WHY I LOVE SLOANE SQUARE
Rudolph Diesel is the founder of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
London is famous for its squares and central Sloane Square in Kensington and Chelsea does not disappoint. Rather than genteel and relaxing, Sloane Square is buzzing with life 24/7, thanks to its location as the gateway to the King’s Road and its social reputation. One of the best pastimes here is people watching, so perch by the square’s fountain or head to a pavement café to observe.
Also of interest - especially to interior architects in London – is the Royal Court. This Grade II listed Victorian building yields a convention-challenging urban reinterpretation of a theatre inside. Also of distinguished merit is Cadogan Hall – now part of the immensely attractive Cadogan Estate. Admire the stained glass works of Baron Arild Rosenkrantz, who trained under the auspices of Tiffany in New York, while you listen to the resident orchestra - the Royal Philharmonic.
Love to shop
I’ll leave you to decide whether the ‘Sloane Ranger’ is a fabricated stereotype or a true reflection of SW London but if one was determined to buy a new set of pearls or the latest polo shirt, Sloane Square is a faultless place to start. As well as the legendary department store Peter Jones & Partners (ground floor for furnishing fabrics, floor 3 for haberdashery and floor 4 for high end interior design accessories), there’s Ralph Lauren, Cartier and David Mellor – the latter for tableware that’s pure design luxury. My personal favourite? Armani Casa on Sloane Street – once inside it’s possible I’ll never leave!
Love to eat
Find me in the barista bar queue atSloane Street Deli as the flat whites and take-out labneh always hit the spot. While I wait, I’ll be admiring the revamped surroundings designed by London/NYC luxury interior designer, Rawan Muqaddas Behbehani. If I have time, I’ll book a table at the Fuji Grill at the Beaverbrook Town House. The sushi, sashimi and nigiri are outstanding, eloquently matched by the work of interior designers Nicola Harding and Sir Frank Lowe. The Botanist is another favourite. You can order a wood-fired pizza to be delivered to your al fresco table overlooking Sloane Square itself, book in for a lazy brunch or cosy up with a cocktail at the bar. If I’m looking for some luxury treats to eat at home, I can rely on Partridges, located on The Duke of York Square. Don’t just take my word for it, family run Partridges has the royal seal of approval too, as a world renowned grocer to the Queen.