The nights are drawing in. We are approaching the dreaded clock change (Sunday 28th October, if you’re asking!) when London’s days will feel that bit shorter. It’s at this time of year, as the leaves fall and the temperature plummets, that many of us experience a bit of a hibernation instinct.
There are so many wonderful and welcoming restaurants around Kensington, but sometimes we just want to stay in! Not all the time of course, but that’s the wonderful thing about flexibility: it’s nice to have the option.
Business
If you’re on an extended business trip, one of the great things about staying in a central London luxury serviced apartment is the flexibility of eating. Yes, you are probably entertaining clients and negotiating deals over dinner out. For those interim nights, though, it’s great to be able to unwind and cook up a storm in a fully equipped modern kitchen.
Families
Or perhaps you’re travelling with young children and need a break from the pressures of public meal times. When your 5* luxury serviced apartment is served by a reliable and trusted babysitting service, make the most of it by getting the children fed at home while you enjoy an adult evening eating out without the small people!
Leisure
And for leisure city breaks, especially in the culinary hotspot of London, take the chance to browse some of the world’s top food markets for fresh ingredients. As your apartment kitchen is fully equipped and well stocked with all the culinary ware you will need, you can concentrate on soaking up the food market atmosphere.
Entertaining
You can entertain friends or business associates ‘at home’ for a super fashionable relaxed atmosphere. You don’t even need to do the cooking yourself if it’s really not your thing. Indeed, it may be the clearing up afterwards that makes your heart sink. With both chef and maid services on offer, you can enjoy the atmosphere of home entertaining without any of the leg work.
Where to go?
The most famous food market in London is, of course, Borough Market. Over in London Bridge, it’s not too far from a Kensington based luxury apartment, with taxi transport easily arranged through your concierge service. However, if you prefer to shop for ingredients closer to your doorstep, the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have a selection of great farmers’ markets.
South Kensington Farmers’ Market
Taking place on Tuesdays from 9am to 2pm, this market is about 5 minutes from the Science Museum. Head to Queen’s Lawn on the Imperial College campus. Here you will find fresh fruit and vegetables, locally sourced meat and artisan bread mixing with international street food.
Notting Hill Farmers’ Market
Head to the car park behind Waterstones on Kensington Church Street on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Here you will find fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, herbs and flowers, and locally produced honey. Raw milk and cream from Guernsey is a popular attraction here and inspires the locals to queue for entry!
South Kensington Saturday Market
Another weekend shopping option, this market takes place on Bute Street, about 5 minutes from South Kensington tube station. Visit between 9am and 2pm for fresh fish, seasonal game and free range poultry. If all those ingredients make you hungry, there’s a great selection of British market lunch options. A free range sausage sandwich or an artisan cake or pastry should keep the wolf from the door.
The Partridges Food Market
A Saturday institution, the Duke of York Square plays host to an average of 70 stalls and is in situ from 10am to 4pm so there’s plenty of time to drop in for your ingredients. A wonderful selection of dairy, fish, meats and condiments will see you taking home the highest quality produce. Partridges themselves (located just down the road form the market and on Gloucester Road) offer a free local van delivery service. So if time is an issue, you needn’t discount home cooking!
