Category Archives: Kensington & Chelsea

“War Horse: Fact & Fiction” at the National Army Musuem

06 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by in Family Activities, Free Activities, Kensington & Chelsea, Museums (Historical)

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National Army Museum signNational Army Museum outsideMany individuals have seen “War Horse” either as the wonderful theatrical production or the film by Spielberg.  Both create tremendous empathy for the horses that have served in combat.  The National Army Museum, aside from its regular exhibits, has currently extended its special exhibit “War Horse: Fact & Fiction” until 31-March-13.  Whether you visit the National Army Museum specifically for this exhibit or to see the permanent exhibits, the museum provides an excellent insight into Britain’s military history.

National Army Museum War Horse 3War National Army Museum War Horse 2Horse:  This special exhibit is a fascinating insight into the role of horses in combat.  The exhibit examines all facets of equine involvement with the military, including requisition, transport, care, training and their roles over the decades.

National Army Museum War Horse 1Regular Exhibits & Collections:  The permanent galleries focus on the army’s role over the centuries in global conflict, expansion and colonization.  The galleries break this focus into three main periods: 1784-1904, 1905 - 1947, and 1969 - today.  Exhibits are very visual and tactile, and well as video and board based.  Items on display include the skeleton of Napoleon’s horse, military equipment (including weaponry and vehicles) and uniforms.

National Army Museum exhibitHistory:  The idea for a National Army Museum came about in the 1950s and it was official founded in 1960 when it was granted a Royal Charter.  The museum focuses on the British and Commonwealth Armies, with a focus on their history and traditions.  It was initially established in 1960 in temporary accommodation at the former No.1 Riding School at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst.

National Army Museum dioramaThe museum building began construction in 1961 on the site of the old infirmary for the Royal Hospital.  The building was completed and the museum opened on 11-Nov-1971.  The museum underwent significant redevelopment between 2006 and 2010, with a new gallery opened in October 2010.  Further redevelopment plans are in progress to continue to modernize the look and functionality of the museum.

The museum is open daily 10-5:30 pm.  Admission is free.  There is the customary gift shop and cafe.  Appropriate for all ages.

Located: Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4HT

Closest tube:  Sloane Square (about a 10 min walk)

The Coronet Theatre ~ as seen in “Notting Hill” !

06 Saturday Oct 2012

Posted by in Family Activities, Historic Buildings, Kensington & Chelsea

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The Coronet opened in 1898 and was quickly viewed as the best theatre outside of London’s west end.   With visits by King Edward VII and performances by the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt, it seemed destined to succeed.  But given its proximity to the West End it competed, unsuccessfully, to gain a solid customer base.  By 1923 it converted exclusively to a cinema and over the years the seating capacity has been reduced.  As a cinema it is unique in that the theatre’s interior has been mostly preserved which provides a very different feel than a typical cinema.

Its survival was not assured.  The Coronet was almost demolished in the early 1970s when the Rank Organization (the owners at that time) put the building up for sale with a plan to ‘regenerate’ the area by building offices and retail space.  Fortunately, the action of local citizens and the Council led to the building’s preservation.  The Rank Organization then refurbished the theatre and a few years later sold it intact.  In 2004, it was sold again - this time to a church group that despite initial concerns has maintained it as an historic cinema.

It currently has two film screens.  The main auditorium holds 400 people across two levels of seating - Stalls & Circle (the 3rd level Gallery is not currently used for films).  The second auditorium is much smaller and is located on the old theatre stage, behind the main screen, with the ability to be removed should the theatre be restored fully.  The theatre is not fully modernized - the seats are old, the sound not surround, and there’s no 3D films here.  That said, it is very affordable (check website for very cheap screenings typically on Tuesday) and is a step back in time.  With its more recent claim to fame as a location set in the film “Notting Hill” with Hugh Grant & Julia Roberts you’ll find it hard not to enjoy yourself and feel nostalgic when you come here.

Website for information, prices and showtimes: www.coronet.org/

Located at: 103 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3LB

Closest tube: Notting Hill Gate

Saatchi Gallery ~ an excellent alternative to the Tate Modern.

09 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by in Artistic Venues, Free Activities, Kensington & Chelsea

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The Saatchi Gallery is smaller than the Tate Modern, and offers a more intimate setting that is typically less crowded.  The gallery opened at this location (after moving from County Hall) in October 2008.  It is in a wonderful space just off Kings Road in Chelsea.  Its purpose is to showcase contemporary art by both less well known British artists, as well as International artists who may not have had the opportunity to exhibit in London before.  The gallery’s success in finding talent has led to tremendous success for many of the artists they exhibit.  Typically the artists are those they may not find space in places such as the Tate Modern.  In the past many of these artists move on to become household names such as Cindy Sherman and Damien Hirst. 

The Gallery also includes a dedicated space for Saatchi Online artists to exhibit and sell their work commission free. The space features a rotating selection of winning Showdown artists chosen from Saatchi Online Magazine’s weekly critics’ picks and their Showdown competition.

The building that now houses the gallery previously served as a military asylum for children and a Territorial Army headquarters.  After the remodeling, it now has 15 large interconnecting galleries over several floors.  Art exhibits are in many forms, including large installations, paintings, photography and multi-media.   Particularly appealing is the accessability of the art - most of it allows the viewer to get up close and personal.  Very little of it feels inaccessable or cordoned off.

The gallery is located on a wonderful square with a green open space in front of the building.  Adjacent to the gallery is the Gallery Mess Restaurant, Bar and Cafe.  There is a small shop within the gallery where various art works are for sale.

Open 10-6 daily.  Admission free

Located at:Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, London, SW3 4RY

Closest tube: Sloane Square

Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

10 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by in Kensington & Chelsea, Parks

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For individuals seeking a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the west end, and the crowds of other parks, Holland Park is a worthwhile destination.  It contains a unique blend of open space, ornate gardens and woodland.  Within this park, is the Kyoto Peace garden.  The park is spread across 54 acres of what used to be the grounds of Cope Castle, a large Jacobean mansion hidden in the woods. It was built by Sir Walter Cope in the early 17th century, who became Chancellor of the Exchequer under King James 1. It was renamed Holland House after the Earl of Holland’s wife Lady Rich inherited the property.  Holland House was badly damaged during World War II. One wing was saved and is used as a youth hostel. A remaining section of the front terrace is now used as a distinct backdrop for the park’s summertime open-air theatre productions and classical concerts.

Just north of the house’s more formal gardens is the Kyoto garden - designed and built by an eminent Japanese Garden designer and his team to celebrate the Japan Festival in London in 1992.  It has been updated by a team of gardeners from Kyoto in 2001.  It provides a circular walkway (go clockwise per the signed guidance for the correct experience), a koi pond, waterfall and seating areas.  Originally it was a co-operative project between the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce in Japan.  It provides an incredibly peaceful place to be and a distinct escape from the city.

The park is open from 7:30 am daily.

Closest tube:  High Street Kensington

The Roof Gardens & Babylon Restaurant

14 Saturday Jul 2012

Posted by in Kensington & Chelsea, Restaurants

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Located one hundred feet above Kensington High Street in central London, The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant are unique.  Originally above Derry and Tom’s department store which opened in 1933, The Roof Gardens were the dream child of the vice president of Barkers, Trevor Bowen, who employed landscape architect Ralph Hancock to realise his vision. There are three themed gardens, with over 70 full size trees, a flowing stream stocked with fish and resident flamingos & ducks.  Sir Richard Branson purchased the gardens in 1981.

The gardens sprawl over 1.5 acres including fully grown oaks and fruit trees, growing in just 1.5m of soil.  The Gardens are open for the public as long as not booked for a private function.  Call ahead to confirm access: 0207 937 7994.  Overlooking the gardens on the 7th floot is Babylon Restaurant.  Special events include live Jazz on Tuesdays, alfresco dining & outdoor BBQs as weather permits.    The gardens also host outdoor film nights.  Check the website for hours of access and for information on booking at Babylon Restaurant:  www.roofgardens.virgin.com/

The three gardens are: (1) Spanish Garden: Based on the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, this garden has a distinct Moorish flavour. (2) Tudor Garden: This garden is filled with evergreen shrubs surrounded by fragrant lilies, roses and lavender in the summer months, while wisteria fills the air with its delicate fragrance. (3) English Woodland: This is undoubtedly at its best in the spring months, when thousands of narcissus, crocus, muscari and anemones burst into life.

Located at: 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA

Closest tube: Kensington High Street

Michelin House & Bibendum restaurant

30 Saturday Jun 2012

Posted by in Kensington & Chelsea, Restaurants

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In anticipation of Dunlop losing control of the tyre market with the loss of patent protection, Michelin Tyre Company Ltd commissioned the building of Michelin House as their first permanent British headquarters in 1909.  Its design style has been described as examples of Art Nouveau, proto-Art-Deco, Secessionist Functionalism and geometrical Classicism. It has even been described as ‘the most completely French of any Edwardian building in London’! Designed by Francois Espinasse, an employee of the company, who was probably under the guidance of Edouard and Andre Michelin.  The building opened in 1911.  It had fitting bays, basement storage or up to 30,000 tyres, and a ‘touring office’ with maps and accessories for planning journies.

In 1985 Michelin moved out of the building and in June of that year it was bought by Sir Terence Conran and Paul Hamlyn. Planning permission for a Restaurant, bar, major retail store and additional office space was obtained and a programme of extensive restoration of the building and reinstatement of many of its most prominent original features was begun.  Conran Design Group were responsible for the interiors of the new restaurant and bar on the ground and first floors, and for the retail area. In all three spaces, they opted to retain aspects relating to the history of the building whilst introducing new themes appropriate to its change of use.  For more information or reservations go to: http://www.bibendum.co.uk/index.html

Both the Oyster Bar and the Restaurant refer directly to the building’s association with tyres and, in particular, to Bibendum, the Michelin man. Both are named after him and take advantage of every opportunity to reflect his corpulent profile. Both the Restaurant and the Oyster Bar continue to retain strong French overtones, with a clear emphasis on quality and style. The new Michelin Building is now every bit as concerned with modernity, efficiency, quality and style today as it was when it first opened in 1911, nearly a century ago.

Location: 81 Fulham Road SW3 6RD

Closest Tube: South Kensington

Chelsea Physic Garden ~ since 1673

11 Monday Jun 2012

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The Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673, as the Apothecaries’ Garden, with the purpose of training apprentices in identifying plants.  This 4 acre garden is a collection of around 5,000 different edible, useful, medicinal and historical plants. In addition to the garden there is a cafe and a gift shop.  It is London’s oldest botanic garden, and one of the most important centres of botany and plant exchange in the world.  The rock garden, built in 1773, is Grade II listed and the oldest rock garden in England (built partially from stones from the Tower of London).  Period events and fairs are held at the garden.  Visit their website for more info:  http://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/

The garden has an admission fee, is generally open Tues - Sun between April and October, and is located at: 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4HS.  Enter on Swan Walk.

Closest tube: Sloane Square (or Water Service on TfL: Cadogan Pier)

The Royal Hospital Chelsea

17 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Free Activities, Kensington & Chelsea

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The Royal Hospital Chelsea was founded in 1682 by King Charles II to provide soldiers with a fitting home in their retirement. Access is free for small groups to take a tour of the buildings and gardens.  The Souvenir Shop is open to the public on Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm excluding Bank Holidays and official Royal Hospital events such as Founder’s Day. The Museum is open 10am - 12noon and 2pm - 4pm on Monday to Friday.  The buildings and layout of the grounds were designed by Christopher Wren.

(Nearest tube: Sloane Square)

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