The Times Online Rates Kensington and Chelsea;
Home of the Sloane and beloved of showbiz types, the capital’s richest borough fares extremely well. You only have to look at the wealth of residential alumni acknowledged on blue plaques to know that this has long been the place to be.
ARCHITECTURAL GEMS
The vast Gothic Revival masterpiece that is the Natural History Museum. Bibendum remains a beloved Art Deco landmark by Brompton Cross. The Trellick Tower sticks out from the skyline like a concrete poker; some hate it, but the views from inside give London a new beauty.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Probably the best in London. K&C has 23 parks, all of which are well kept. Old Chelsea has a hushed air; the Chelsea Physic Garden is akin to that of a country house. Living here means that the best restaurants are never far away; there’s also a farmers’ market by The Gate cinema on Saturdays.
TRAVEL
There are 13 Tube stations in K&C, with a notable void in Chelsea proper. The Westway and the Cromwell Road lead to the M40 and the M4 respectively, for weekends in the country. About 159,000, according to the 2001 Census. The majority are aged between 20 and 54, with marginally more women than men. Could figures have been affected by the number of au pairs?
SMARTEST STREETS
Kensington Palace Gardens is worthy of its name. The Boltons in West Brompton is celebrity central and the eastern end of Cheyne Walk has south-facing river views. Holland Park remains in demand.
BEST RESTAURANTS
The eponymous Tom Aikens is top of the list for London foodies. Maggie Jones does good old-fashioned British food and Nikita’s Russian restaurant is the last word in private dining. E&O serves up Notting Hill scene with Asian fusion.
TOP NIGHTLIFE
Boujis is worth a visit if you’re one of the following: titled, wealthy, very pretty and socially ambitious. Others might get in but won’t have much fun. Westbourne Studios is impressive— the ceiling is the Westway flyover. Woody’s and The Cobden Club are good for dancing. The Royal Court is your local theatre, especially for new works by innovative writers; now showing is the much acclaimed The Wonderful World of Dissocia
EDUCATION
Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is a voluntary-aided boys’ school and is often spoken of as the best Catholic comprehensive in the country. Alpha mums are spoilt for choice of private primary schools. Liz Hurley’s little boy goes to Wetherby School in Pembridge Square. Garden House and Eaton House are two more smart schools. The Knightsbridge School is new.
WORKING LIFE
Unemployment is 2 per cent (the London average is 3 per cent). The dominant industries are wholesale and retail, followed by property and business, then hotel and restaurant work. About 13 per cent of local people are self-employed, compared with the London average of 10 per cent.
UPSIDE
Some of the best houses in England, within half an hour’s walk of Mayfair’s shops and Soho’s nightlife. The council tax is comparatively low and Harrods is on your doorstep.
DOWNSIDE
It’s rather precious for some. If you find toffs a turn-off, stick to the northern part of the borough; yes the houses are painted pastel colours and Portobello market is overpriced, but at least the few estates will remind you how London really looks.
