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Which restaurant to dine at is the only problem one
might encounter in Knightsbridge, with a dazzling choice of cuisine and
nationality on offer. Rub shouders with the rich and famous at San Lorenzo or
Daphnes. Splash out in true style at Marco Pierre White’s The Restaurant
at the Hyde Park Hotel, where three Michelin Stars ensure a fine feast, or
sample the Middle Eastern delights of Maroush II Restaurant in Beauchamp Place.
Alternatively, Searcey’s, whose townhouse, 30 Pavillion Raod, must be the
best (if not the only) large ‘private’ house you can hire for any
social or business function.
Redress the balance by keeping fit in one of
Knightsbridge’s exclusive hotel health clubs. The Berkeley sports a
swimming pool on the top floor of the hotel with a sliding roof and probably
the best views in London.The Peak at The Hyatt Carlton Tower hotel is arguably
the most luxurious health club in London, offering a state-of-the-art
gymnasium, which has satisified the likes of Sylvester Stallone, who always
makes use of its facilities when he is in town.
Culture vultures need look no further than the
impressive selection of museums situated to the west of Knightsbridge. The
Natural History, Victoria & Albert and Science museums are all within
walking distance of each other and there are many other art galleries and
antique dealers dotted throughout the district. Norman Adams, situated in Hans
Road, is one of the world’s foremost dealers in English 18th-century
furniture. It is here that one can find the very best of Sheraton, Hepplewhite,
Adam and Chippendale, much of it museum quality. Inspiration can be also found
at Raymond Benardout, purveyor of rare decorative and oriental rugs.
For those who like the excitement of the auction room,
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the four surviving auction houses.
Originally specialising in the sale of old prints, their focus is now in the
fine and applied arts, and they lead the field in contemporary ceramics.
Christie’s South Kensington holds over 380 specialist auctions a year and
handles diverse subjects such as toys, scientific instruments and
rock’n’roll memorabilia.
Finally, no write-up on the Royal Borough would be
complete without a mention of the beautiful garden squares, which are so
typical of the area.With private gardens and outside space being the exception
rather than the rule in The Royal Borough and the local parks being so busy all
year round, many residents have come to appreciate the seclusion and peace that
the private garden squares have to offer. Residents living around the squares
usually pay a nominal annual fee to cover the upkeep of the gardens and are
then issued with a key.
The North and South Gardens of Cadogan Place are prime
examples of well-kept gardens that cater for all the residents needs.The South
Garden offers tennis courts, a children’s play area and a child free
zone.The North Garden is open to residents who have dogs and provides
facilities to ensure the garden is kept clean.This well thought out set-up
means that all residents can enjoy the gardens.
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