In my youth, I regularly visited Kensington High Street to shop at Kensington Market, which was sadly demolished in 2001. I found myself at Kensington High Street twice last week for an event at the Norwegian Embassy and to see the Sneakers Unboxed Exhibition at the Design Museum. I took the opportunity to compile my seven reasons to visit Kensington High Street. West London, W8. My list includes the ease of access to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Holland Park. The impressive Design Museum, Japan House and Wholefoods Market. The array of Japanese lifestyle stores and restaurants plus the high street shops and eateries. It’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon. Join me as I tell you about my seven reasons to visit Kensington High Street.
Seven Reasons To Visit Kensington High Street
You are spoilt with a choice of beautiful London parks (Royal Parks – Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens and Holland Park) with easy access from Kensington High Street. Hyde Park includes Queen Mary’s Gardens, a boating lake, children’s playground and eateries. Please read my article about Ten Things to do in Hyde Park. Kensington Gardens was once part of Hyde Park, and it boasts the Serpentine Galleries, Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, Diana Memorial Playground and more. Please read my article about Ten Things to do in Kensington Gardens. Next to the Design Museum is an entrance to Holland Park (The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea). It has beautiful gardens, woodland areas, children’s play facilities, sports facilities and a cafeteria.
The Design Museum is the world’s leading museum dedicated to contemporary design. They have a permanent collection (past, present and future design), exhibitions, events, workshops and gift shops. It’s worth a visit for anyone who appreciates design. The address is 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG.
I enjoyed browsing around Japan House, the cultural home of Japan in London. It’s a stunning space with a shop that looks like an art gallery displaying crafts, homeware, stationery, books, beauty products and more. You’ll also find exhibitions, the Japan National Tourist Organization, Akira Michelin-listed restaurant and The Stand serving Japanese teas and matcha drinks. The address is 101-111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA.
Anyone interested in Japanese fashion, food and culture will love the Japan House and the Akira bar and restaurant (above). There are plenty of other Japanese inspired shops and restaurants in the area. Check out Muji (lifestyle store), Uniqlo (fashion store), Hare and Tortoise (restaurant), Yashin Sushi (restaurant), Sushi and Robata by Genji (restaurant) and Havan (tea shop, matcha bar and ethical lifestyle store).
While you are in the vicinity, you must pop into Wholefoods Market Kensington to pick up something delicious for your lunch or dinner. It’s a large store brimming with delicious healthy orientated food. On the ground floor, you’ll find a seating area where you consume your purchases from the store. The in-store amenities include a coffee bar, pizza bar, cheese room, custom cakes, bespoke hampers, self-service bulk section and self-serve Mochi bar. The address is 63-97 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SE.
Kensington High Street is perfect for a spot of retail therapy; shops include TK Maxx, Jigsaw, Hobbs, H&M, Uniqlo and Muji. My favourite store is the Kensington branch of Urban Outfitters for clothing, apparel and lifestyle accessories. I always enjoy browsing Zara Home for beautiful home accessories. If you want to buy a gorgeous gift for a friend, try Japan House and the two gift shops at the Design Museum (above).
After shopping, you can stop off for refreshments at one of the many coffee shops, bakeries and cafes. We went to Perky Blenders (above) for coffee and sweet treats. Other suggestions include Ole & Steen (bakery from Denmark), Gail’s Bakery (bakery with brunch and lunch dishes) and Labakery (cute bakery). As mentioned above, Wholefoods Market Kensington is a great option to purchase food and eat it in the seating section. For a memorable lunch, it has to be Akira at Japan House. Other restaurants include The Ivy (brasserie), Dishoom (Indian), Hare and Tortoise (Japanese) and Balans (brunch).
Seven Reasons To Visit Kensington High Street Information
If you want to explore Kensington High Street, travel to High Street Kensington Underground station via the circle and district lines. I’d recommend walking up Palace Avenue to see the grand embassy buildings next to Kensington Gardens if you have additional time. Kensington Church Street is another exciting road where you will find Space NK and Reiss. As you progress up the street towards Notting Hill, antique shops are abundant. If you have time, wander down any side streets that look interesting. I hope you enjoy your visit.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
