Kings Road
About Kings-Road
The King’s Road is a vibrant thoroughfare winding through the charming neighbourhoods of Chelsea and Fulham in West London. This iconic street is not just a major artery for transport and commerce; it’s a living tapestry of history, fashion, and culture. From its roots as a royal pathway to its status as a chic shopping destination, King’s Road has something for everyone.
Stretching for just under two miles (3.2 km), King’s Road begins at Sloane Square in the east—an area known for its affluent residents and stylish boutiques—and continues westward through the Chelsea Design Quarter and into Fulham. As you meander along, you’ll notice the seamless blend of historic architecture and contemporary flair, making every step an adventure.
Originally built as a private road for King Charles II in the 17th century, King’s Road remained a royal route until 1830. With roots dating back to the early 18th century, it’s home to several significant landmarks, including blue plaques at No. 213 honouring film director Sir Carol Reed and at No. 215, where composer Thomas Arne created the classic “Rule Britannia.” In 1876, the world’s first artificial ice rink, the Glaciarium, opened just off King’s Road, showcasing the street’s long-standing connection to entertainment and leisure. During the 1960s, it transformed into a symbol of mod culture, marked by the iconic boutique BAZAAR by Mary Quant and the legendary Chelsea Drugstore, known for its American-style offerings.
Today, King’s Road is celebrated as one of London’s premier shopping destinations. Starting at Sloane Square, you can explore an array of high-end boutiques, unique shops, and trendy eateries. The Duke of York Square on your left features modern fashion, beauty, and culinary delights. Don’t miss Partridges Café, where you can enjoy delightful meals and view local art exhibitions. The site of the former Chelsea Drugstore at 49 King’s Road, this unique establishment was not just a pharmacy but a cultural hotspot during its heyday, offering music, food, and even a delivery service by women in purple catsuits.
Make your way to 128 King’s Road, which once housed the beloved espresso bar Fantasie, frequented by London’s artistic elite. It was here that Mary Quant and others plotted the launch of the iconic BAZAAR boutique at 138a King’s Road, where revolutionary fashion flourished in the swinging 60s. Today, you can grab a smoothie at Joe & the Juice, located in the same building. As you continue, take a moment at 138 King’s Road, once home to The Markham Arms, where notable spies met during the Cold War. The pub later became a hub for the LGBTQ community in the 1970s.
Heading toward World’s End, you’ll discover the legendary Let It Rock at 430 King’s Road, established by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren in 1971. This shop was pivotal in shaping the punk scene, later morphing into the provocative SEX boutique. Today, you can visit World’s End, the rebranded shop, for a blend of archival pieces and modern designs.
Further along at 484 King’s Road, you’ll find the former headquarters of Swan Song Records, Led Zeppelin’s independent label, which was home to various influential artists in the 1970s. The legacy of music continues at 500 King’s Road, where the Whetherby Arms once served as a haunt for the Rolling Stones and the site of Bill Wyman’s audition.
As a boutique estate agency covering prime West London Landstones are here to help you. If you are looking to find your King’s Road dream home or a flat to rent in Kensington or Chelsea get in touch with our friendly team.
The King’s Road is a vibrant thoroughfare winding through the charming neighbourhoods of Chelsea and Fulham in West London. This iconic street is not just a major artery for transport and commerce; it’s a living tapestry of history, fashion, and culture. From its roots as a royal pathway to its status as a chic shopping destination, King’s Road has something for everyone.
Stretching for just under two miles (3.2 km), King’s Road begins at Sloane Square in the east—an area known for its affluent residents and stylish boutiques—and continues westward through the Chelsea Design Quarter and into Fulham. As you meander along, you’ll notice the seamless blend of historic architecture and contemporary flair, making every step an adventure.
Originally built as a private road for King Charles II in the 17th century, King’s Road remained a royal route until 1830. With roots dating back to the early 18th century, it’s home to several significant landmarks, including blue plaques at No. 213 honouring film director Sir Carol Reed and at No. 215, where composer Thomas Arne created the classic “Rule Britannia.” In 1876, the world’s first artificial ice rink, the Glaciarium, opened just off King’s Road, showcasing the street’s long-standing connection to entertainment and leisure. During the 1960s, it transformed into a symbol of mod culture, marked by the iconic boutique BAZAAR by Mary Quant and the legendary Chelsea Drugstore, known for its American-style offerings.
Today, King’s Road is celebrated as one of London’s premier shopping destinations. Starting at Sloane Square, you can explore an array of high-end boutiques, unique shops, and trendy eateries. The Duke of York Square on your left features modern fashion, beauty, and culinary delights. Don’t miss Partridges Café, where you can enjoy delightful meals and view local art exhibitions. The site of the former Chelsea Drugstore at 49 King’s Road, this unique establishment was not just a pharmacy but a cultural hotspot during its heyday, offering music, food, and even a delivery service by women in purple catsuits.
Make your way to 128 King’s Road, which once housed the beloved espresso bar Fantasie, frequented by London’s artistic elite. It was here that Mary Quant and others plotted the launch of the iconic BAZAAR boutique at 138a King’s Road, where revolutionary fashion flourished in the swinging 60s. Today, you can grab a smoothie at Joe & the Juice, located in the same building. As you continue, take a moment at 138 King’s Road, once home to The Markham Arms, where notable spies met during the Cold War. The pub later became a hub for the LGBTQ community in the 1970s.
Heading toward World’s End, you’ll discover the legendary Let It Rock at 430 King’s Road, established by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren in 1971. This shop was pivotal in shaping the punk scene, later morphing into the provocative SEX boutique. Today, you can visit World’s End, the rebranded shop, for a blend of archival pieces and modern designs.
Further along at 484 King’s Road, you’ll find the former headquarters of Swan Song Records, Led Zeppelin’s independent label, which was home to various influential artists in the 1970s. The legacy of music continues at 500 King’s Road, where the Whetherby Arms once served as a haunt for the Rolling Stones and the site of Bill Wyman’s audition.
As a boutique estate agency covering prime West London Landstones are here to help you. If you are looking to find your King’s Road dream home or a flat to rent in Kensington or Chelsea get in touch with our friendly team.
