Here’s a list of our recommended shops and stores in the borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

British Red Cross Shop in Chelsea
67-71 Old Church Street, SW3 5BS
Underground: South Kensington or Sloane Square
Stocking only designer clothes, this charity shop will provide you with some fantastic finds given its location in Chelsea! Items from (among others) Prada and Gucci can be found as well as top-end high street names. Definitely worth a look, you’re bound to find something you like.

Brissi
196 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH (Underground: Notting Hill Gate)
and at 352 Kings Road SW3 5UU (Underground: South Ken/Sloane Sq)
Shortlisted for The Retailer of the Year 2010 by Homes and Gardens’ Classic Design Awards, Brissi offers inspirational gifts and statement accessories for your living, dining, bedroom and bathroom. Owners Arianna Brissi and Siobhan McKeating share a love of interiors. They personally source every piece from specialist suppliers as well as developing exclusive designs with individual craftsmen in the UK and abroad. The Brissi look is elegant and glamorous…a little bit French, a little bit New England and always in subtle chalky, grey and white tones. Find out more about Brissi at www.brissi.co.uk.

Pickwicks Gifts
3 Holland Street, W8 4NA
Website: www.pickwicksgifts.co.uk
Underground: High Street Kensington
Established in 1974, this long-running and very friendly Kensington giftshop is a great place to pick up a gift or two – there’s candles, clocks, jewellery boxes, photo frames, soft toys and plenty more, plus lots of items for the home too.

Urban Outfitters
36-38 Kensington High Street, W8 4PF
Website: www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk
Underground: High Street Kensington
This store is a pretty big version of the chain, and probably the best out of those in London. Funky women’s and men’s clothes, and weird knick-knacks.

Whole Foods
63–97 Kensington High Street, W8 5SE
Website: www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Underground: High Street Kensington
Opened in the summer of 2007, this place was something of a phenomenon. Well, initially at least. I remember going there on the first Saturday; it was so busy that they actually had to adopt an entry queuing system to prevent the store from getting too crowded. That’s all died down now and it’s a lot more managable. Very good quality (organic) food, top class cheese room, and brilliant selection of wines. I like the takeaway sushi too. However, it’s not cheap! Even something basic like a sandwich or a salad will set you back quite a bit.

Peter Jones
Sloane Square, SW1W 8EL
Website: www.johnlewis.com
Underground: Sloane Square
A very traditionally English department store, Peter Jones underwent a complete refit a few years ago to bring it into the 21st century – and get rid of its dowdy image! Sells traditional department store stuff (clothes, shoes, electronic items and so on) but also great for home furnishings. There’s even a small haberdashery section if you’re into that kind of thing. (I am!) The nice cafe on the top floor is a perfect spot for lunch or afternoon tea, and it has great views over Chelsea and Knightsbridge.

Harrods
87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL
Website: www.harrods.com
Underground: Knightsbridge
Harrods is one of those amazing stores; visiting it is more like visiting an amazing London landmark rather than just going to a department store. Much of the interior is beautifully decorated – be sure to visit the Food Hall, with its wonderous decor and sumptious (and expensive) offerings. The store has a pretty famous Winter sale (which is always opened by a celebrity; it starts a few days after Christmas and goes on into January) which is a handy time for grabbing a bargain!

Harvey Nichols
109 – 125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Website: www.harveynichols.com
Underground: Knightsbridge
Harvey Nichols is generally considered the more fashionable and fun neighbour to Harrods. Smaller in size and with fewer departments, there’s still plenty of designer goods. The fifth floor is home to a superb food hall and restaurant, bar & cafe.

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