There’s something unmistakably charming about High Street Kensington. Known for its rows of high-end shops and café culture, what truly sets it apart is its strong sense of community – a rarity in such a central part of London. It’s one of the few places in Zone 1 that genuinely feels like a lived-in neighbourhood.
Once home to Princess Diana, the area still exudes luxury and elegance. High Street Kensington offers the full gambit of green spaces, cultural exhibitions and restaurants.
Wellness activities
Determined to stick to my new identity as a “Reformer Baddie” I decided to sneak a class into my day at 1Rebel. This trendy, high-energy gym offers Pilates, spin, and HIIT classes in a stylish setting that manages to feel more like a boutique hotel/members club. They’ve thought of everything; top-tier changing facilities including a mini-ironing board, hair straighteners and hair spray, reusable water bottles, and even have grippy socks on sale in case you forgot yours. We tried the Dynamic Reformer class, a Pilates variant that’s spicier, faster, and more up tempo than the traditional slow-paced version and it was the burn we were looking for.
You can purchase beginner packages which would be ideal if you are staying in the area and not wanting slip on your fitness goals. A great wholesome start to the day, rounded off with drinks laced with electrolytes, we felt energised and accomplished.
www.1rebel.com/en-gb/clubs/high-street-kensington
Green spaces
West does it best when it comes parks. Holland Park is absolutely stunning this time of the year with the blossoms hanging heavy in the trees. A highlight is the Orangery, built in 1811 to house citrus trees during winter. Today, it hosts art exhibitions and events, with its grand glass structure letting in beautiful light. Nearby, the Kyoto Garden, a gift from the city of Kyoto in 1991, offers a completely different vibe with blooming cherry blossoms, peaceful waterfalls, and colourful Koi Carp.
We grabbed the obligatory Whispering Angel, sushi and cupcakes from Waitrose at the entrance to the park and enjoyed some people watching in the sun.
A bit of culture
No visit to High Street Kensington is complete without exploring the Design Museum. Currently, it hosts the exhibition “Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style”, running from March 28 to August 17, 2025. This major exhibition celebrates our enduring love of water over the last 100 years, exploring the full spectrum of swimming design – from sports performance and fashion to architecture.
The exhibition features over 200 objects, including Pamela Anderson’s iconic red “Baywatch” swimsuit, the first Olympic solo swimming gold medal won by a British woman, and a selection of eye-catching men’s Speedos from the 1980s. Other notable items include the banned ‘technical doping’ LZR Racer swimsuit and one of the earliest surviving examples of a bikini.
Indulgent dining
If you wander down High Street Kensington you will find the local institution that recently won Kensington’s Best Restaurant award for 2023/24. Walking into Ffiona’s feels like being welcomed into a wonderfully eclectic home. Every picture on the wall has a story, and every dish on the menu feels personal. Ffiona herself is gracious, warm, and full of charm, running the restaurant with her sister, creating a unique, family-run atmosphere.
We started with buttery garlic prawns and a fresh beetroot tartare. The Chicken Kiev, a house favourite, is a must-try – crispy on the outside, oozing with garlic butter inside. For dessert, the Citrus Cheesecake is cloud-like and perfectly balanced. It’s the kind of place you leave already planning your return.
High Street Kensington is more than just another London shopping street. It’s a place rich in history, personality, and community and the perfect location for a London day out.
www.highstreetkensington.co.uk
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image courtesy of unsplash.com
