They are some of London’s most desirable shops. A combination of independent businesses from fashion designers and florists to chocolatiers and cafes. And as Small Business Saturday approaches on 1 December, we celebrate small businesses or independent shops on Motcomb Street, Kinnerton Street and across Belgravia. Here is our pick of the best.
Neill Strain Floral Couture (11 West Halkin Street, London SW1X 8JL)
Having studied Dutch Master Floristry and numerous other international floristry courses, Neill Strain set up shop in Halkin Street and is a regular winner of awards during the annual Belgravia in Bloom festival. His flamboyant floral displays are legendary and firm favourites of clientele around the borough.
Discover more: www.neillstrain.com
Rachel Vosper (69 Kinnerton Street, London SW1X 8ED)
Formed out of a love of traditional candle-making, Rachel Vosper had been making bespoke hand-made candles from her home in Devon for 20 years, before setting up shop in Kinnerton Street, five years ago. Each candle is bespoke-made, so that each customer can create something personal for them, whether it’s their own vessel to house the candle, or simply their own blend of fragrances.
Discover more: https://rachelvosper.com
Stewart Parvin (4 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX)
Luxury couturier Stewart Parvin holds the ultimate British business honour, as the Queen’s dressmaker for the past decade. He was even awarded an RVO two years ago in honour of his work. He studied under Donald Campbell, before setting up on his own in 1993.
Discover more: http://stewartparvin.com
Pierre Hermé Chocolatier (13 Lowndes Street, Belgravia, London SW1X 9EX)
French chocolatier and macaron maker, Pierre Hermé, chose Belgravia as the home for his Flagship British store. Famous for the brightly coloured delicacies, using fresh ingredients and state of the art manufacturing, this little piece of France, is a destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Discover more: www.pierreherme.com/storelocator/londres-lowndes-street-en
The Osborne Studio Gallery (2 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JU)
This gem of a gallery, regularly showcases exhibitions of art and sculptures with equestrian, figurative or landscape themes. Opening in Motcomb Street 14 years ago, the gallery has always bucked the trend and focused on contemporary artists with traditional style.
Discover more: www.osg.uk.com/artists
Daniel Galvin Jr (4 West Halkin Street, London SW1X 8JL)
Hair colourist to the stars, Daniel Galvin Jr has built up a loyal following of celebrity clientele over the past 20 years. He is at the forefront of the organic beauty movement and a patron of the Princes’ Trust (www.princes-trust.org.uk), which he supports through the sale of his organic children’s haircare products. Daniel Galvin Jr boutique salon has been on West Halkin Street since the early 1990s. The Errol Douglas hair salon at 18 Motcomb Street is an equally popular destination for anyone looking for a manicure, makeup or a new look (http://erroldouglas.com).
Discover more: www.danielgalvinjunior.com
Anya Hindmarch (15-17 Pont Street, London SW1X 9EH)
Belgravia’s biggest small business success story is surely fashion-designer Anya Hindmarch. Her iconic bags, often with a tongue-in-cheek reference to brands and current trends, are now sold in 20 stores around the world. Anya was awarded a CBE last year, in recognition of her contribution to the British fashion industry and is also a UK Trade Ambassador. Her flagship London store still sits proudly on Pont Street.
Discover more: www.anyahindmarch.com
The Good Life Eatery (20 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8LB)
Green food doesn’t need to be boring. The Good Life Eatery is the perfect place to enjoy delicious fresh smoothies, and green food including chestnut & almond waffles, avocado and poached eggs on toast, or superfood salads and wraps. Launched Life 2013 by friends, Yasmine Larizadeh and Shirin Kouros, the Good Life Eatery provides fresh food, using local sustainably-sourced produce. They work with local schools and community centres to encourage healthy eating.
Discover more: www.goodlifeeatery.com
Egg (36 Kinnerton Street, London SW1X 8ES)
Ultimately, Belgravia’s best-kept secret is a unique set of shops and workshops tucked away in the cobbled mews on Kinnerton Street. Egg is loved by celebrities from Emma Thompson to Maggie Smith and is visited by designers from Donna Karan to Ralph Lauren. The treasure trove of timeless, tailored daywear, alongside stunning ceramics, make this a real haven.
Discover more: https://eggtrading.com
Honorary mention: Rachel Riley
Nothing gives a small business more of a boost than a Royal seal of approval, such as a Royal Warrant and the young Prince George, Prince Louis and the adorable Princess Charlotte, are walking models for Rachel Riley. Formerly Belgravia’s only childrenswear store on Pont Street, the brand is now available online. The handmade traditional British clothes are favoured by Kate Middleton for dressing the young royals and dressing Princess Charlotte. Alone it is estimated to bring £5 billion to the British economy during her lifetime.
Discover more: www.rachelriley.co.uk
- Henry & James is Belgravia and Knightsbridge’s premier estate agent for residential sales and lettings (henryandjames.co.uk).
- Contact Henry & James for a free property valuation or to let your house on Tel 020 7235 8861 or email: belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk.
- For more details on Small Business Saturday (December 1, 2018), visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com.
