Welcome back to Chelsea
There is a buzz in the air across the neighbourhood as Chelsea reopens this week.
900 alfresco seats, rainbow bunting, festoon lighting and seasonal installations are in place across the area, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Sloane Square’s pop-up is open – a collaboration between The Royal Court Theatre and local restaurants Colbert and The Botanist to bring delicious drinks, pizza, crepes, petanque and playwrights to the Square throughout the summer. Pavilion Road is now permanently pedestrianised, emphasising the value of its independent artisans to the community.
Press coverage this week has highlighted the atmosphere, footfall and many new openings and events to look forward to. The Times captures the joy of reopening “The bunting was out in Sloane Square yesterday. “Come on in, London! Welcome back!” read the windows of Peter Jones. They didn’t need to tell us twice. Inside it was buzzing. Walking into Peter Jones doesn’t usually make me feel tearful, but it did yesterday… And as I walked out of Zara on to the King’s Road, the sun came out. It really did. I nearly cried.”
WWD outlines new openings “Cadogan…has been investing steadily over the past year, helping its current retailers with rents, and introducing new brands to the neighbourhood. Newcomers this spring and summer will include Ralph Lauren’s new World of Ralph Lauren opening its newest flagship in Sloane Square, and Burberry and Balenciaga openings on Sloane Street. The King’s Road will welcome a Ganni store, while Rixo has signed a permanent lease following the success of its long-term pop-up on the street. Cadogan has also added outdoor seats across the neighbourhood, allowing restaurants, pubs and cafes to reopen safely”, while Vogue Business mentions the strength of the local area and imaginative new retail concepts “Hugh Seaborn, CEO…also notes designer Anya Hindmarch’s ambitious The Village, opening on Pont Street in May – five connected retail spaces ranging from a café to a bespoke store. “What she’s doing is so imaginative,” enthuses Seaborn. “It’s just where retail needs to be going – physical retailing and physical retail owners need to adapt and be more creative, imaginative and community focused. That’s exactly what she has done.”
The Telegraph, Evening Standard and Property Week cover the demand experienced by stores and restaurants “Steve Medway, Place Manager at Cadogan, said there were queues outside stores including Zara, Peter Jones and toyshop Trotters as well as Chanel and Hermes . “People seem very respectful and happy to wait – the overall feeling is one of joy to be back out connecting with people and places….. Footfall at Duke of York Square is a huge 169% higher than a typical Monday [in 2019] pre-pandemic, which demonstrates the pent-up demand.”
Finally, Business of Fashion reports in depth on the new Anya Hindmarch Village, set to open just off Sloane Street in May, “Claire Barber, the Estate’s asset management director comments “It’s fantastic to see it become a reality at a time that the creativity and innovation she brings is more vital than ever…With the trend for online shopping obviously set to continue, there must be multiple reasons to visit and engage with a brand physically – ease, enjoyment, experience all come into consideration.”
We look forward to welcoming you back.