London with its teenage mood swings-like weather patterns has made getting ready for the warmer seasons that much more difficult. One thing that this city is not short of are the events planned throughout the warmer season. West London starts to hype itself for summer by ‘petal-ing’ into Chelsea in Bloom! With that said, I thought I would share my favorite Chelsea spots with you! Chelsea is the bit of London that houses art, culture and a lot of lovely designer boutique shopping. Just West of Mayfair and Westminster, the borough is the perfect place to explore.
I tend to frequent the borough so much that I have a curated list of favorite Chelsea spots often for dinner and drinks or a weekend peruse. I’ve partnered with Bloom & Wild, my favorite flower delivery service, to share some of my favorite spots in Chelsea.
photo assistance ZAHRA BESWICK in collaboration with BLOOM & WILD
Duke of York Square & Garden
One of my all time favorite Chelsea spots is just a little walk down from Sloane Square, you unexpectedly hit this vast square that has a few benches, little green hubs and a weekend market that you don’t want to miss. From doughnuts, oysters & champagne, and some international fare-it’s a must. The market sits in front of this green space that in the summer is the place to be. To relax, enjoy the sun, and enjoy a few drinks {or in my case, a few doughnuts will do} from the market.
Saatchi Gallery
And from the green space, looking East, you find yourself gazing up at a gorgeous Georgian building. Through the inviting pillars, you are free to enter the world of contemporary art—the Saatchi Gallery. A must needed addition on my favorite Chelsea spots list.
John Sandoe bookstore
Once you’ve had a bit of a peruse through the museum, you cross the street and find yourself in front of the most handsome bookstore. Its glossy black exterior with tall windows allows you to take just a little peek in and you can find that not a single wall, shelf or table is without a book. This is by far one of my favorite bookstores in London if I’m looking for a shiny new page-turner as it has significant political history and historical fiction collections. The owner, as well, will give you the right literary advice based off of what you’ve previously read, enjoyed and loved.
Neighborly Spaces
One thing that makes Chelsea so charming are the little side streets off of King’s Road. If you’re not careful, your architectural high will get you lost among the winding streets. My two favorite streets are Bywater Street and Carlyle Square. Bywater has a street of insta-worthy colorful houses! Carlyle Square is a cul-de-sac that you can easily miss, but when you go through a little gate you will find yourself in front of absolutely stunning mansions. Each doors with its glossy black door, the original Victorian tiles at the entrance. Oftentimes, there’s also a rose garden in the front.
dress AVOCA denim jacket c/o ANTHROPOLOGIE shoes c/o BODEN jewelry c/o J.LAUREN dress MICHAEL KORS trench c/o BODEN shoes c/o BODEN jewelry c/o J.LAUREN
There’s no perfect way to celebrate the summer than to visit the Chelsea Flower Show. This year Bloom & Wild will be adorning Club Monaco Sloane Square’s store with a unique flower installation starting 22 May!
Get Another Perspective
Follow one of my favorite Instagrammer, Anoushka, around King’s Road with her area guide!
Chelsea Quarter Café
In need of a cheeky treat, a little energy or feeling slightly puckish? The Chelsea Quarter café is a quaint, little neighborhood place that gets you all those things especially if you’re casually perusing through the shops up and down King’s Road.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
You may have caught a glimpse or two on my Instagram, but The Ivy is one of my favorite places to go when I have friends visiting London. Serving up British brasserie fare in a luxe and sophisticated setting. The Chelsea location offers an organic and garden-like space making it the perfect place to enjoy Chelsea in Bloom!
