Fran Newman-Young's Guide To Connaught Village For Brides-To-Be

Let me let you in on a little secret of mine, Connaught Village. Despite its central location – a short walk from Hyde Park, Marble Arch and Oxford Street – it’s a true hidden gem. It somehow maintains an aura of tranquillity amidst the chaos of the city, which is why it’s the perfect day out for brides-to-be.

Connaught Village will not only bring you much-needed zen, it will bring you inspiration with its exquisite selection of independent boutiques. From fashion outlets to beauty salons, delicious dining options to fabulous florists, all your bridal needs are covered.

Love Story London

24 Connaught St, London W2 2AF

Allow me to introduce you to Love Story London, a quintessentially British brand that’s captured the heart of Connaught Village as its new home. Nestled on Connaught Street, their flagship boutique opened its doors not too long ago, marking the beginning of a beautiful love affair with bridal fashion.

At the helm is Laura Shepherd, the creative force behind Love Story London, boasting over a decade of experience in the bridal realm. What started as an in-house private label has blossomed into a sought-after name synonymous with luxury bridal elegance.

Step inside their studio, spanning two light-filled floors, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in a space that mirrors Love Story London’s ethos – minimalist yet effortlessly chic. I was utterly charmed by the gorgeous quality of their fabrics and the meticulous attention to detail evident in every stitch. ‘Flattering’ doesn’t even begin to describe their pieces. With customisable features like divine tops, ethereal overskirts and iconic veils, there’s something to make every bride swoon. Oh, and let me whisper a little secret in your ear – ‘Luz’ has stolen my heart. You’ll thank me later, I promise.

PM Flowers

53 Connaught St, London W2 2BB

From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the fragrance of freshly cut roses and totally enchanted by their vibrant bouquets. For any London bride-to-be, PM Flowers is the ultimate confidant, the perfect partner in crafting your fairytale wedding. Their team of masterful florists? Pure genius. They work hand in hand with you, weaving your floral dreams into a reality.

PM Flowers has been gracing the streets of Connaught Village since the illustrious Prewett Miller founded it back in 1966. A true testament to its legacy, it’s one of the longest-standing businesses in Connaught Street, a beacon of beauty and elegance for all who wander its enchanting paths.

Kendal Street Kitchen

17-20 Kendal Street, London, W2 2AW

On a full day out a delicious lunch isn’t just necessary, it’s imperative. We took a moment to relax and reflect on our shopping at Kendal Street Kitchen – an Italian haven that whisks you away on a gustatory journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. We started with a tantalising array of sharing plates including zesty citrus-cured salmon bites on a crispy sesame base, creamy Puglian burrata and aromatic roasted cauliflower. We followed this with a sumptuous Tuscan sausage and Kendal’s Greek Salad – the perfect balance!

Bridal Rogue Gallery

39 Connaught St, London W2 2AZ

If you’re in the market for a bridal boutique that’s a veritable treasure trove of designer delights, look no further than Bridal Rogue Gallery. With almost three decades under their stylish belt, they’ve curated an exquisite collection of wedding gowns that’ll make your heart skip a beat. The team there is utterly charming, delivering service that’s second to none. From classic elegance to cutting-edge chic, their range of styles and silhouettes caters to every bride’s dream. Oh, and did I mention the designers? Pronovias, Pronovias Privee, House of St. Patrick, Vera Wang – it’s a bridal paradise.

Buchanans Cheesemonger

5A Porchester Pl, London W2 2BS

Prepare your taste buds, my darlings, for a tantalising treat awaits at none other than Buchanans – the award-winning artisan cheesemonger that’s every cheese lover’s dream come true. Picture this: they scour the lands far and wide, sourcing only the crème de la crème of cheeses from the finest producers across the UK and Europe, gracing the tables of London’s most esteemed restaurants with their delectable delights. The shop, which was recently extended to include a wine room, even has its own maturation room to ensure their cheeses are perfectly conditioned.

Let’s talk wedding cheesecakes – and no, I’m not referring to those with a biscuit base. Lucy, our delightful guide through the cheesy wonderland, treated us to a divine tasting of several cheeses, each carefully selected for the layers of this heavenly creation. Rumour has it, you might just catch a glimpse of one of these marvels at a certain London wedding this summer. And the best part? These edible works of art take a mere six weeks to prepare, all at a price that won’t leave your wallet weeping.

But fear not, if a cheesecake isn’t your cup of tea. Buchanans has something for everyone – from crafting your own personal cheese platter to finding the perfect accompaniments like biscuits or chutney. And for those eager to expand their cheese knowledge, why not enrol in a class at the esteemed London cheese school? After all, there’s always room for more cheese in our lives, isn’t there?

Eliza Jane Howell

15 Connaught St, London W2 2AY

There’s a little slice of heaven called Eliza Jane Howell – a boutique that simply steals my heart every time I pass by, thanks to its ever-changing window displays that are nothing short of seasonal masterpieces. I could lose myself for hours amidst their dazzling array of embellished gowns. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect bridal ensemble, a show-stopping evening look, or perhaps something from the divine Gill Harvey’s collection for the Mother of the Bride, look no further, my dear. Eliza Jane Howell is your one-stop destination for all things glamorous and utterly fabulous.

You’ll be welcomed by Andrea Cutts, the co-founder – she’s a vision of warmth and hospitality, ready to greet you with the most genuine of welcomes as you step into their world of luxury. No matter your shape or size, rest assured, there’s something here to make you feel like an absolute goddess. And if that’s not enough, their designs are completely customizable, ensuring every detail is tailored to perfection, just for you.

Royal Lancaster London

Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY

As the sun begins its descent, why not round off your day in the most splendid manner with a delightful afternoon tea at none other than the Royal Lancaster London hotel. Their signature Afternoon Tea is simply divine. It’s the epitome of elegance and indulgence. Picture dainty sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an array of delectable pastries, all served with the finest teas and perhaps a glass of champagne to add that extra touch of sparkle.

What better way to conclude your day of bespoke bridal shopping and soak up precious family moments than by basking in the luxury of this quintessentially British tradition.