Whether you’re staying in London for a few days to take in the amazing sights and culture or you find yourself requiring a longer-term residence, then Cheval Apartments come highly recommended. I stayed in the Gloucester Park building not long after the apartments had undertaken a major two-year refurbishment and appreciated the central location, loved the plush interiors and enjoyed all the little extra aspects that make a stay anywhere other than your home simply luxurious.
With eight luxury all-apartment residences across London, Cheval Collection promises five-star private accommodation with all the added benefits of a grand hotel such as a 24-hour reception, friendly concierge, public spaces and secure access. The Gloucester Park residences have a gorgeously decorated reception, lounge area with comfy seating and coffee machine and a charming cinema on the ground floor. The area is also well staffed so should you need anything there is always someone there to help.
The apartment
Upon arrival my apartment wasn’t ready (I was a little early) so I dropped my bags off and headed off to do a spot of shopping, for food items there’s a Waitrose around the corner so you can be sure to stock up on all those essential items. The peaceful location is top-notch – nearby you have a selection of casual eateries, fine dining restaurants, food shops, and short walk away is the magnificent museum quarter, boasting the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Science Museum and the Natural History Museum – all of which are certainly worth a visit for their varying displays and interactive exhibits.
From my top floor three-bedroom apartment I was fortunate enough to have city-wide views including the palatial Natural History Museum in the foreground and The Shard, London Eye and other notable sights a little further away. My spacious apartment benefitted from a lounge and dining area with balcony, a fully-equipped kitchen and three en-suite bedrooms – one with a balcony, one with a bathtub and all with those enviable rooftop views. There was also a WC in the spacious hallway with a coat cupboard holding some branded umbrellas and an iron and ironing board.
I adored the décor throughout the apartment – all rich blues, gorgeous golds, plush fabrics, well-crafted fashionable furniture and beautiful grey marble bathrooms to give a modern five-star hotel feel with comforting elements too. The master bedroom benefitted from an expansive built in wardrobe with branded hangers, big windows from which to enjoy the views and a luxe en-suite with a double sink and spacious walk in shower. Black marble topped bedside tables held radios with an inbuilt charger and a book of poetry, while plush carpets were laid throughout the rooms alongside herringbone wood flooring and tiled underfloor heating in the bathrooms.
Expect the best of the best during your stay here. Each room held a TV, slippers and robes, hairdryers, bathroom scales and lots of storage space, Bvlgari toiletries, sophisticated lighting in each room with controls for spotlights, lamps and inset lighting. I liked the fact that the walls were thick, I couldn’t hear my fellow guests move around the apartment when they were up before me in the mornings. The shared parts of the apartment consisted of the kitchen, which had quality tableware, a washing machine and tumble dryer perfect for longer stays (I could certainly see myself staying here for an extended period of time) and any item you could need to cook and serve with.
The lounge diner had a lovely round glass table surrounded with tan velvet dining chairs and a gorgeous Art Deco style side cabinet and a teal velvet sofa, black glass coffee table and a 65-inch TV in a large shelving unit with books and ornaments surrounding. I enjoyed the added extras, which included welcome snacks, milk, shortbread, Nespresso pods and teas. There’s also a chauffer and private chef service available should you need it and you can now take part in a series of exclusive workout videos with LIFE Acrobat via Cheval’s mobile app so there are no excuses not to stay healthy when you reside here.
There were a few little snags such as the housekeeping staff still cleaning the apartment when we were let in and a smoking light socket, but the socket was fixed the next day and it hardly deterred from a pleasant stay.
It came as no surprise to me to hear that in its first month of opening guests had already booked in to stay long term and with some great longer stay rates, it makes it all the more appealing. The central, yet, quiet location is ideal, the modern, spacious apartment with all the mod cons offers the perfect home from home with family, friends or as a base while in the city for business. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would happily stay again.
Eating out (locally)
Though your apartment comes with all you need to whip up some delights, if you fancy dining out during your stay then nearby Zacks Bistro serves a delicious eggs royale for brunch as well as a selection of other breakfast and lunch items. Bombay Brasserie is just around the corner and offers fine-dining Indian cuisine but hop in a taxi for the short trip to the Riverside Brasserie and you won’t regret it.
Set in the Chelsea Harbour Hotel – a Millennium Hotel, this brasserie offers peaceful waterside views making you feel like you’ve been transported from the city to a riverside retreat. To go in line with the waterside location, the brasserie has recently launched a new coast to coast menu, which offers fresh seafood delights including Newlyn crab bisque, Jersey rock oysters, monkfish, scallops as well as a few land-based and vegetarian dishes too.
I headed down for a lunch in the Riverside Brasserie and loved my selections from the coast to coast menu. Along with a glass of Chardonnay I tucked into a starter of the Newlyn crab bisque followed by the monkfish, scallop and pancetta brochette with pepper dulse tabbouleh and a shellfish vinaigrette.
The bisque was poured at the table, which I appreciated and the rich, burnt orange in colour and truly tasty dish was certainly worth savouring. The monkfish accompaniments had gentler flavours so as not to overpower the delicate fish but with the saltiness from the pancetta, herby wheat, plump and juicy seafood this made for a delightful plate of food. With this I devoured a side of delicious truffled honey carrots and parsnips and the wine went down a treat too. I couldn’t manage a dessert so opted for a cappuccino but if I had the room, I would have certainly opted for the Valrhona chocolate pudding.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this peaceful Monday lunchtime treat, with delightful fresh food in an alluring setting, made all the more enjoyable by our ever-so friendly waiter.
Factbox
A luxury one-bedroom apartment can be booked from £377 per night.
Address: Ashburn Place, Kensington, London SW7 4LL
Phone: +44 (0)20 7373 1444
Email: cgp@chevalresidences.com
Website: chevalcollection.com/cheval-gloucester-park
