If you’re not looking for a proper sit-down meal, or would prefer some quick and easy on the pocket, why not try one of the superb cafes in the area?

One of the cheapest cafes in the area is the Holland Park Café (inside Illchester Place, W8) one minute from the youth hostel. The Evening Standard declared this place as the park cafe with the best atmosphere in London. It is highly recommended, particularly in good weather. Meals are about £3, a cup of tea for 45p.

Benjy’s (157 Earl’s Court Road, SW5) serve huge breakfasts all day long with as much tea or coffee as you can drink for under £4.

The Troubadour (265 Old Brompton Road, SW5) is one of the original coffee houses in London. My father swears by it and it used to be his second home at one point! Meals are around £4. Live music downstairs in the evenings. Bob Dylan made his first London appearance here and John Lennon also played here.

Chelsea Farmers’ Market (125 Sydney Street, SW3 – off King’s Road) has several restaurant and cafe places which charge reasonable prices.

Café Consort (Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP – Door 12- Grand Tier Level) is a contemporary cafe situated in the beautiful Royal Albert Hall and now open 8.30am to 9pm daily. The cafe serves up a delicious menu including breakfasts (til 11.30am only), sandwiches, mains, desserts and drinks. The cafe regularly hosts live music at Friday lunchtimes and Sundays.

Caffe Concerto has some great, bright and airy new premises at 84 Kensington High Street, W8. Be sure to try one of the sumptious cakes or pastries.

For amazing homemade cakes, salads, sandwiches and other snacks, you must make your way to Ottolenghi (at 1 Holland Street, W8 4NA and 63 Ledbury Road, W11 2AD). If you take a look at their shop window as you walk by, you won’t be able to resist going in!

Fait Maison has a couple of branches in Kensington, plus one in Shepherd’s Bush and one in Ravenscourt Park. We particularly like the on at 3 Stratford Road, W8 6RQ with its cosy seated area at the back of the premises. As well as the usual coffees, teas and juices on offer, there’s a particularly fine selection of cakes and pastries as well as assorted larger dishes for something slightly more filling.

Cafe Chains
There are also countless Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Coffee Republic, Cafe Nero dotted around the whole borough if you need your coffee fix. These places generally also serve pastries and snacks.

© 2012 The Guide to Kensington & Chelsea. All Rights Reserved.