Kensington Church Street, London
Kensington Church Street began as a lane that joined two Roman roads from Bath and Oxford to London, later becoming the de rigueur 16th-century address, then home to a mansion that was rebuilt as Kensington Palace, residence of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Connecting the bohemian neighbourhood of Notting Hill with ultra-conservative Kensington, the hilly street has been associated with antiques for at least 70 years and more than 60 dealers call it home.
Fashion, homeware and patisserie outlets have more recently moved into the winding street renowned for its Tudor-style architecture and imposing Victorian church, St. Mary Abbots. Pop into Space.NK. apothecary (3 Kensing-ton Church Street, tel: 44 20 7376 2870) for boutique skincare and cosmetic lines that really work. Maison Blanc (7A Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7937 4767) is not a store in the conventional sense, but its seasonal offerings and old standbys such as tarte au citron are definitely worth a taste. It may be everywhere but it would be criminal to bypass Crabtree & Evelyn (6 Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7937 9335), purveyor of old-fashioned scents and organic treats.
Yacco Maricard (10 Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7376 9151) is a branch of the Tokyo-based cotton and linen outerwear specialists, while nearby All Saints (tel: 44 20 7938 4466) sells funky men's and women's clothes in a deceptively large store. Jones Bootmaker (26 Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7937 5440) sells high-quality classic British footwear in styles that transcend fashion's whims.
Just off the main thoroughfare is Phoebe Carlyle (8 Holland Street, tel: 44 20 7938 2121), which offers a delicious assortment of lingerie in a chocolate-box-sized store. Speaking of which, no visit to the area is complete without venturing into Pierre Marcolini (6 Lancer Square, Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7795 6611), one of the world's finest chocolate makers. There are 80 different pralines to choose from in addition to four types of luxurious chocolate spread and marshmallows flavoured with rare Tahitian vanilla.
Exquisite and unique headgear can be purchased at Hats Etcetera (36b Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7361 0000). All items are handmade and feature fine detailing. Ann's (below; 34a Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7937 5033) may occupy what resembles an antiques store but this lighting specialist, proudly operating by appointment to the Queen, sells only new handmade lamp shades, chandeliers and other light fixtures. Jeanette Hayhurst (32a Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7938 1539), which has been selling antique glass for almost 20 years, deals primarily with 17th- to 19th-century pieces costing from GBP10 ($148) to more than GBP5,000.
Roderick Antique Clocks (23 Vicarage Gate, tel: 44 20 7937 8517) stocks more than 250 timepieces in a small yet imposing setting. Peter Farlow (34 Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7937 3388) sells 18th- to 20th-century painted furniture on which to display them. Arthur Millner (2 Campden Street, tel: 44 20 7229 3268) exhibits Indian and Islamic art in antiques fairs around the world and at this grand location, while Jorge Welsh (116 Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7727 7677) does the same with Chinese porcelain and Indo-Portuguese art. Finish your stroll at Lotus (184 Kensington Church Street, tel: 44 20 7221 6274), a fetching boutique that sells chiffon kaftans and beaded cashmere twin sets, suitable get-up for a night out in nearby Notting Hill Gate.
