This neighbourhood sits towards the western end of Kensington High Street and covers much of the southern half of the esteemed area of Holland Park. Slightly humbler than its sister neighbourhoods closer to Hyde Park, the locality still has the same prized amenities, residential peacefulness and acres of green parkland. Holland Park itself provides a plethora of space to enjoy the regular operas in the summer, picnic, or find a spot to meditate in the Kyoto gardens without getting too bothered by its resident peacocks. Between the great designer pieces hidden in the charity shops along this quieter end of the high street, and the award-winning Filipino restaurant Romulo’s Café, this area is plentiful in charming character.

Holland Park came into conception in the 1590s, when Sir Walter Cope bought land in Kensington. In 1604, he built Copes Castle, which later became Holland House after it was passed down to the aristocratic Holland Family. Lavish from the onset, the elite of the time often frequented the house for entertainment until it was destroyed during the Second World War. Although the manor was destroyed, the land around it was purchased and renovated by the council and made into the park that so many love and visit today.

Inside Holland Park is an exquisite Japanese garden with its own koi pond. It was donated by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991 and is frequented by the famous peacocks that roam the park.

A key issue that residents have been butting heads about has been local renovations. For example, Robbie Williams and Jimmy Page have been at each other’s throats over William’s plans to make an underground home beneath Page’s house. In other words, locals are concerned about keeping and protecting the authentic atmosphere of the area. Additionally, there are worries about congestion and pollution around the High Street. While Transport for London had plans to develop a cycling superhighway that would cut through the hight street to address pollution and encourage alternative transport in the area, the proposal was refused by the borough’s local authority, despite its support by other partnering councils.

Whilst there appears to be no major developments in the pipeline around Holland Park, the council has continued to express its support for preserving the historical buildings and spaces in the area particularly those that are Grade I- and II-listed properties. But while the architectural character of the area may remain unchanged, its dynamism may be expecting an exciting new increase in the near future. In 2022, Kensington High Street was selected by the borough council as a business improvement district (BID), which would secure £5 million worth of investment over the next five years to support the high street’s economic recovery following the pandemic.