The Peggy Porschen Parlour Chelsea on King’s Road in London.
Last week my friend Julia (a fellow American who also lives in Paris) and I went on a two-day visit to London to experience the holiday magic at which the city excels. She snapped me in front of the Parlour before our meet up with some of my special London chums. The weather was frigid, hence my “bear” coat and huge scarf.
We were delighted to be hosted by Peggy and her wonderful staff, led by Hannah Clifford, for a special luncheon which included their seasonal savory menu and abundant sweet treats. I am always amazed by the creativity of each new collection. (Attendees included Instgrammers @siobhaise @prettycitylondon @londonispink @eatnlondon @crazycatladyldn @fallingoffbicycles @ritafarhifinds in case you’d like to visit their Instagram accounts.)
It was so wonderful to catch up with my friends there. Many of us hadn’t seen each other since my book launch for London in Bloom, right after which we all went into lockdown. We felt so fortunate to gather at Peggy’s iconic Parlour and to be fêted with their wonderful treats. We were so spoiled with luscious and delicious surprises. Such lasting and beautiful memories are always made there and no trip to London is complete without a visit to one of the two Parlours.
Afterwards, Julia and I then undertook several long walks. Let’s take a stroll now to many of the London holiday sights!
Right around the corner from Peggy Porschen Chelsea on King’s Road is Glebe Street. There, you’ll find these two pink doors at the historic Turner Studios, always decorated for the holidays with beautiful wreaths.
A few block up King’s Road toward Sloane Square is the Ivy Chelsea Garden restaurant. Their seasonal displays are known to stop traffic and I admit to spending many hours over the years on the opposite side of the street waiting for the cars, buses and trucks to clear in order to get a perfect shot of the latest installation.
Not far away in Belgravia is the original Peggy Porschen Parlour on Elizabeth Street. For this season, it is similarly decorated to the Chelsea Parlour with pink-striped bows and roses. I took these photos just before they opened one morning so that you can see the exterior without the usual crowds! As always, the fantastic decor is by Dickinson and Doris, London.
Heading up to Mayfair, we found the famous red car at the Koyn Restaurant. It is suitably decorated for each season and this year’s tree has been the most popular feature ever.
Not far from Koyn on Berkeley Square is the very famous Annabel’s, a private club for the rich and famous. In recent years, the seasonal decor has been breathtaking. You can see a previous spring floral installation at Annabel’s in my book, London in Bloom. This year’s holiday spectacle features a carousel theme with red swag curtains and flying unicorns.
Here I am with Julia and our new doormen friends.
Next, we headed over to Covent Garden to see the red sleigh and giant ornaments.
Julia and me, snapped by a friendly tourist.
Then to Bond Street, which is one of the holiday hubs in London. Here is the Tiffany display right near the Cartier display.
While on Bond Street, one must stop at Ralph Lauren for a coffee or hot chocolate, with bear attendants!
From Bond Street, it is a short walk to the Ritz and their massive tree and other beautiful decor.
Next up is Fortnum and Mason with their advent calendar themed exterior.
Their window displays are legendary with picnic hampers, champagne and other delectables.
And we end the tour on Regent Street with the twinkling angels that line the entire route. It’s very cold by this time but the scene is dazzling!
Julia and I stayed at a charming apartment from London Perfect Rentals (part of the Perfect Experiences group, including Paris Perfect Rentals, which you probably know are my long-term most recommended Paris apartment rentals). We stayed at the Gordon apartment, just off High Street Kensington, and the location is truly special. Next to a peaceful churchyard, one feels nestled in a quiet English village, yet with the easiest connections via Tube to all of London. We absolutely loved it!
Thank you for joining me on the tour! London is truly one of the best places in which to celebrate holiday festivities.
Wishing you the best this season and throughout the New Year.
xx
G
Fantastic!!! Wonderful photos.
Feels like I’m there right along with you. Thanks for the tour . Beautiful!
I’m so glad! It was really, really cold. My friend and I were bundled up but determined to see as much as possible in the short time we were there. G
First of all, I love that pink and floral restaurant. And You just look gorgeous, keep up the wonderful work.
The Parlour is just the best place in London for a romantic and special treat. And thank you! I was wearing my “bear” coat because it was so cold but it’s nice to have a photo in front of Peggy’s. Thank you for always letting me know that you enjoy the posts. xxx
So delightful, and so beautiful! Wishing you a lovely holiday!
Hello, Dianne! Thank you! I hope you are very well and I send all best wishes for a beautiful holiday, too. G
What a wonderful treat to view your trip highlights!! Thank you. Happy Holidays…
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Carol! It was a whirlwind visit but I wanted to capture as much as I could to share here. I truly think no place does the holidays like London! Wishing you a most wonderful holiday season. G
Thanks for sharing your tour! Beautiful Christmas decorations. You look lovely in that “bear” coat and pink scarf! Have A Wonderful Christmas!
Hi Nancy! Aww, you’re so sweet to say so, thank you! I so appreciate your visits throughout the year and I wish you a magical Christmas and wonderful New Year!
My very best,
Georgianna
Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year and being able to see these beautiful photos brings so much joy. Thanks you and a very Happy Christmas to all.
Hi, Anne! It’s so important to me to share the beauty I see and I’m so pleased that my images bring you the joy at this special season. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas to you and yours!
My very best,
Georgianna
Dear Georgianna-
As always, your words and beautiful photos mesmerize. You capture the beauty of your life and surroundings and the holidays so skillfully and creatively. Stunning. Thank you for sharing your incredible life and talents with us. Always a gift. Wishing you the most magical of holidays. 💋
Hello, Judy!
You are so thoughtful to leave such a beautiful and touching message, thank you. And I consider your visits and kind words to be precious gifts, too.
Sending love for a fabulous holiday season and bright new year! I appreciate you being here.
xx
G
Wow Georgianna, these are amazing! I’ve been meaning to have a walk around to see London’s Christmas display this year but got ill with the flu. It’s so wonderful to see some of the highlights here and read about the fantastic time you had. Hope you also had a chance to see the Christmas display at Harrod’s and the Dior Cafe.. It’s the only one I’ve visited so far and can totally recommend!
Hi Cristina and thank you! I do hope you are better and have a chance now to visit the other displays as I’m sure they’ll be up until New Year. I didn’t make it to the Dior Cafe at Harrod’s but we do have quite a lot of Dior decor here. :)
All my best,
Georgianna
These are absolutely gorgeous Christmas photos.
These photos are stunning!! The Peggy Porsche restaurant is so pretty! How fun to eat in it! I’m just in awe of your work.
Thanks so much for sharing your gorgeous photos. Great girls trip. So fun to see the decorations, I’ve been to London but never at Xmas time. Happy New Year !