Ok that London it is vital and transgressive. That renewal is an essential part of his character. Which, after all, is what we expect from her: that no matter how many times we return to the English capital, we never visit the same city.
However, within the maelstrom that characterizes day-to-day life in this city that lives at a thousand miles an hour, there are still small redoubts, flirty neighborhoods full of personality -in form of signature businesses, small boutiques and beautiful restaurants– , which function as an oasis in which to take a break and take a deep breath.
Because it was already time to return to London, and because what our bodies ask of us is to travel slowly, Connaught Village it's our place.
Well, and where is this shopping Eden? Well, we have it easy. Very, very easy. Because who does not walk through the famous oxford street every time you visit the city? It turns out that since Marble Arch , and just a short 5-minute walk away, we enter this chic universe with Hyde Park full of Georgian-style houses and pastel-colored facades.
Connaught Village.
Here it is time to walk slowly, enjoying the details of the doors of the buildings, the elegant access stairs and even the vintage designer bikes parked in the sun. we got drunk with the windows of their stores, meticulously assembled to win over customers from abroad.
Connaught Village shines as if it were the setting for the current romantic comedy —come on, where's Hugh Grant?—, and between Bathurst Mews and Porchester Place streets Everything we long to find unfolds.
NOW YES: THE PARTY STARTS
Being different and original is taken very seriously in kokoro london, one of the shops independent fashion most exclusive in the area. It is located at 19 Connaught Street, and its yellow-painted facade already reveals that the revolution is here to stay. 7 years ago, to be exact: he tells us, already inside, Dawn Brown, owner and founder of the project.
Dressed in one of the colorful suits of her particular designers, she tells us that after many years fully dedicated to the world of retail, she decided to jump in and create her own store where there is only room for those pieces with which she herself falls in love. kokoro means “heart, mind and spirit” , and that is what her proposals transmit.
Thus, in the store you can find garments designed exclusively by great independent artists from around the world , always made in the most distinguished workshops in the United Kingdom and Japan. Unique pieces that blend fashion and culture and that are not easy to find in other places: they are authentic, daring, cheerful and sustainable proposals, they have regular clients like the very Sharon Stone. And, between hangers and shelves, a bit of decorative art: cushions and candlesticks, vases or books, complete its particular offer.
We walk just a few steps to reach another fashion benchmark in the neighborhood: The Place, which is actually divided into two adjoining premises —one dedicated to the man, and the other to the woman—, is the business led by simon burstein in which the most exclusive fashion firms at an international level have a place: the talent of the pop up design He is the absolute protagonist.
Until 20 international brands are displayed throughout its domains, among which are the exquisite patterned fabrics of the British Alice Archer , the bags of naledi , accessories designed by LouLou De La Falaise or the award-winning fragrances Azzi Glasser. A temple to beautiful things in every rule.
The Place.
What do we want more fashion? No problem. Because the Connaught Village offer is as wide and varied as life itself. So watch out for Second-hand clothing from great designers that former musical public relations Sally Ormsby is responsible for collecting The dresser, to the vibrant shirts and jackets of Simon Carter's flagship store - also to the Murano chandeliers or to Regency convex mirrors that decorate your premises—and ultra exclusive prom dresses Elizabeth Jane Howell. It will be difficult not to take out the wallet.
And much less if we give a third change to our route and make a stop at businesses focused on another art: that of decor. Craftsmanship, beauty and functionality embrace each piece that Shelley Simpson designs with care for mud australia, the small shop that, since 1994, offers unique proposals to serve the table: your home will never be the same again.
Circus 25 is a luxury brand of household items, while in PM Flowers, a boutique florist, They defend that flowers are the spice of life and that a beautiful bouquet should never be missing to brighten up a space.
To top it off, one of the UK's longest running antiques and fine art auction houses also has its headquarters here: Lyon & Turnbull It has been organizing events in this iconic place since 1826 no less.
TIME TO PAMPER YOURSELF
Neighbors and regulars at Connaught Village have something in common: they know that, in this corner of London, you come to take care of yourself. And there is no doubt that there are a thousand ways to do it: pampering yourself in any of its stores, buying that crockery that will make lunches happier... or pampering us in body and soul.
And it turns out that they know a lot about that Vitamasques, the groundbreaking British cosmetics firm that has been setting trends for years. After a decade behind him working in luxury spas, and multiple trips to South Korea , its founders realized that how to take care of asian skin It went several points beyond what we used to in the West.
Its wide range of products follow three fundamental points: They are clean formulas, have not been tested on animals, and are suitable for all types of audiences. What better place to feast on wellness than this?
Though for feasts, gastronomy, and he also knows a lot about that in these parts. So it's time to sit at the table in British ways, starting with a coffee with pastries , and then we'll see what else.
One of the iconic places in Connaught Village will catch our attention from afar: the explosion of pink flowers that decorates every inch of its façade will not leave us indifferent. for something Saint Aymes has been chosen several times as the most beautiful coffee shop in London, and that it opened its doors in 2018: there is not a bit of this business that is not Instagram meat.
Behind this beautiful corner where quality sweets are revered are the sisters Michela and Lois Aymes-Willson, artisan chocolatiers who pour into their creations everything that inspires them, especially the great artists of history. Hand painted with 24 karat gold. its popular chocolate pyramids they became so famous that they quickly began to be sold in the most luxurious shops in London. Here you can also try delicious cakes and excellent coffee.
Although specialists in this art are in Markus Coffee, where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee intoxicates from early in the morning. With 34 different types of coffee beans from up to 13 different countries, is the quintessential coffee haven of Connaught Village.
But the culinary offer is infinite, and we see it just by moving a couple of steps: next to Saint Aymes is Supply, specializing in Argentine wines and empanadas. A quiet place in which to settle into any of its little armchairs next to the window to read or chat while we taste flavors brought from the other side of the world. The room, spacious and diaphanous, is also gourmet grocery store.
Marcus Coffee.
And since we are talking about Argentinian flavours, one more proposal: at 26 on the same street there is malevo house, restaurant and Argentine grill that works directly with meat producers from the South American country who provide them with the best cuts. In an intimate setting, surrounded by exposed brick walls decorated with black and white photographs, and accommodated in their padded chairs, it's time to enjoy one of those evenings that, due to their exquisiteness, will go down in the history of banquets not to be forgotten.
an extra? Of course. And not one, but two: the interesting list of vegan options included in your letter, and the small and charming interior terrace. Now yes: we continue.
And we do it willing to finish the route in style: toasting in a very special place. In Connaught Cellars the first thing that surprises us is the sidecar parked by the door quite an heirloom. He too “dog bar” with fresh water for furry customers. The reason for so much dog love? next to the french David Farber , owner of the business, is always his inseparable Cooper, all genius and figurehead and mascot of the business.
The passion for the oenological universe, David tells us, it came from his grandfather, who taught him everything he knows.
That's how he opened this little oasis eight years ago where, in addition to advising restaurants and bars throughout the city, he shares with his clients, with whom he has created an entire community, those treasures that he finds throughout the planet. Specially in Italy and France , where he contacts independent producers who ensure that there is not a single week in which he does not arrive a new gem to the store.
On the ground floor, the most sacred place in the premises: a large high table invites you to sit around it and celebrate life with a pleasant chat between friends —or strangers, who cares—, some pecking, and the tasting of several of its wines. Always guided by David, of course: one of the greatest pleasures that can be enjoyed in Connaught Village.
One of the best endings for a day discovering this unknown corner of London.
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