To Celebrate International Women’s Day, we talked to three truly international women who have a very special history with the area. We talked to British Interior Designer Louise Bradley who started her journey on Walton Street more than thirty years ago and now has a showroom and studio just off Fulham Road. We asked Louise about her Brompton Cross.
What is your history with Brompton Cross?
Brompton Cross has played a big part in my professional and personal life. I opened my first showroom on Walton Street in 1991 and built my interior design business from that site until we moved into our current space on Fulham Road. This space features our 8000 sq ft Showroom, which displays our extensive collection of luxury furniture, accessories, and fabrics, as well as hosting our Design Studio and Head Office. I also live very locally, and I often walk my two dogs, Ellie and Tatty, through Brompton Cross on our way to Hyde Park every morning.
Why do you think Brompton Cross is special?
Brompton Cross is like a small village in the heart of London and has its own characteristics and heartbeat. From beautiful independent stores covering everything from interiors to fashion to gifts to delicious restaurants and cafes that all capture and add to the atmosphere. Coupled with being a stone’s throw from two major Museums – the V&A and Natural History and with South Kensington Station at its heart, it is great spot to get a coffee and to watch the world go by…
Where do you hangout or refuel at Brompton Cross?
Aubaine is a great spot for a breakfast meeting or just a quick coffee with a colleague before we begin our day. Take out from Daylesford Organic is both healthy and quick when I’m in between meetings, but still need to eat well, and is also a good place to quickly visit on my way home if I want to pick up provisions for a delicious supper. For a special night out with friends Daphne’s on Draycott Avenue is always a favourite and has a wonderful atmosphere as well as Scalini on Walton Street for classic Italian glamour. I also love Chelsea Green, Wild Tavern, and the newly opened Birley Bakery.
Where do you like to shop?
Joseph on Fulham Road is a perennial favourite with a wide-ranging selection of both designer wear and great basics. Walton Street is the perfect space to wander and browse whether you are looking for a gift or beautiful shoes at Robert Clergerie.
Any special tips for a newcomer?
Start with a wander down Walton Street, pick up a coffee to go at Greenspeares and browse through all the beautiful stores enroute to Draycott Avenue then walk across to Sloane Avenue and down to Chelsea Green. Cinquecento has wonderful pizza for a quick lunch and then walk up Elystan Street and take a left onto Fulham Road and pop into the Louise Bradley Showroom. We are always happy to welcome any newcomers to the area and can give lots of great advice on interiors, furniture, and accessories for your home.
Have you a fond memory you can share with us?
There are so many fond memories I have of running my business from Walton Street, having been there for over 20 years. One particular is when I got my first puppy Marni, who sadly is no longer with us and having her entertain clients in our Showroom. She was such a character; luckily now I have Ellie and Tatty who I walk everyday along Walton Street to our Fulham Road Showroom and Studio, who continue to amuse and delight us all!
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