In Focus: Kensington

Food and drink

When it comes to eating out, Kensington boasts some of London’s best food spots. The list can go on, with the area offering everything from casual to fine dining and several Michelin starred restaurants, including Kitchen W8. Kensington has an extensive range of options, but some standout eateries include Sally Clarke’s bakery, The Abingdon, Muffin Man Tea Shop, Jacuzzi, Mazi, Los Mochis and Min Jiang, which offers incredible views over Kensington Gardens. 

Another local favourite is Scarsdale Tavern, one of the area’s finest pubs. Tucked away from Kensington High Street, it provides a peaceful ambience with wonderful food on the menu. 

Or, if independent food retailers are of interest then there’s Bayley & Sage on Church Street and Whole Foods on the High Street (within the Barkers Building).

Entertainment and culture

Along with its retail scene, the area has plenty more to offer beyond its boutique shops. Kensington is known for its vast array of entertainment and culture. Among the most popular are the various museums including the V&A, the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Leighton House Museum, and Design Museum. 

In terms of entertainment, the area includes the renowned Royal Albert Hall and famous Olympia London, which has been an iconic London events venue for over 100 years. Recently, it has transformed into an expanded space where it will host a collection of hotels, restaurants, bars, and a sky garden with a view of the city, further boosting the destination as a hotspot. 

And for those who want to stay fit or unwind, 1Rebel, Equinox and The Body Lab are all located on Kensington High Street.

Education

With museums to explore, the area is already considered to be a place of learning and education. In terms of institutions, Kensington is home to the UK’s top ranked university, Imperial College (according to the World University Rankings for 2025), and the Royal College of Art, Royal College of Music, and the Institute of Cancer Research. 

For families looking to send their children to a nearby school, the selection in Kensington is among London’s best. Kensington has the highest proportion of schools rated as outstanding by Ofsted with a rating of 52% compared to the London average of 28%. Offering a wide range of both independent and state schools, there is plenty of choice making it an appealing area for families. 

Green space

Nestled between two world-class parks, Holland Park and Kensington Gardens, residents in the area benefit from the value added by nearby green space. According to the Savills Prime Index, prime central London properties with a view and within 50 metres of a park attract a £psf value of 36% above properties that are not near a park.  

Holland Park is the borough’s largest park, known for its stunning gardens, children’s play facilities, sports areas, and abundant woodland. A main feature of the green space is the beautiful Kyoto Garden, built to celebrate the Japan Festival in London in 1992. 

Kensington Gardens, another famous London park and one of the capital’s eight Royal Parks, holds a rich history through its many monuments, statues and fountains. From the Albert Memorial and the elegant Italian Gardens, to the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, the park makes a wonderful spot for families and visitors to the area. While another of London’s Royal Parks – Hyde Park – forms a chain from Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens.

Kensington also has a number of garden squares, which residents benefit from, such as Edwardes Square, an area favourite for its quiet and peaceful setting.

Connectivity

Kensington has excellent connectivity to other areas of London. Tube times are approximately 12 minutes to Westminster, 15 minutes to Bond Street, and 25 minutes to Bank, making Kensington an ideal location for anyone moving around the city. 

Not only is it well connected in the capital, Kensington also offers wider connectivity through easy access to the M3 and M4. In addition, Heathrow airport can be reached in under 30 minutes by car or around 40 minutes via the tube.

Property in Kensington

Ranging from Georgian architecture to contemporary designs, Kensington homes offer elegant and sophisticated living in one of London’s most desired areas. The neighbourhood’s mix of traditional properties, along with modern developments helps to cater to various tastes and lifestyles. 

For those looking for community living, developments in the area offer unique apartments with luxury facilities and services. Standout developments include Holland Park Gate, once an Art Deco cinema, that now features a collection of apartments and penthouses where residents will benefit from a number of amenities including a health club and spa. 100 Kensington, the tallest residential building in the borough, offers stunning views over the city and top-tier leisure facilities including a 20-metre swimming pool, fitness studio, and cinema room. 

Some of the most sought-after streets in the neighbourhood include Sheffield Terrace and Gloucester Walk, both of which provide access to exclusive communal gardens. Ideally situated, they offer convenient transport links via Notting Hill Gate and are close to the green spaces of Kensington Gardens and Holland Park. Hillgate Village is also popular for its small colourful homes. 

Opportunity Kensington

In addition to all of the above, there is both a 3- and 5-year strategy for the Business Improvement District (BID) for the High Street – called Opportunity Kensington – a strategy focused on people, places and experiences. Key features include:

• 42% of the budget will be used for public realm improvements, from wider footpaths to cleaner and safer public spaces. 
• Developing solutions to enable businesses to invest, attract and retain people will be vital for the area’s strategic goals. 
• Connecting the community with businesses.
• Air quality and quality improvements to public spaces. 
• Anchored around High Street Kensington Station.

Here’s a selection of properties on the market in Kensington.

Further information

Contact Sophie Nixon or Charlie Kennard