Words by Sara Darling
I went to Belgravia and left a new woman! Is this London’s undiscovered secret for wellness and rejuvenation?
This delightful part of London has come a long way since its modest beginnings in the 17th century, when it was mainly pasture land, known as the Five Fields; notoriously dangerous, it was ruled by thieves and highwaymen and the general public steered clear. However, when King George IV decided to make Buckingham House his permanent palace, the land-owning Grosvenor family stepped in to evict the sundry and develop Belgravia into a residential area, fit for visiting royalty. Working with famed architect Thomas Cubitt, the iconic townhouses and crescents are still landmarks today.
Consisting of the backstreets between Victoria Station and Sloane Square, it was my mission to spend 24 hours exploring this pretty pocket of the city, and I began my journey by strolling through this quintessentially British neighbourhood to my hotel, soaking up the pretty Elizabeth Street window displays en route.
Where to stay
My hotel, The Hari, is one just of two properties in the collection, the second being in Hong Kong. With just 85 bedrooms, this boutique residence is like being at home, if home were a sophisticated central London townhouse.
I stayed in the penthouse apartment, with a wraparound balcony overlooking London’s skyline and, in all honesty, I felt like Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady! Thankfully, my faux cockney accent was confined to the suite, and by the time I had cocktails in the contemporary art-filled bar, I was back to my usual self. Along with a bar and hidden Garden Terrace, the hotel also serves delicious Italian cuisine at il Pampero restaurant, which also doubles up as the breakfast diner.
Where to get fit
I retraced my steps to the Ecclestone Yards development, which was snuggled beside Victoria Coach station, and the cobbled courtyard hosted a wealth of treats including the fitness fanatics paradise, Psycle. Offering more than traditional spin classes, this friendly studio was bursting with Lycra-clad visitors who were either sipping smoothies, or on their way to their respective sessions. I was excited to try a Barre class and was made to feel most welcome in the intimate space. Most of the class were regulars, so I had plenty of people to focus on to ensure I was using the correct arm and leg.
Elsewhere in the complex is a Barry’s Bootcamp gym for more hard-core classes, but I bypassed those and booked in for a restorative breathwork class at the ultra-calming Re:Mind. The classes, which are bookable in advance, are designed to help your troubles melt away as you reset, thrive, and grow. This peaceful hub is just a stone’s throw away from the bustle of the city, yet you are transported to another world in a peaceful, safe, and welcoming space that encourages transformation, connectedness, and well-being. Other yoga, meditation, and holistic classes and workshops are available, check the website for times.
Where to get pampered
Anyone into self-care will understand the power of a good facial, and I can safely say that I had one of the best facials of my life at Dr David Jack’s new Belgravia Clinic. Needing some serious TLC after a summer of sun, I was excited to see the outcome of the Egyptian Facial (so called because Queen Cleopatra, who was renowned for her beauty, was a fan). This hour-long treatment was not scary as it sounds, and acid peels and skin scraping is great for noticeable results without any down time. Plus the finale of Retinol and Vitamin C left my skin glowing with extra goodies to help promote collagen production in the deep layers of skin.
You can get the best blow dry in town, in long-standing Neville salon, which is handily located next door to The Hari and has been serving the glam squad of Belgravia since the nineties. I popped in for a freshen up with ‘stylist to the stars’, Jason Crozier, who has worked as a session stylist for decades, jazzing up countless celebs and fashion editorials. Reading my hair as easily as a book, he worked magic with the new L’Oréal Absolute Repair Molecular and turned my barnet into a sleek skull cap in less than an hour.
Where to eat
Ecclestone Yards is a former industrial yard which has been transformed into a cultural centre, full of cafés and bars, centred around an outdoor courtyard. I enjoyed lunch at Latin-American inspired Morena, which was buzzing with yummy mummies, solo diners and locals who were tucking into brunch, sharing plates and cocktails (in no particular order!) The friendly staff also put on workshops including flower arranging and hold regular DJ nights.
Walking down Elizabeth Street, you won’t be able to ignore the decadent pink and faux floral foliage at Peggy Porschen bakery; however if you’re not there for an Instagram shot, I would recommend popping across the road to sample an award-winning croissant at Chestnut Bakery, which has a much more laid-back vibe. Whether you’re planning to sit in or take away, the menu consists of bakes, pastries, flatbreads and sandwiches, all with a mouth-watering selection of fillings, which you can enjoy in a lovely ambient conservatory.
Where to shop
The neighbourhood is home to some beautiful green spaces, so it’s a pleasure to spend some time there checking out the boutiques. Pimlico Road, Motcomb Street and Elizabeth Street are all within 15 minutes walking distance of each other and just five minutes from Victoria, Sloane Square and Knightsbridge tube stations, so you have plenty of options for getting home.
From the cafés and intriguing homewares stores such as Beulah, Joanna Wood and Jo Loves, to fashion boutiques and more, as you may expect, all the stores are cherry-picked to suit the area, and even if you’re not shopping, the atmosphere and window displays are a sight to behold. I was delighted to visit the soft opening of the latest addition to Motcomb Street, Tissa Fontaneda, which is known for its timeless Bubble Bag. The standalone store has recently opened and stocks the full range of stunning leather accessories made from soft Spanish nappa, and a recent addition, ready to wear.
From haute couture to classic cuts, a visit to Belgravia will tick every box; and from 15 November, the streets will be illuminated with Christmas light displays and is the launch of Belgravia’s Christmas Trail of Cheer.
Factbox
Keep up to date with all the news at Belgravia London and Instagram and find our favourite hot spots below.
The Hari: 20 Chesham Pl, London SW1X 8HQ
Psycle: 27 Eccleston Pl, London SW1W 9NF
The Chestnut Bakery: 17-21 Elizabeth St, London SW1W 9RP
Re:Mind: 25A Eccleston Pl, London SW1W 9NF
Dr Jacks: 59 Ebury St, London SW1W 0NZ
Nevilles Hair: 5 Pont St, London SW1X 9EJ
Morena: 10-11 Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ
Tissa Fontaneda: 8 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8JU
