - it was a couple of years ago.

Favourite season on the King’s Road?
Winter. Sloane Square looks beautiful with all those lights in the trees.

Where would you tell a shopper to go on King’s Road?
MiMi and The Bluebird.

What is your King’s Road secret?
Manolo Blahnik's shop on Old Church Street. I wonder how many people know about that shop because it's down a small road off the King's Road. It's always got such a gorgeous window display.

To feature in My King's Road, contact us to get a set of the questions.