There’s no denying that London is the cultural epicentre of the world; diverse, cosmopolitan and brimming with things to do. While the everyday buzz is addictive, it’s only natural for us to seek an escape from city life every so often. Fortunately, we needn’t actually leave central London to get away from the bustle!

Little known to many is the leafy community of Connaught Village, Hyde Park Estate’s luxury retail quarter. An oasis of calm just a stone’s throw away from bustling Oxford Street, Marble Arch and London’s renowned Hyde Park, the village’s streets are lined with delightful, pastel-coloured houses and a mix of elegant Georgian and 60’s architecture.

Connaught Village is also home to a wealth of luxury, independent shops and restaurants that offer a range of global cuisines. The area is undoubtedly one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods, not to mention an Instagrammer’s dream, and one of the capital’s loveliest secret escapes, so we’ve put together an area guide for the hidden gem that is Connaught Village. 

FOOD AND DRINK

Buchanans Cheesemonger

A must-visit, trusted establishment for all things fromage, Buchanans is run by a small team of professional cheesemongers and boasts a delicious selection of British and European artisan cheeses. Buchanans also offers accompaniments such as chutneys, biscuits and carefully selected wines, ideal for a gift hamper for any occasion. 

5A Porchester Place, W2 2BS

Stuzzico

Local Italian favourite, Stuzzico, has a standout menu filled with mouth-watering Italian fare with a ‘modern twist’ on classic dishes. Expect a warm Italian welcome alongside generous portions of hearty food (we recommend any of the homemade pastas), plus a wine list consisting of some of the finest Italian wines going.

24 Kendal Street, W2 2AW

Casa Malevo

Frankly, every dish at Argentinian Casa Malevo is a delight, from the empanadas and veal sweetbread to the moreish provolone with candy walnuts and wild garlic oil. The first-rate steaks however, are the beating heart of Casa Malevo’s offering, to be expected from an establishment serving traditional Cocina Argentina. Fear not vegans, for the restaurant also serves up some delicious plant-based options. 

23 Connaught Street, W2 2AY

Colbeh

The family-run, Persian eatery is firmly on our list for some of the best, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in London. Stop by for a vast selection of kebabs, traditional mezze and tandoor-cooked naan bread in Colbeh’s unassuming setting, complete with framed Persian artworks and a tandoor oven. Even better, it’s BYOB. It’s a yes from us.

6 Porchester Place, W2 2BS

Connaught Cellars

Handily located across the road from Buchanans, the French-inspired vintner is home to a unique range of carefully selected wines from France and Italy. Discover the beautiful downstairs tasting room, which can be booked for wine tastings and private vino soirees. 

8 Porchester Place, W2 2BS

Saint Aymes

When it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth, the stunning Saint Aymes has to be top of the list. The 23ct gold hot chocolate and signature unicorn latte are seriously decadent and almost as beautiful as the restaurant itself. Phones at the ready, Instagrammers! 

59 Connaught Street, W2 2BB

BEAUTY

Lacquered + Stripped

The new eco-conscious salon has some serious sustainability credentials, sure to make waves in the beauty industry. Using only ethically sourced, eco-friendly and cruelty-free, vegan products, Lacquered + Stripped is a go-to for all your hair, nails, beauty and waxing needs. The eco-friendly establishment also uses low-energy lighting, energy and water-saving technologies, a renewable energy supplier, recyclable towels, and limits plastic consumption and waste. Sign us up! 

7 Porchester Place, W2 2BS

Vitamasques

When it comes to clean, cruelty-free skincare, the highly sought-after, Korean-British beauty brand offers the latest beauty technology from South Korea. Thankfully, we only need to pop to Connaught Village, where the brand’s only store is located, to get our hands on some goodies. Vitamasques is your one-stop-shop for all things skincare, with everything from rejuvenating lip masks and eye gels to the new Rose Petal Jelly Toner and the hugely popular sheet masks (we adore the gold sheet mask range). 

12 Porchester Place, W2 2BS

FASHION

Lucy Choi London

Calling all shoe-lovers! Lucy Choi’s eponymous flagship store is nestled in the heart of Connaught Village and can only be described as a footwear Mecca. Full of chic and innovative styles, the niece of famed shoe designer Jimmy Choo has dressed the feet of celebrities including Winnie Harlow, Hailey Beiber and Alessandra Ambrosio. 

18 Connaught Street, W2 2AF

Eliza Jane Howell

Exuding a glamorous sense of style, British brand Eliza Jane Howell is the go-to for brides seeking a 1920s inspired, Gatsby-esque wedding look. The flagship store is a treasure trove of lusted-after items, from luxurious, one-off evening dresses to vintage-inspired accessories and costume jewellery. 

15 Connaught Street, W2 2AY

The Place London

A duet of shops with styles for men and women, Simon Burstein’s The Place London offers a hand-picked selection of international designers and brands and is a hotspot for showcasing up-and-coming design talent. Stop by for the likes of accessories designer Diana Broussard, Saloni, Brady bags, Sofie D’Hoore, Ana Heart luxury activewear, and a personalisation service by Leathersmith of London. 

27 and 31 Connaught Street, W2 2AY

KOKORO London

Another shop not to be missed is KOKORO London, translating as “heart, mind and spirit”. The luxury womenswear label integrates luxury fabrics, traditional printing techniques and exciting collaborations with global artists to create an innovative and cutting-edge fusion of fashion and culture. 

19 Connaught Street, W2 2AY

ART

Dellasposa 

Regularly attracting contemporary art lovers, Dellasposa represents both rising and established modern artists from around the world. Specialising in modern masters from the 20th century, the beautiful space has previously played host to the likes of British painter Darren Coffield and contemporary artists Sabatino Cersosimo and Rad Husak.

2A Bathurst Street, W2 2DS

The Park Gallery

A favourite for fans of modern and contemporary Middle Eastern and Arab art, The Park Gallery showcases striking artworks from both British and international artists, often rooted around themes of culture, identity and heritage. 

26 Connaught Street, W2 2AF

Dorothy Circus Gallery

Enter a magical realm at Dorothy Circus, which is dedicated to the most intriguing avant-garde in contemporary art including digital painting techniques, pop iconography, contemporary surrealism and street art. The gallery has showcased the work of artists such as Camille Rose Garcia, Afarin Sajedi and Gosia. 

35 Connaught Street, W2 2AZ

For more information, please visit Connaught-Village.co.uk