With the royal wedding just weeks away, we’re excited to see where Harry and Meghan hang-out in London. From musicals to markets, and restaurants to shops, here are 10 spots the trendsetting couple favors. It’s handy inspiration if you’re planning a visit to the British capital. Need a great place to stay? Check out London Perfect’s stylish apartments, located in the same neighborhoods where the new couple love to hang out and where they’ll be living soon! The apartments are equally ideal for romantic couples or families. Centrally located, Kensington, Chelsea and Notting Hill are some of the best places to stay in London.
1. West End musicals
London’s famous West End has proved a big draw for former actress Meghan and Harry. The couple has seen hit Broadway musical ‘Hamilton’ (Victoria Palace Theatre, 126 Victoria Street, SW1). By Lin-Manuel Miranda, it’s the all-singing, all-rapping tale of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. They also caught Disney’s epic animal musical ‘The Lion King’ (Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, WC2) – both shows are still running. London Perfect can help with theater ticket bookings for hot West End shows. If you love theater, the most convenient locations to stay are Kensington or South Kensington, where you’re on the Piccadilly Line, the direct line right to the heart of the theater district.
2. King’s Road and Sloane Square
Credit: Hedi Klein
Meghan enjoys shopping on and around Chelsea’s posh strip the King’s Road. Her ports of call include Heidi Klein‘s beachwear store (257 Pavilion Road, SW1), near chic Sloane Square, which sells body-hugging bikinis. Founded by Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein, this UK boutique’s exclusive resort looks have attracted Sienna Miller and Jennifer Aniston. Meghan has also visited facialist Sarah Chapman’s boutique (259 Pavilion Road, SW1), which sells signature Skinesis skincare products. Shop for gifts or book a pampering treatment. You’re near Jo Malone, Meghan’s go-to British perfumer (150 Sloane Street, SW1).
As Meghan has discovered the best areas to stay in London are Chelsea, Notting Hill and Kensington, without a doubt. The reasons are that they combine the best shopping with the three great museums on Museum Row; are close to Kensington Palace and Kensignton Gardens; and a short walk to Harrods in Knightsbridge.
Here are some of the best London vacation apartments.
3. The Sands End
Credit: The Sands End
Meghan and Harry have dined together at The Sands End in fancy Fulham in southwest London. An intimate restaurant, its warm wood and neutral, earthy hues bring a touch of the countryside to the city. Book a table for seasonal food and real ales, lager or wine among locals and their lounging pooches. A pub with a modern twist, it serves signature Scotch eggs and Sunday roasts by a Michelin-trained chef. Typical mains include pea and pecorino risotto or crab fettuccine, followed by Eton mess for dessert. Who knows, you might even spy M&H! 135-137 Stephendale Road, London SW6.
4. Battersea Park
The loved-up couple bought their Christmas tree at a Pines and Needles pop-up at Battersea Park. This gorgeous 200-acre riverside park is south of the Thames opposite Chelsea. It offers lawns, tree-lined paths, flowers, plants and playgrounds. The London Peace Pagoda is a tranquil Buddhist stupa on Carriage Drive North. There’s an abstract sculpture by Barbara Hepworth south of the boating lake, with a figurative Henry Moore sculpture to the north. Meghan may come here for dog walking too, as she brought her beagle Guy to London. There’s a dog statue near the Old English Garden. Battersea Park, London SW11.
5. Soho House
Credit: Soho House
Of course, one of the places where Harry and Meghan hang-out is at the stylish British private members’ club Soho House, which has a network of global outlets. They’ve had dates at Soho House 76 Dean Street and the original Soho House 40 Greek Street, which both boast inviting restaurants. Meghan has also lunched at Soho Farmhouse in the Oxfordshire countryside too. She will doubtless check out the other London outposts, including Shoreditch House, Little House Mayfair and Portobello Road’s Electric House. To visit, you’ll need to tag along with local member friends, so work your contacts! Soho House 76 Dean Street and 40 Greek Street, London W1.
6. Portobello Market and Golborne Road
When Meghan’s social media was live, she loved posting about antiques and vintage finds. West London’s bohemian Portobello Market is a fave stamping ground, with antiques (at the top end), fashion and food. Find quirkier flea market treasures on adjoining Golborne Road at the bottom end. The café-lined market is buzziest on main day Saturday, or come on Friday when it’s less crowded. It opens daily except Sundays, with a half day on Thursday. From Notting Hill Gate station wander via Pembridge Road down Portobello Road, channeling Hugh Grant in movie ‘Notting Hill’.
We love Notting Hill and especially Portobello Market every Saturday morning!
7. Wimbledon
Manicured grass courts, crisp white outfits, and strawberries and cream… Planning to go to London’s famous tennis championships in July? Meghan went to Wimbledon a few times last year and is a big fan of the game. She’s also pals with US tennis champ Serena Williams, which may have something to do with her attendance. The public ballots have closed but try Ticketmaster the day before play for seats or queue on the day.
The best vacation rentals for Wimbledon are in Kensington where you’re on the District Line which goes direct to Wimbledon. Check out the Middleton three-bedroom home or the Gloucester apartment. They’re both near Gloucester Road tube and are great for families, with easy access to Wimbledon, while still staying in central London. Wimbledon 2018 (2-15 July), The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19.
8. Chiltern Firehouse
Credit: Chiltern Firehouse
Cocktail-loving Meghan frequents Chiltern Firehouse, a swish André Balazs restaurant with a horseshoe-shaped bar in upscale Marylebone. Featuring elegant plant-draped white-and-wood decor, in a converted 1887 fire station, it attracts the jet set, celebrities and foodies. Sample Meghan’s preferred Tignanello vino and Negronis with award-winning food by Michelin-starred chef Nuno Mendes. Menus are ingredient-focussed, offering contemporary Euro- and American-accented dishes such as a Firehouse Caesar salad, Peterhead Cod shellfish broth or Wagyu striploin. Book for daily breakfast and dinner, weekday lunch or weekend brunch. Past guests including David Beckham, Kate Moss and Kylie Minogue. Try the Belgravia rental, a short walk away. 1 Chiltern Street, London W1.
10. Kensington Flower Corner
Meghan loves buying blooms from Kensington Flower Corner, a pretty florist outside St Mary Abbots Church on Kensington High Street. Established in 1977, this popular family stall sells vibrant spring bouquets, pretty tulips, romantic roses and lush lilies. Meghan’s favorites are the pink peonies, ideal for decorating Harry’s Nottingham Cottage home. The two-bedroom property is on the grounds of Kensington Palace, just a 10-minute walk away. The flower shop is opposite US grocery store Whole Foods Market, favored by Meghan for healthy bites including acai bowls and organic vegetables. Definitely try one of the excellent restaurants located above Whole Foods.
Kensington is one of the most popular areas to stay in London, because it’s close to the shopping on High Street Kensington, museums, Kensington Gardens and Buckingham Palace. You’ll find some of the best of London Perfect’s vacation homes and apartments in this sought-after area.
Violet Cakes
Finally, we’d be remiss not to mention tiny Violet bakery-cafe as one of the places where Harry and Meghan hang-out. It serves American-style treats just north of London Fields park. Claire Ptak, owner of this East London favorite, has been commissioned to make the couple’s organic lemon elder flower wedding cake. Meghan’s a devotee of her seasonal, healthy ingredients, including organic flour, sugar, milk and eggs. Originally from California like Meghan, Ptak worked as a pastry chef for famed chef Alice Waters at Berkeley’s Chez Panisse. Take a seat inside the simple white building or out on the pavement with the hipsters. 47 Wilton Way, London E8.
For holiday rentals near where Harry and Meghan hang-out in London, see London Perfect.
