Discover Katharine’s top 10 things to do in Chelsea this summer. On a whistle-stop tour around the around the famous SW3 postcode, Katharine suggests a selection of her favourite restaurants, museums, boutiques and walks.
The Albert Bridge
As I’m an early riser, I love a walk around Hyde Park when it’s at it’s emptiest. Another favourite early morning walk is over The Albert Bridge to catch the sunrise; on a clear day, it’s breath-taking.
Daphne’s is located right in between our design studio and the Katharine Pooley boutique on Walton Street, the perfect destination for a delicious lunch with a client or a quick catch up with friends. It’s vibrant interiors are reminiscent of summers spent eating along the Italian Riviera.
A hidden oasis found in the heart of Chelsea, it is London’s oldest botanical garden. You’ll find the Physic Garden concealed behind the ground’s tall walls. It is a wonderful and secret place to recharge on warmer days in the city.
is a long standing favourite restaurant of mine, an old school classic with a beautiful floral façade that changes throughout the seasons. It’s always busy with a great atmosphere. Make sure you visit on the weekend for brunch or an early evening cocktail; my favourite is an Aperol Spritz.
Located on leafy Pimlico Road is the brilliant Jamb, an industry favourite for exquisite antiques. Filled with gilded mirrors, show-stopping fireplaces and beautiful, classic lanterns, this shop is always worth visiting.
Guinevere Antiques is an Aladdin’s cave of treasures located on the New Kings Road. Founded in the 1960s, it’s a family run business headed by Kevin and Marc Weaver. It will take you back in time with their globally sourced stock of magnificent and rare antiques. Heather Weaver has a particularly brilliant eye for one of a kind pieces.
My boutique is nestled amongst a gorgeous selection of shops on Walton Street. It has been there for over 18 years and it still brings me joy everyday. If you’re in the area, do drop in and visit us; you’ll find a carefully curated selection of luxury home accessories and objects from my travels.
De Gournay’s hand-painted wallpapers are world renowned. Each panel is like a piece of art containing beautifully crafted scenes depicting animals, landscapes and flowers all telling different stories. I have just designed a new humming bird Chinoiserie, which you can see in the de Gournay showroom.
The V&A is probably my favourite museum in London. There are numerous interesting exhibitions to see, whether it be art, design or performance. I particarly enjoy the V&A ‘Lates’, which happen on the last Friday of each month. Make sure you take a look! When I next get a spare moment, I really want to spend time sitting in the Cast Courts; it’s perfect for peaceful contemplation.
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour
My absolute favourite place to go sourcing is The Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. There are so many incredible suppliers based there. I know that every visit will result in finding new and exciting pieces, be it beautiful fabrics at Turnell & Gigon, fun trims at Samuel & Sons or bespoke crystal lighting at Gladee.
My final Chelsea top tip is to visit ‘The Flower Stand’ on the Fulham Road, perfect for an armful of blooms.
Katharine
