London Unzipped: Exploring Our Bags and Their Boroughs - Kensington
Pom Pom London's Guide to Kensington
Pom Pom London’s guide to Kensington
Much like the Royal borough of Kensington & Chelsea, the Pom Pom London Kensington bag is chic and sophisticated.
The Kensington Bag in Black and Stone are designed to be worn either as clutch bags or over the shoulder. We named our clutch bag after Kensington, the prestigious Royal borough, where you can find everything from a bouji afternoon tea to some of London’s best museums, galleries, and palaces.
Check out our Kensington guide below to explore one of London's most elegant and picturesque areas.
- Jacuzzi
By now you’ll be very familiar with Gloria and Circolo Popolare – Jacuzzi has been opened as the Kensington outpost of the Big Mamma Group. As you may expect, the interiors are ripe for anyone wanting to post an outfit pic on the gram (with their Kensington bag, of course), but the pizza and pudding is simply to die for!
- Thali
The word thali literally means "plate" – and at Thali London, you can expect a feast of south Asian food. Thali has been family run and on Old Brompton Road for 20 years, and even now features the same family recipes it was founded on. Try the samosas and chaat for starters, followed by seafood thali – *chef's kiss*!
- Launceston Place
For a Michelin-starred dining experience, and potentially for a special occasion in your life, Launceston Place is a top choice. Located in a quaint residential street, this restaurant offers contemporary European cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include the roasted Orkney scallop and the salt marsh lamb. Do not leave without having one of the gin cocktails, mixed with Cambridge Distillery Gin, they’re simply fabulous.
Pair it with The Kensington Bag Stone
- The Orangery at Number Sixteen
Check out the Orangery at Number Sixteen
A sister hotel to Pom Pom London favourite, the Ham Yard hotel, The Orangery At Number Sixteen is equally chic as it is elegant. We highly recommend booking an afternoon tea to have in the orangery if you have time.
4. Hjem
This charming coffee shop, set off the beaten track in a largely residential area but only a short walk from Gloucester Road, High Street Kensington and Hyde Park, is well worth a detour. Great coffee, delicious baked goods and quaint atmosphere – truly a local hidden gem.
Address: 3 Launceston Pl, W8 5RL
Things to do in Kensington
- The Royal College of Music
At the Royal College of Music, you can experience an extraordinary night at the opera in the beautiful Britten Theatre. This venue is where some of the world's finest young singers train for their operatic careers, allowing you to enjoy their performances in comfort at a much lower price than a ticket to the Royal Opera House. These performances are typically held two or three times a year.
- Leighton House Museum
Venturing a bit further, but well worth the trip, is the Leighton House Museum. In the 1860s, artist Frederic Leighton commissioned his friend, architect George Aitcheson, to build a showpiece house in Holland Park. This house, filled with classical treasures from around the world and works by Leighton and his contemporaries, is an architectural marvel. We recommend booking tickets in advance.
3. The Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington. Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists, such as Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Elton John have appeared on its stage. It is also the host of the world-famous Cirque du Soleil show and BBC proms. At Christmastime, their carols concert and ballet shows are the perfect events to get you into the festive spirit!