Growing up in a sleepy village clinging to Norfolk’s crumbling cliffs, city life was an enigma. My home was a world away, a time-worn labyrinth of ivy-covered stone walls, dusty paths, and salt-crusted fishing cottages. The roads that did exist often ended abruptly, swallowed by the unforgiving North Sea below. This isolation made the bustling city a mystery, a place I longed to explore.
Inland, relentless gales sent crops tumbling across the fields, while the hungry shoreline devoured the shell-strewn sands. There were no towering skyscrapers to obstruct the views, no traffic lights to disrupt the flow. The beauty was boundless, yet it felt suffocatingly claustrophobic.
I left, craving the unknown, the excitement of roads leading to unfamiliar streets and faces. But as soon as I severed ties with my windswept outpost, I found myself drawn to the charm of village life, a pull I couldn’t ignore.
Finding Village Life in the City
This yearning led me to London, a sprawling metropolis teeming with people, a relentless current of humanity navigating the underground and towering buildings. To the untrained eye, London is a city of strangers.
But step away from the dazzling lights of the West End, and you’ll find yourself whisked away, Alice in Wonderland-style, to Connaught Village. Just minutes from Mayfair’s exclusive clubs and Oxford Street’s bustling shops, it’s a London that exists beyond the familiar. A village tucked away in the heart of the city.
A Hidden Gem
Connaught Village is a haven of elegance, a charming enclave of Georgian streets and quaint mews. It boasts a thriving independent shopping scene, with boutiques showcasing exquisite hand-wrapped chocolates from around the world, award-winning cheeses, hand-stitched velvet cushions, antique rugs, and the finest blooms in town.
This charming village is far more than a “luxury retail quarter,” it’s a place where life moves at a slower pace. Here, you’ll see tweed-clad locals greeting each other warmly, discussing their gardens and the local pastry shop. The sound of horse-drawn carriages returning from Hyde Park fills the air, a reminder of a bygone era.
A Village Within the City
The village’s heart is a place where shopkeepers are known by name, neighbors have faces, and a simple nod at the bar guarantees your usual drink. It’s a place where community thrives. The hustle and bustle of the city seem miles away.
I found myself on a horse-drawn carriage, a leather-clad “Boris,” a stunning Irish Cob, navigating Hyde Park. We rode along the Serpentine, a glittering ribbon of water, towards Rotten Row, one of the world’s most famous riding spots.
Time seems to stand still as we pass by royal carriages and watch cavalry riders practice their skills in the park. The city’s chaos melts away, replaced by a sense of history and tradition. And even in this bustling metropolis, people still know each other’s names, like “Bobby,” the man on his horse who greets us with a smile.
Art, Food, and Friendship
A short distance away, I found myself in RNat5A, an art studio run by Nick and Rob Carter. Rob gave me a whirlwind tour of their futuristic works, from camera-less photography and light drawing to paintings created by their AI robot, Heidi.
I fell in love with one of their neon creations and was drawn to Dellaposa gallery, another husband-and-wife team specializing in contemporary art and modern masters. Mick Jagger’s unmistakable pout was a highlight of their David Bailey exhibition. The gallery even had a “lucky dip” box filled with one-of-a-kind signed Polaroid photographs by the legendary photographer.
Later, I met with my friend Sophie at Bombay Palace, a local institution serving delicious Indian cuisine. Its extensive menu includes regional curries, Indian street food, and traditional tandoori specialties. The friendly staff even accommodated my last-minute gluten allergy with a smile.
Connaught Village is a place where the old world charm meets the modern city. It’s a place where you can find everything from handcrafted shoes and artisan chocolates to award-winning cheeses and Persian pastries. There’s a pub for every taste, from traditional British fare to Argentinean steak and authentic Iraqi dishes. You can indulge in a delicious meal at The Duke of Kendall, a family-run gastropub, or enjoy a glass of Argentinian Malbec at Casa Malevo, a cozy steakhouse owned by a friend.
A Unique Escape in the Heart of London
Staying at the Royal Lancaster London, an iconic mid-century hotel, I enjoyed stunning views of the city, from the Shard to the London Eye. This five-star hotel is a haven of luxury and elegance, a perfect retreat after a day exploring Connaught Village.
As I sipped my Malbec, watching the locals stroll down Connaught Street, I realized that this unique village is a true gem, a place where community and culture blend seamlessly. It’s a place where you can find both the excitement of the city and the charm of the countryside.
Connaught Village is a hidden treasure, a reminder that even in the midst of the urban jungle, you can find pockets of peace and tranquility. It’s a place that makes you want to linger, a place you’ll never forget.
