How to spend a day in Kensington

Eggbreak is a snug local restaurant that specialises in serving breakfast all day, with a focus on eggs. Their varied menu offers a range of options from hearty meals like egg, bacon, and cheese toasties to sweeter choices like French toast and pancakes. With an extensive drink selection including tea, coffee, smoothies, and cocktails, Eggbreak caters to all breakfast preferences, making it a popular choice for both early risers and late brunchers.

Dishoom is a classic London dining destination. Its Kensington branch sticks to the proven formula with elegant furnishings inspired by the jazz and Art Deco decadence of 1940s Bombay, and Indian street-style food, reimagined for a more sophisticated setting. Dishoom's breakfast menu is legendary thanks to their signature bacon naan rolls, but there are other options to choose from as well, including a cooked breakfast, Kejriwal eggs, and a Parsi omelette.

If big, hearty breakfasts aren't your thing, a tour of the Kuro locations might be in order. They're all within just a few steps of each other, with the Bakery stocking delectable baked goods such cheese croissants and Japanese pastries. The compact Kuro Coffee around the corner will fix you up a cup of coffee or matcha, while the Eatery is a place to earmark for lunch – or even a full-on weekend breakfast, if the pastries have you reconsidering your breakfast principles.

The Natural History Museum is one of London's major sights, housing a treasure trove of natural phenomena in a stunning Victorian building. Throughout the museum's halls, you'll encounter captivating displays, including extinct species, pivotal finds from Darwin's studies, a Moon rock, dinosaur fossils, and Hope, the blue whale skeleton that dominates the main hall. Admission is free and the sheer size of the museum offers endless opportunities for new discoveries with each visit.

The V&A is one of the country's most prominent museums, focusing on art and design. The extensive permanent collection includes works from around the world, and is complemented by a varied programme of temporary exhibitions celebrating leading art, fashion, textiles, graphic design, and applied arts. Talks, workshops, and special events and activities are also held here regularly.

Whereas the Victoria and Albert Museum spans the history of art and design, going back five millennia, the Design Museum focuses on the modern age. Its permanent collection showcases amazing examples of contemporary industrial and graphic art, fashion, architecture and more, while the rotating exhibitions take in-depth looks at everyday objects such as sneakers or footballs.

The official home of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children in the capital, this royal residence dates back to the 17th century and is the birthplace of Queen Victoria. You can visit the building to tour the various public areas and view the themed exhibitions, then make your way to the beautiful palace gardens for a stroll.

The Churchill Arms pub in Kensington is worth visiting even if you aren't planning on stopping for lunch, as its flower-covered façade regularly places it at the top of the country's most beautiful pubs. Built in 1750 and frequented by Winston Churchill's grandparents, the interior is adorned with Churchill memorabilia and an abundance of plants, creating a lush atmosphere. If you do feel like lunch, you're in luck, as it's also known for its authentic Thai cuisine.

Big Mamma Group is known for its elaborate, over-the-top dining palaces, and the recent new addition to its portfolio, Jacuzzi, doesn't disappoint. The four-storey Italian restaurant encompasses a botanical mezzanine and a titillating disco toilet, among other quirks you can take in while the armada of waiters brings outrageously decadent Italian dishes to the table.

Kitchen W8 might have a Michelin star and regularly rank among the best in London, but it has managed to retain a laidback, welcoming neighbourhood atmosphere regardless. Its elegant interior perfectly complements the delicate cuisine, presented with meticulous attention to detail. The lunchtime menu features a variety of options, including two- and three-course set menus and tasting menus.

Bone Daddies is a group of community-based ramen restaurants found around the city. They serve Japanese food with a Western twist – think pig bones in a sweet and spicy sesame glaze, or Korean fried wings. Their nourishing ramen broths make for an excellent quick lunch when you've got a full day ahead of you, as they'll leave you full and satisfied without knocking you out of commission.

The Flat Iron steakhouses are known for serving some of the best budget-friendly steaks in the capital. The Kensington branch occupies a charming Grade II listed building with high ceilings, dramatic beams, bespoke tiles, and a specially commissioned frieze. In addition to the signature premium beef steak, you can order an array of sides or one of the rotating beef specials.

Dopamine Land is an immersive, multi-sensory experience that has been painstakingly designed to boost your mood, release dopamine and unleash your inner child. The feel-good destination spans different rooms, including a mirror maze, a digital forest, a ball pit, a space for pillow fights, and more, letting you pack all sorts of joyful activities into 30–50 minutes of fun.

The Secret City treasure hunts offer engaging and playful adventures, allowing you to explore lesser-known areas of London in a fun way. Once you book your preferred tour and begin, you'll receive a sequence of intriguing and cryptic directions via phone messages, leading you on the tour. With each solved puzzle, you'll uncover hidden gems and learn captivating facts about the city. The Mysterious Mews trail specifically takes you on a thrilling journey around Kensington.

The Science Museum celebrates the power of science and scientific breakthroughs from around the world. With an emphasis on interactive displays and hands-on learning, the modern museum offers a more active experience than some of its local brethren. The activities are suitable for all age groups, making the Science Museum one of the most popular museums in the capital and a great way to spend a few hours.

Holland Park is the largest park in the immediate area. In addition to the parkland and the usual facilities such as a playground, a cafeteria, and sports courts, Holland Park also features an open-air opera auditorium that hosts performances throughout summer. The park's famed Kyoto Garden, a lovingly tended, landscaped Japanese garden with a pond and a waterfall, is also a particular highlight.

Spread across two sites in the heart of Kensington Gardens, only a few minutes from each other, Serpentine Galleries has been paving the way for contemporary art since 1970. Some of the most acclaimed artists of our day and age have been featured here, and the unveiling of the annual pavilion, designed by a different artist each year, is an important event for any art aficionado.

The upscale and vibrant Cambio de Tercio is famous for the many renowned tennis players who make the pilgrimage here come Wimbledon time – it's said to be Rafael Nadal's favourite dining spot in London. The innovative tapas expertly blend tradition, contemporary techniques, and global flavours. Additionally, the restaurant boasts an award-winning wine list featuring exceptional Spanish vintages.

Located on the tenth floor adjacent to Kensington Palace, Min Jiang offers a remarkable vista of the nearby park, adding to its allure. Indulge in the upscale dining experience as you peruse the menu, which showcases the renowned wood-fired Peking duck, masterfully carved at your table by attentive waiters. Alongside this legendary dish, enjoy an array of delectable offerings, including dim sum platters, prawn toast, flavorful rice and noodle dishes, and the ever-popular spicy chicken satay, showcasing the best of Chinese cuisine.

Nestled within the luxurious Kensington Hotel, Town House at The Kensington presents an elegant and modern dining experience with a global culinary influence. This refined restaurant offers all-day dining, including à la carte options and a pre-theatre menu. Complement your meal with a variety of expertly crafted cocktails, along with a curated collection of international wines and spirits.

Orjowan is a lively Lebanese restaurant and bar with a vibrant atmosphere and warm service. The interior is elegantly simple, providing a comfortable setting for guests to relax and enjoy a Lebanese feast. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including soups, salads, mezze, and flavourful main courses like roasted chicken and lamb kebabs, ensuring there's something for everyone. With a private karaoke lounge on-site, Orjowan is not only a great place for delicious food but also a fun and entertaining destination for a memorable night out.

Macellaio RC is a must-visit dining destination in London for meat enthusiasts, offering a distinctive Italian steakhouse experience. With a focus on quality butchery, the restaurant sources its steak directly from Genoa and ages it to perfection for deep and delicious flavours. While steak takes the spotlight, the menu also features pasta dishes, seafood options, and a variety of Italian starters, accompanied by an exclusively Italian wine list.

Bombay Brasserie, established in 1982, offers a stylish and authentic Indian dining experience. With a unique skylit conservatory and an intimate bar adorned with artwork and atmospheric lighting, the restaurant provides an inspiring setting. The diverse menu features classic curries, biryanis, and a range of meat, fish, and vegetarian options, while the carefully selected wine list and Indian-inspired cocktails complement the cuisine perfectly.

The Kensington Wine Rooms, a beloved spot for wine enthusiasts, is the perfect destination for a drink after dinner. Established in 2009, the bar and restaurant has an impressive selection of over 150 wines to sample, with 40 available by the glass. Besides the main restaurant menu, the bar offers a delectable array of tapas dishes designed to complement your drinking experience.

Amaro Bar is a buzzy upscale venue for cocktails. Opened in late 2021, this elegant bar quickly gained popularity for its skilled mixologists and luxurious ambiance. The regularly changing drinks list features a host of imaginative original cocktails with varied flavours and inspirations, as well as classic choices. Light, sophisticated bar snacks are available as well.

For a proper English pub experience, look no further than this traditional British boozer. It offers a selection of cask ales from small UK brewers, along with drinks like Pimm's and refreshing cocktails. The interior combines dark wood and period accents with modern elements, while a charming courtyard provides a delightful spot for outdoor dining and drinks. 

Evans & Peel Detective Agency is a clandestine bar cleverly disguised as a private investigator's office. Gain entry by successfully convincing the front desk of your scheduled appointment, and you'll discover a remarkable bar offering an array of cocktails, including their world-renowned Old Fashioned. The lively ambiance is further enhanced by regular live music performances.

Piano accompanies its drinks offer with live music performed by some of the finest artists in the city. The cosy and inviting bar provides ample space to fully immerse yourself in the ambiance while enjoying piano music five nights a week, and if you're in the mood, even hit the dance floor. Drinks range from signature cocktails and bottled beers to an impressive wine list, all complemented by deluxe bar snacks such as arancini.

B London is the revival of Boujis, a renowned nightclub from the 2000s that once attracted the likes of Princes William and Harry, Kate Middleton, and other high-profile individuals. After temporarily closing due to licensing issues, it resurfaced in 2023, just a stone's throw away from its original spot, meticulously reconstructed to replicate its former glory. If you're open to post-dinner drinks turning into an all-nighter, head here.