The Weekender: Belgravia

Planning a staycation? Put Belgravia at the top of your list. The coveted central London district – with its white stucco terraces, boutique stores, first-class dining options and luxury hotels – will certainly not disappoint.

Located south-west of Buckingham Palace, and just a short walk from Victoria and Hyde Park Corner stations, Belgravia’s prime London location is certainly one of its key attractions. Combine that with its picturesque buildings and old-world ‘village’ feel, and you’ve got yourself an idyllic summer staycation spot. But what to do and where to go? Make the most of your time spent in the neighbourhood with our weekender guide.

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The Weekender: Belgravia Travel Guide

STAY

The Berkeley

For an unforgettable luxury stay (betwixt Knightsbridge and Belgravia), The Berkeley can do no wrong. Think impeccable contemporary design, welcoming staff, and a whole host of culinary delights – the runway-inspired Prêt-à-Portea is a must. Anna Wintour-shaped biscuit anyone? Rooms and suites (many of which feature their very own terrace and walk-in wardrobe) are more than commodious with elegant neutral tones and sumptuous marble bathrooms.

Stylish interiors continue downstairs in The Berkeley Bar & Terrace – the perfect pit stop for pre- or post-dinner drinks – where you’ll find Irish designer Bryan O’Sullivan and New York-based artist TM Davy’s statement pink mural adorning the walls of The Snug. Alternately, the Blue Bar – originally designed by David Collins – boasts an eccentric cocktail menu and appetizing bites, should you be peckish. Of course, there’s also a health club and spa where guests can indulge in a selection of Bamford treatments or work up a sweat in the ground-floor gym. An open-air rooftop swimming pool will even grace the hotel later this year. Also new to the establishment is the The Berkeley Beach Huts, designed to inspire a ‘seafront’ dining experience at the heart of London.

Other Belgravia hotels of note include The Hari, The Lime Tree, The Goring and The Lanesborough. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

BOOK IT: the-berkeley.co.uk

EAT

Wild By Tart

Belgravia is in no shortage of fabulous places to drink and dine. Head to neighbourhood restaurant Wild By Tart to indulge in an array of delicious and sustainable dishes, from whipped feta with baby beetroot and lovage salsa verde to hake fillet with nduja butter and fennel. Located within Belgravia courtyard Eccleston Yards (where you’ll find a range of independent stores, restaurants and wellness spaces), the former power station is the perfect place to refuel. 3-4 Eccleston Yards SW1W 9AZ. wildbytart.com

Interview with Wild By Tart’s Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison

Pantechnicon

Pantechnicon’s building is hard to miss with its grand pillars and floral entrance. Located on Belgravia’s Motcomb Street, the new five-storey dining and retail destination fuses ‘Nordic and Japanese creativity and craftsmanship’, comprising a rooftop garden and bar, quirky shopping studio, Japanese wine bar, and more. For an extraordinary taste of Japanese and Nordic cuisine, book a table at Sachi where you’ll dine on the likes of sushi and moriawase (all crafted with local ingredients) paired with delicious sake selected by the resident sommelier. 19 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8LB. pantechnicon.com

Peggy Porschen

You’ve most likely spotted this bakery plastered across the grids of Instagram influencers aplenty, renowned for its pretty pink exterior and floral instillations – the ‘original Instagram magnet’, as the bakery brands itself. Situated on the corner of Belgravia’s Ebury Street, the original parlour is a must-visit if you’re in the area with a selection of inviting cupcakes and toothsome delights on display. Stop by for a delightful Afternoon Tea spread – currently in collaboration jeweller Olivia Burton – comprised of traditional finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, and your choice of a signature cupcake or berries and ‘elderfleur’ slice. 116 Ebury Street, SW1W 9QQ. peggyporschen.com

DO

You’ll want to spend some time exploring the area’s assortment of independent retailers and boutiques. Fragrance fans will enjoy a visit to Jo Love’s London store, and a unique ‘Fragrance Tapas’ experience at the ‘Fragrance Brasserie Bar’ (42 Elizabeth Street).

Four-legged friend in tow? Visit dog and cat outfitters Mungo & Maud for tempting treats and adorable pet accessories (79 Elizabeth Street). Then head to Neil Strain Floral Couture for a browse at the luxury florist’s selection of bouquets and florals, as well as its picture-worthy seasonal installation (11 West Halkin Street).

SEE

Another great way of exploring the neighbourhood is to follow the Wander Art Walking Trail, the city’s largest outdoor gallery. Located across Mayfair and Belgravia, the alfresco exhibition comprises a number of vibrant, thought-provoking art installations created by the likes of designer Yinka Ilori and illustrator Ricardo Cavolo. Discover the works by foot or hop on a ‘Boris Bike’ (there are plenty of docking stations spanning the district) to explore a little further afield. Continue the search for art in Eccleston Yards where you’ll find award-winning artist Lucy Tiffney’s striking floral mural.

THE FINAL WORD

Brimming with history, culture and plenty of character, Belgravia is proof that you needn’t travel outside of London to enjoy a reposeful, sumptuous staycation. It’s hard not to fall in love with this picturesque part of the city. Feast, shop and explore until your heart’s content – we guarantee you’ll be coming back for more.

Find out more at belgravialdn.com

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