Once the pulse of "Swinging London", the King's Road is a street of major cultural significance. In the 60s musicians like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones hung out in its famous pubs and cafes with the crème de la crème of the fashion, literary and film world. In the 70s the King's Road witnessed the birth of the punk movement.
Today mods and mini-skirts have been replaced by yummy mummies and "Chelsea Tractors", and the King's Road is one of London's most gentrified streets. However, shopping and boutiques are still a big obsession and the street is home to several chic shops.
If you're in London and have a couple of hours to spare, make sure you hit these King's Road gems…
If you've arrived at Sloane Square tube station (district and circle lines), cross the square and start walking down the King's Road. You'll soon see a bus stop on your right hand side. Jump on the numbers 11, 19, 22 or 319 and get off at the Beaufort Street stop.
Graham & Green
This two-storey treasure trove is home to an eye-popping array of fashion, furniture, lighting and gifts. Pick up a slinky number by DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, browse for bags and accessories for your next trip and drool over their exotic range of furniture.
340 Kings Rd, London; Tel: 020 7352 1919; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 11:30am to 5:30pm.
Brora
No one does Scottish cashmere quite like Brora. A myriad of colours and designs to suit any age, from baby right through to Granny. Feast your eyes and get kit yourself out in style for the famous British weather.
344 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7352 3697; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm.
Austique
If you're looking for a boutique that's très, très chic then look no further. Jaw droppingly hot dresses, jeans, tops, jewellery, lingerie and accessories. Don't forget your credit card, this one does not come cheap.
330 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7376 4555 / 020 7376 3773; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30am to 7pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm.
Designers Guild
Head here for fab fabrics, wallpaper, bed and bath linens, furniture, fragrance and home accessories.
267 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7351 5775; Email - info@designersguild.com
Cath Kidson
A great array of vintage inspired homewares and home furnishings. Kitschy prints on everything from first aid boxes to dog baskets.
322 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7351 7335; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 7pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm.
Antiquarius
One of oldest and most famous antiques centres in London, this emporium is chock-a-block with dealers and products. You can snag everything from antique Louis Vuitton trunks and suitcases to engagement rings to showstopping one-off pieces.
131 – 141 Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7823 3900; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 6pm, closed on Sundays.
R.Soles
If you love cowboy boots you'll be in heaven here. This boutique is 100% devoted to the finest boots money can buy. There's something for everyone, from classic pieces to quirky one-offs.
109a Kings Road, London; Tel: 020 7351 5520; Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 7pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm.
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Photo Credit: King's Road by C'est moi via Flickr (Creative Commons).
