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What is it?
Wedged between Peter Jones and the Saatchi Gallery, just off Sloane Square, Duke of York Square is about as Chelsea as shopping gets. It’s an open-air square of smart shops, fountains and terraces set around a lawn, on the site of the old Duke of York’s barracks (and before that, a school for military orphans).
There are more than 30 shops here. It has one of the largest Zara’s in Europe, and beyond that, there's Reformation, Self-Portrait, A.P.C. and Joseph for clothes, Monica Vinader for jewellery and Soho Home Studio for interiors you’ll want to recreate at home. Beauty lovers are well looked after too, with Aesop, Space NK, Jo Malone, Penhaligon’s, Trinny London and a Dermalogica flagship all in one place. Don’t skip Taschen either, which is still one of the best place in west London to lose an hour among the coffee table books.
Why go?
Because it’s one of the few places in London where you can shop, eat, drink and see world-class art without walking more than a few minutes. Plus, the people-watching is elite.
Don’t miss
The Saturday food market. It’s one of the best in London, with stalls selling everything from artisan cheese and fresh bread to hot food from around the world, so arrive hungry. If you’re back during the week, Vardo is worth a visit too. It’s housed in a striking cylindrical glass pavilion bang in the middle of the square with a terrace that’s prime for a long Chelsea lunch.
When to visit
A sunny Saturday, when the market is on and every terrace is full. Summer is a treat in general, as the square has hosted a big screen for Wimbledon in recent years. Late-night shopping runs until 8pm on Thursdays, if you’d rather browse after work.
Time Out tip
Peckish but not ready to commit to a sit-down meal? There are plenty of options for a quick bite. Grab a pastry at Cafe Linea, a newish all-day spot overlooking the green, get a coffee at The Black Penny, or pick up a box of chocolates from Swiss chocolatier Läderach.