The Best of Knightsbridge: Japan House to the London Oratory

Beautifully framed by leafy Hyde Park, Belgravia’s cobbled mews and the renowned museums and galleries of Kensington, Knightsbridge has been a destination for couture and culture for generations. First gaining the attention of the capital’s fashion crowd in the Swinging Sixties, today the neighbourhood is home to designer ateliers and global flagships, a bustling foodie scene and some of London’s finest historical landmarks. And it’s all just a hop, skip and short stroll away from The Berkeley.

Once an area of marshland, legend has it that the area became known as Knightsbridge following an altercation between two knights – which saw them both fall from a bridge, into the water below. Fast-forward five hundred years, and Knightsbridge began to evolve into one of London’s most distinguished postcodes. This is a place to see, and be seen – where instead of knights, it’s the boutiques, galleries, cafés and award-winning eateries that jostle for attention on its storied streets.

Experiences and landmarks in Knightsbridge

The streets of Kensington, Chelsea and Knightsbridge are instantly recognisable. Ornate Victorian and Edwardian townhouses, in russet tones, enclose manicured garden squares – peaceful pauses in the bustling city. Then there’s the neo-classical Victorian facade of the monumental London Oratory. Founded by Saint John Henry Newman in the mid 1800s, and drawing on Roman Baroque and Wren styles, this Catholic church remains the centre of a vibrant local community. 

And of course, there’s Harrods. Under its iconic bottle-green awnings, striking window displays offer a glimpse into the jewel-box interior – home to the latest designer collections, runway-ready accessories, beauty innovations and homeware. With a whole floor given over to the legendary Food Halls, visitors can savour an entire day here.

A cultural hotspot

Beyond the temptation of boutique browsing, there’s a whole host of fascinating things to do in Kensington and Knightsbridge. The neighbourhood is home to many of the world’s embassies, and this international spirit spills out across eclectic restaurants and cultural centres. Japan House on Kensington High Street is a must-visit. A curation of art, design and omotenashi hospitality whisks visitors to the neon cities, snow-tipped mountains and ceremonial traditions of Japan. While the meticulously appointed shop promises unique gifts and an immersive reading list.

From a contemporary powerhouse to a Gothic icon, the Natural History Museum is a labyrinthine building of wonder and discovery for the young (and the young at heart). Galleries spill over with tiny fossils to giant blue whales, as every room reveals a fascinating piece of planetary history.

Knightsbridge restaurants and bars

Whether it’s a post-museum pick-me-up or dinner with the rising stars of the culinary scene, gastronomic experiences lie in every direction from The Berkeley. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s legendary abc kitchens is a sublime spot for day-long dining. Or guests can hop in a chauffeur-driven car to one of The Berkeley’s sister hotels in Mayfair – for flame and flair at The Connaught Grill or a taste of the season at three-Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.

As the night warms up, Knightsbridge bars come into their own. The Berkeley Bar and Terrace is a tucked-away spot for a glass of vintage champagne or two. While the Blue Bar serves up remixed cocktails and DJ vinyl sets from dusk to (almost) dawn. 

From the comfort of The Berkeley

In the heart of Knightsbridge, The Berkeley promises a best-of-all-worlds retreat. Design-led suites and rooms skim the horizon, with expansive terraces opening onto personal panoramas. While the rooftop pool is a sublime spot to soak up the views.

Guests at The Berkeley also receive temporary membership to Surrenne Knightsbridge for the duration of their stay. Introducing a new paradigm of health, fitness and beauty services, this sense-stirring space promises a collection of treatment sanctuaries, aromatic saunas, a 22m lap pool – and the Tracy Anderson studio, a UK first for the global fitness pioneer.

When the capital calls, our concierge team holds the keys, with top tips and the hottest tickets for things to do in Kensington, Knightsbridge and beyond.