London Your Way
In London, the magic lies beyond the guidebooks. It’s in the quiet cafés with handwritten menus, the flower-filled Saturday markets, the neighbourhood wine bars, and the kind of places you only find when you’re not really looking.
At Buckingham & Lloyds, our guests get the best of both worlds: authentic local living paired with five-star service — fridge fills, housekeeping, in-apartment wellness & beauty treatments, private chef services and more, all from the comfort of your own private space in one of London’s most sought-after postcodes.
This is not about ticking off tourist hotspots. This is about slowing down, staying longer, and settling into a rhythm that’s all your own — with Hyde Park, Kensington, and Knightsbridge as your backyard.
Here’s how to live like a local — but better.
Morning Rituals: Coffee, Pastries & People-Watching
Start your day like a local in Kensington with the best coffee shops near Hyde Park. Whether you’re in town for business or enjoying a luxury short stay in London, a slow morning is a must. Skip the hotel buffet and opt for a real Londoner’s breakfast — fresh pastries, artisan coffee, and a walk through one of the city’s most beautiful parks.
- Over Under Coffee (South Kensington) – Trendy, compact, and serving some of the best flat whites in London.
- Kuro Coffee (Kensington High Street) – Minimalist Japanese-London fusion vibe and specialty brews.
- Gail’s Bakery (Multiple locations) – A local favourite for buttery pastries, seeded sourdough, and breakfast on-the-go.
These are the places locals love — within walking distance of your luxury apartment rental near Kensington. With Buckingham & Lloyds, you can roll out of bed, grab a pastry from a hidden café, and be back in your apartment before the crowds even find their guidebooks.
Markets & Makers: Saturday Strolling, Local Style
One of the best ways to live like a local in London is to shop where the locals do — in West London’s best markets. From fresh organic produce to vintage fashion and small-batch olive oils, these weekend favourites are more than just shopping — they’re a lifestyle.
- South Kensington Farmers’ Market (Saturdays) – Organic veg, French cheese, and small-batch honey from real London producers.
- Portobello Road Market (Fridays & Saturdays) – Skip the tourist stalls and head straight for vintage finds, antiques and hidden bric-a-brac gems.
- Duke of York Square Fine Food Market (Saturdays) – Artisan food trucks and gourmet producers right off King’s Road.
If you’re staying in one of our Knightsbridge apartments or planning a short stay in Hyde Park, these hidden gems are part of your everyday routine. Even better? We offer curated fridge fills, so you can return home to your fully stocked apartment ready to cook-up or try-on your market finds.
Evenings Out: Independent Bars, Small Plates & Local Energy
London nights don’t have to mean tourist traps or chain restaurants. Whether you’re in town for a romantic weekend, a work trip, or a family visit, these are the neighbourhood wine bars, bistros and hidden restaurants in Kensington and South West London that locals return to again and again.
- Margaux (Old Brompton Road) – A wine bar meets bistro with an elevated but unpretentious feel. Great for dates or quiet catch-ups.
- Fait Maison (Gloucester Road) – A floral-fronted hidden gem with Middle Eastern fusion plates and rose-topped cakes.
- Wright Brothers (South Kensington) – For oysters and seafood with a relaxed London crowd and a wine list worth staying for.
Staying in one of our luxury short lets in South Kensington means your evenings can be just as intentional as your mornings. From in-apartment chef experiences to last-minute dinner reservations arranged by our concierge, this is luxury local living — customised to your tastes.
Local Living, Elevated
When you choose to stay in an apartment instead of a hotel, you unlock a different rhythm of the city. It’s slower, more connected, and infinitely more personal. With Buckingham & Lloyds, you get to enjoy London’s hidden gems without sacrificing luxury.
Access the following services and more during your stay:
- Daily housekeeping
- Airport Pick-Ups and Private Drivers
- Fridge fills and pantry stocking
- Private Chef service
- Wellness and beauty treatments via trusted local providers
- Childcare and family services
- Concierge support for bookings, reservations, and anything in between
Whether you’re planning a long-term stay near Hyde Park or looking for a boutique aparthotel in Knightsbridge, our team makes it seamless. This is what short stay luxury apartments in London were made for.
Our Favourite Hidden Spots — Just Around the Corner
The true charm of London reveals itself when you step off the main roads. Explore the best hidden gems in West London — from quiet museums to secluded pubs and walled gardens you’d never find on a city map.
- The Builder’s Arms – A tucked-away gastropub with an unassuming vibe and excellent Sunday roasts.
- Chelsea Physic Garden – One of London’s oldest botanical spaces, and a true hidden haven.
- Leighton House Museum – An artistic gem with ornate interiors, quiet courtyards and rotating exhibitions.
Whether you’re based in one of our Knightsbridge serviced apartments or looking for a hidden stay near Kensington Palace, these local spots are all a stone’s throw away. This is the kind of London that doesn’t show up on TikTok — and that’s exactly why you’ll love it.
A Home-Base That Works Around You
If you’re visiting London for more than a few days, flexibility is key. Our apartments are designed to work around your lifestyle — whether you’re working remotely, travelling with kids, or mixing business with pleasure.
Each of our luxury London apartments includes:
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Spacious lounge areas
- High-speed WiFi for remote work
- Optional long-stay add-ons and wellness services
- Thoughtful touches that make every day smoother
Looking for a short let in South Kensington or Hyde Park with concierge service? Buckingham & Lloyds combines the space and comfort of home with the support of a boutique hotel.
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At Buckingham & Lloyds, we believe the best way to explore London is from a home base that feels like your own. Not a hotel. Not a tourist trail. But a space where you can rest, recharge, and reconnect — on your terms.
So slow down. Stay longer. Discover the hidden side of the city, our team at your beck and call.
This is how to live like a local — but better.