Got an hour to kill between shows? Need food that isn’t the size of a doll’s tea party picnic? Just fancy a well-earned G&T? South Kensington might appear a barren wasteland of Pret a Mangers and Starbucks, but look a little deeper and there’s something for everyone. Check out the first part of our essential guide to eating/drinking/boozing, all within a 5-minute radius of the tents. First stop, the ever important, coffee break.
Café Milan
23 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3HZ
Dispelling the myth that fashion people don’t eat, Café Milan is as much as a part of London Fashion Week as Hilary Alexander and Topshop. Serving up pints of tea and cheese toasties, this is an unpretentious place to rest and refuel. Extra fashion bonus points for outdoor seating (perfect for spying), fashion week themed name and proximity to the tents.
Primo
10 Old Brompton Road London SW7 3DL
Another fashion week favourite, this joint is popular amongst the beautiful people for its (optimistic?) sun deck. Come show season, this humble piece of decking is the place to see and be seen. Check out the three amigos in black in the corner of this photo - dark glasses, giant bags, cigarettes - could they be any more fashion? As for the café, if you can bear to be seen eating, they do a fine full English, amazing salmon breakfasts, and 100% fashion approved salads. If you’re on a liquid lunch, expect every type of tea and coffee known to man, as well as juices and milkshakes.
The Garden Café, Victoria and Albert Museum
V&A, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL
Want a little culture with your coffee? Want to know just what, exactly, that designer was banging on about when they referenced Lu Shengzhong in their press release? The Garden Café is a haven away from the mania of Fashion Week, serving up tea and cakes in the courtyard garden of the Victoria and Albert museum. Once you get over coughing up the best part of £10 for a slice of carrot cake and cup of camomile, it’s the perfect place to relax and get some peace and quiet. A good place to spot international press - the delightful Suzy Menkes was chillaxing there this afternoon.
Rachael Gibson
