Hidden gems in our neighbourhood
One of the most wonderful things about London is that you don’t need to go far to find the city’s hidden treasures, in fact, you don’t often need to leave the local neighbourhood.
To inspire your visit, we’ve collated our favourite hidden gems within 30 minutes’ walk of Royal Lancaster London, for those looking to find those little treasures off the usual beaten tourist track!
EAT
Italian Gardens Café
Hyde Park
Located just across the road from the hotel, this Café offers you some tranquillity in the hustle and bustle of the city and has a view like no other! Enjoy a coffee whilst admiring Hyde Park’s beautiful Italian Gardens (even better when served al fresco on the decking in the sunshine) and for those feeling peckish, you’ll find fresh salad sandwiches and pizzette on the menu at lunch time. For those feeling more active, why not get a takeaway coffee and explore Hyde Park.
Les Filles Café & Deli
27 Craven Terrace W2 3EL
Just a short 5 minute stroll from the hotel, this cosy Café is open from morning to night, offering artisan coffee and wine and cocktails, with a simple food menu to match. Choose from healthy breakfasts to sandwiches and sweet treats for the afternoon, plus a dinner menu served from Thursday to Saturday!
The Churchill Arms
119 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 7LN
This stunning flower-adorned pub in Kensington is a favourite on Instagram (£25,000 per year is spent on maintaining their floral façade!) and it’s the perfect spot to sample local London ales surrounded by quirky Churchill memorabilia, just a 25 minute walk from the hotel. Hungry? The pub also serves traditional Thai food in their dining room which also doubles up as a magical indoor garden!
SHOP
Connaught Village
St George’s Fields, London W2 2AA
Just a 10 minute walk from the hotel past London’s stucco-fronted terraced houses, you’ll find leafy Connaught Village; an oasis of calm in the heart of the city, dotted with colourful Georgian fronted shops. From luxury fashion, to beautiful flowers and fine wine and cheeses, it’s the perfect place to pick up a few treats. Afterwards, take a pit stop at one of the beautiful cafés or sample international cuisine at one of the many chic restaurants with outdoor terraces for the warmer months.
Westbourne Grove
Notting Hill W2 5SH
Less than 30 minutes’ walk from the hotel you’ll find stylish Westbourne Grove with a treasure trove of independent and luxury fashion, beauty and homeware boutiques. Browse beauty at Space NK, candles at Diptyque and fashion at Sézane, Reformation and Maje before enjoying a coffee or glass of wine in one of the many restaurants and cafes adorning the street.
EXPLORE
Serpentine galleries
Hyde Park, London W2 3XA
For contemporary art lovers, offering a range of seasonal exhibitions throughout the year. The galleries pioneer stunning contemporary art from emerging and established artists from around the world – plus it’s free and a only a 15 minute walk through stunning Hyde Park from the hotel! Open weekly from Tuesday to Sunday.
Hyde Park Stables
63 Bathurst Mews, London W2 2SB
Explore Hyde Park from horseback with Hyde Park Stables, offering private and semi-private horse riding lessons for adults and children 7 days a week. No previous experience is necessary and the stables are located just round the corner from the hotel. This fun and unique experience is a great way to see Hyde Park from a different perspective, and enjoy a 5 mile route that takes in the idyllic Serpentine Lake, Speakers Corner, Marble Arch, the Albert Memorial and the Diana, Princess of Wales fountain.
Little Venice
Just over 20 minute walk from the hotel past Paddington, you’ll find a hidden, quaint corner of London called Little Venice where the Grand Union Canal and Regents Canal meet, filled with little cafes and restaurants. From here, you can enjoy a relaxing walk (or hop on a narrow boat trip!) past Regents Park all the way to bustling Camden, where you’ll find an array of shops and food markets.