With 6 weeks left until the big event and shops beginning to deck themselves out with a glorious array of decorations, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the capital’s best shopping

Nestled amongst the Georgian stuccoed splendour of the Royal Borough, The Kensington is perfectly positioned to take advantage of all the prime shopping the area has to offer. From boutique brands to big names this has to be one of the best places to get stuck into shopping at Christmas.

Stroll down from The Kensington towards Knightsbridge and you’ll find one of the world’s most famous shops, the imposing red brick and green awnings of Harrods. Gleaming bright above Brompton Road, the fun begins before you even set foot in the store. Lit up with some of London’s best Christmas decorations and beautiful window displays there’s nothing like a trip to Harrod’s to really get you in the festive spirit. Make sure to visit the food court to get your taste buds tingling ahead of a holiday of over indulgence.

Harrod's

Head east from Harrod’s and you’ll hit Sloane Street, home to the London flagships of some of the world’s best known fashion behemoths. From Gucci to Salvatore Ferragamo, there’s something here for every fashionista plus the likes of Jewellery Institution Boodles and more. Sloane Street also plays home to another of London’s great department stores; Harvey Nichol’s and its famous 5^th floor food court – perfect for grabbing a bite to eat and rest from pounding London’s pavements.

Sloane Square and the King’s Road at the other end of Sloane Street has been home to a host of independent boutiques since it’s time at the centre of bohemian London in the 1960s. Ad Hoc, a King’s Road institution is the perfect place to find quirky stocking fillers, whilst Partridges, a family owned grocer (by appointment to HM The Queen) is an Aladdin’s cave of tasty treats for devouring on Christmas morning.

King's Road Christmas Shopping

Further up the road you’ll find a plethora of house hold names and stores with a more niche offering. Cross over onto the Fulham Road and head to Peter Harrington to search out a fine binding for the book worm in your life. This little literary emporium has everything from first editions of everyone’s favourite classics, to niche runs of antique volumes and limited editions signed prints from artists like Andy Warhol and Degas. Nestled next door and just a five-minute walk from The Kensington is fêted silversmith Patrick Mavros’ flagship London store, selling a gorgeous array of silver jewellery and homeware inspired by Mavros’ African homeland.

'Plight of the Pangolin' cocktail created in conjunction with The Kensington's partnership with Patrick Mavros

After a day’s hard work scouring the shops of Kensington & Chelsea, how better than to relax into a comfortable arm chair and enjoy tea back at The Kensington or a well deserved ‘Plight of the Pangolin’ cocktail in the K Bar, created in conjunction with The Kensington’s partnership with Patrick Mavros this Christmas. 15% of the cost of each ‘Plight of the Pangolin’ cocktail will be donated to The Tiki Hywood Trust.

All images from Flickr.