Chelsea Insider Low - Cadogan

47 | INSIDER | Places for childrenThe Insider’s Guideto places forchildrenWhen I’m not working or undertakingcharity work, one of my top Chelseahangouts is KX, a private members’ gymand spa. My favourite restaurants in thearea are Ilia (96 Draycott Avenue) for itsincredible selection of antipasti, EightOver Eight (392 King’s Road) for its livelybar and pan-Asian menu (the chilli saltsquid and duck salad are two of myfavourite dishes anywhere) and my friendRichard Caring’s place Daphne’s (112Draycott Avenue) for its seasonal Italianfood and atmosphere.Igloo, 227 King’s RoadAs a mother to two little girls nearing theage of three, I find myself in children’sshops all the time and Chelsea has areally good range of stores for everythingthe little ones need. Igloo on the King’sRoad is fantastic for great shoes andboots and it’s also a brilliant place to buygifts for all my friends’ kids. The range ofclothes is great as they stock two of myfavourites – Petit Bateau and I LoveGorgeous. The staff are all super-helpfuland friendly, which always makesshopping with little ones all the moreBy Jenny Halpern Prince,who has lived in Chelsea andhad her office on the King’sRoad for more than 15 years.She started Halpern, one ofLondon’s leading consumer PRagencies, in her kitchen and ithas grown into an agency thatlooks after some of the world’sleading brands. Jenny sits onthe boards of Great OrmondStreet Hospital Children’sCharity, Tate, Women’s Aid andThe Legacy List. She is alsothe governor of the LondonAcademy and a mentor forcreative start-upsThe Little WhiteCompanypleasant. At the moment my two arebudding ballerinas and Igloo has abeautiful range of tutus by Angel’s Face.Trotters, 34 King’s RoadTrotters, also on the King’s Road, hasnailed what kids’ shops should be. Whileparents stock up on clothes and more,the children can have their hair cut andare kept entertained seated in front ofa giant aquarium. It’s a good place tostock up on books as well as hair clipsand other accessories too, like hats,scarves and gloves.The Little White Company,4 Symons StreetThe Little White Company is perfect forbedding and the basics, and everythingis so fresh-looking. My two would neverhave been able to sleep as little oneswithout their Little White Company growbags and even now still love the pyjamasfrom there.Natural History Museum,Cromwell RoadAway from the shops, when the kids andI are after some entertainment, my firstport of call is the Natural HistoryMuseum. I am addicted to this place –probably even more so than my children– due to my fascination with animals.Nothing beats walking round theimpressive building and ending up inthe room with the blue whale replica in it.It amazes me every time.Science Museum,Exhibition RoadThe Science Museum is also a must-seeas there are endless installations andNatural History Museum Wildlife Gardendisplays for the kids to interact with. Likeme and the Natural History Museum, thekids never get bored of the ScienceMuseum and spend days chatting abouteverything they have seen there eachtime we go.Kensington GardensI love to get out the house and into thefresh air with the girls and KensingtonGardens is hands-down the best park incentral London for me, especially forskating/scooting, feeding swans andducks and the unique pirate ship andplayground. Many a happy day has beenspent here with the children and my dog.I always bump into other friends whilestrolling around, especially when the sunis out. Regardless of whether it’s flip-flopor welly boots weather, it’s hard to dragthe children away.