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Contact Us
Contact
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Saturday 10.00 am – 7.00 pm
Sunday 10.00 am – 7.00 pm
Address
Santi London
33 Thurloe Street
South Kensington
SW7 2LQ
We are conveniently located at 33 Thurloe Street, just a short walk from South Kensington tube station (serving the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines). Additionally, a cab rank and a bus stop are just moments away, ensuring easy access to our location.
Did you know that South Kensington was farm land. With sheep roaming around the building that is now Santi. It wasn’t until the Great Exhibition that a building boom occurred making it the fashionable area you know today. Aside from the huge museums in the area largely to house the artifacts collected during the Exhibition, a little known curiosity is the building styles in the area around the tube station. The station was constructed as an open shaft meaning that quite a few buildings in its path were demolished. Hence the strangely shped building on Thurloe Square and the odd architectural style at the start of Exhibition Road. When you look up you can guess that the buildings were literally torn down to create the start of Exhibition Road.
New plans are under way to improve the area with a revamp of the tube station to incorporate new buildings and office and residential areas around Pelham Street.
Cool things to do In Kensington, London
London’s Kensington neighborhood is known for its beautiful architecture, high-end shopping, and rich cultural offerings. Here are some cool things to do in the area:
V&A
Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum: This world-famous museum is dedicated to the arts and design and is home to an incredible collection of over 2.3 million objects.
Natural History Museum
Explore the Natural History Museum: This museum is dedicated to the natural world and is home to an incredible collection of specimens, including dinosaur skeletons, rocks, and minerals.
Albert Hall
Visit the Royal Albert Hall: This historic concert hall is one of London’s most famous landmarks and is home to a variety of cultural events, including classical music concerts, operas, and ballets. Read more about the architecture of Albert Hall.
Hyde Park
Walk through Hyde Park: This famous park is one of the largest open spaces in London and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Hyde Park is named after its original landowner, Sir William Hyde. In 1536, Henry VIII acquired the manor of Hyde from the Abbey of Westminster and turned it into a hunting ground, which he named Hyde Park. Over the centuries, the park became a popular destination for recreation and entertainment, and today it is one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Kensington Gardens
Stroll through Kensington Gardens: This beautiful park is adjacent to Hyde Park and is home to the famous Kensington Palace, as well as a variety of other attractions and scenic gardens.
Science Museum
Check out the Science Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and development of science and technology and is home to a wide range of interactive exhibits and displays.
Venchi Chocolatier
Our neighbours at Venchi in South Kensington offer an exquisite selection of fine chocolates. Renowned for their luxurious quality and rich flavours, Venchi chocolates are a delightful indulgence, perfect for those who appreciate gourmet treats. While they may be a bit pricey, the exceptional taste and craftsmanship make them worth every penny. Moments from Santi!
Five Guys is also our neighbour 🙂 Naturally we enjoy it differently.
Home House on Portman Square just behind Selfridges is an iconic private members club housed in a beautiful Georgian building. A must on your list of places to visit for a quiet drink and a relaxed meal.
Fish and Chips is not something you would ordinarily associate with Bibendum but hey why not. The ground floor is a smart casual lunch area with the main Claude Bosi restaurant upstairs.
If you’re in London and love classical rustic French food, then Josephine restaurant in Fulham is a must try. French onion soup naturally or bouillabaisse. The restaurant is also opposite the Sloane Street Auction House where you can find some surprising artifacts.
Sadaf Restaurant in High Street Kensington is a great Persian Restaurant if you’re looking for ideas on where to eat in and around Kensington. Traditional Persian food, well priced with generous portions. Great tandoor bread and excellent service.
Akira Back at the Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair Hannover Street London might be worth a visit for the dramatic decor. The food however is a surprising let down.
The Bar at the Kensington Hotel on Queens Gate 5 minutes from Santi offers a relaxing old school wine bar feel where a good selection of wine and cocktails is matched with exceptional customer service.
Hawksmoor in Knightsbridge and moments from Santi is a firm winter favourite. Never lets you down! Thinks steaks galore though their salads are really very good.
August in South Kensington
V&A Museum Events
Check out the “Bags: Inside Out” exhibition, showcasing the history and design of bags from around the world. This is a fascinating dive into fashion history that shouldn’t be missed.
Natural History Museum
In August, the Natural History Museum hosts special exhibitions and events that cater to all ages. Don’t miss the “Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature” exhibition, which explores the creatures of the wizarding world alongside real animals.
Science Museum
The museum offers interactive exhibits and summer workshops for kids, making it a perfect family destination. Participate in hands-on experiments and learn about the latest scientific discoveries.
Hyde Park
Take advantage of the beautiful weather by renting a paddle boat on the Serpentine Lake or joining a yoga class on the grass. Hyde Park also hosts open-air concerts and theater performances in August.
View of Albert Memorial from inside Albert Hall
Meet Our Neighbours:
Philippe Conticini has indeed made a mark in South Kensington! Here’s what you should know:
- Location: You can find Philippe Conticini at 24-25 Cromwell Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2LD. This puts it in the heart of London’s “French Quarter.
What it is: It’s a boutique/patisserie that showcases the exquisite creations of the renowned French pastry chef Philippe Conticini.
What to expect:
High-end French pastries: Expect a beautiful array of meticulously crafted pastries and viennoiseries.
Signature creations: Look out for Conticini’s famous Paris-Brest, St Honoré Tart, and other innovative treats.
XXL creations: They’ve become quite famous for their giant-sized croissants and pain au chocolat!
The chef: Philippe Conticini is a very respected figure in the pastry world, known for his innovative approach and focus on the “sensory” experience of pastry.
In essence, Philippe Conticini in South Kensington is a destination for those seeking a taste of French pastry excellence in London
More about Thurloe Street South Kensington
Thurloe Street is a charming and historic street located in the South Kensington district of London. Here are a few things that make it unique.
Location
Thurloe Street is situated in one of the most desirable areas of London, just a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Architecture
The buildings on Thurloe Street are a mix of Victorian and Georgian styles, with many of them dating back to the 19th century. The street is known for its beautiful facades, intricate detailing, and ornate ironwork.
Shopping
Thurloe Street is home to a variety of high-end shops, boutiques, and galleries, making it a popular destination for shoppers looking for luxury goods and unique finds.
Dining
The street is also known for its vibrant dining scene, with a range of restaurants and cafes offering everything from traditional British cuisine to international fare.
History
Thurloe Street has a rich history, and was once home to notable figures such as the poet Robert Browning and the artist John Everett Millais. Today, the street is a designated conservation area, which helps to preserve its historic character and charm.
May in South Kensington
Exhibitions:
NAOMI in Fashion: This exhibition chronicling Naomi Campbell’s 40-year career closes on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence: Explore the rich culture of Mughal India until Monday, May 5, 2025.
Energy: Sparks from the Collection: This free display exploring energy in the V&A’s collections closes on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Nature Study: Ecology and the Contemporary Photobook: This free display is on until Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Photography Now: Another free display, running until Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Artists at Work: Museum Residencies 2024: A free display offering a glimpse into artists’ residencies, on until Sunday, November 2, 2025.
British Studio Pottery and the V&A: This free display continues until Sunday, September 28, 2025.
The Hair in the Cable: Explore this display until Monday, August 25, 2025.
Makers of Modern Gothic: A.W.N. Pugin and John Hardman Jr: This free display runs until Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Material Cultures: Woodland Goods: Discover this free display until Friday, October 31, 2025.
Designing the V&A – The Story of our Museum: A permanent display open daily until December 31, 2025.
Events:
Lunchtime Lectures: Strive to Revive: A.W.N. Pugin, John Hardman Jr and the Making of Modern Gothic (V&A Academy Talk): Thursday, May 15, 2025 (Free).
Lunchtime Lectures: Exploring National Identity in a Creative Practice (V&A Academy Talk): Thursday, May 22, 2025 (Free).
Jimmy Choo: From Archive to Icon (Talk): Friday, May 23, 2025 (both in-person and livestream options).
Festival:
London Craft Week x V&A Academy 2025: Opens Tuesday, May 13, 2025. This festival includes live demonstrations from artisans. Some demonstrations, like LCW Maker Demonstrations: Puppetry and LCW Maker Demonstrations: Ekta Kaul – Embroidery, on Tuesday, May 13th, are free.
Hyde Park
A portion of Hyde Park’s rich history is intertwined with the development of Park Lane, a road that dramatically altered the park’s landscape. In the early 19th century, a major road construction project aimed at enhancing transportation links between London and the west of England led to the creation of Park Lane, resulting in the loss of a significant portion of Hyde Park.
Before the advent of Park Lane, Hyde Park spanned approximately 350 acres of green space. However, the construction of this road significantly reduced the park’s size by around 63 acres, with the most substantial impact occurring in the park’s northeastern corner. This reduction in size sparked public protests, with many arguing that the park was a valuable amenity that deserved protection from further encroachment. Despite these objections, the road was built, and today Park Lane stands as a bustling thoroughfare alongside one of London’s most iconic green spaces.
The transformation did not stop there. In addition to the initial loss of land during the construction of Park Lane in the 19th century, further changes came in the 1960s and 1970s when the road was widened.
During the 1960s, plans were made to widen Park Lane as part of a broader road improvement scheme in London. The widening project necessitated the removal of several rows of trees and a substantial portion of parkland on Hyde Park’s eastern edge. This extensive work was completed in the early 1970s, resulting in Park Lane now boasting three lanes of traffic in each direction.
The loss of parkland to accommodate the road’s expansion was met with controversy at the time. Many argued that the road’s widening was unnecessary and that Hyde Park should have been shielded from further encroachment. Despite the protests, the road-widening project proceeded, and today, the eastern edge of Hyde Park is characterized by the bustling traffic of Park Lane.
As you visit Santi South Kensington, take some time to explore the historical layers of Hyde Park, where the past is entwined with the ever-changing urban landscape of London.
The name “Hyde Park” derives from its historical connection to the manor of Hyde, which was held by the monks of Westminster Abbey. The area originally known as Hyde formed part of the manor, which included what is now Hyde Park and the surrounding districts.
In 1536, King Henry VIII seized the land from the monks during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and turned it into a royal hunting ground. It was subsequently opened to the public in 1637 and has since become one of London’s most famous parks.
Ancient Beauty Routines
Ubtan is a traditional Indian beauty paste, which is used extensively in various rituals and personal care routines. This paste, deeply rooted in Ayurvedic practices, is famed for its exfoliating and rejuvenating properties. Here’s a detailed look at its components, benefits, and traditional uses:
Components
Ubtan typically includes a blend of natural ingredients, each selected for their specific benefits to the skin:
- Gram Flour (Besan): Acts as a cleanser for the skin, removing dirt and toxins while providing a gentle exfoliating effect.
- Turmeric (Haldi): Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, turmeric helps in brightening the skin tone and reducing pigmentation and scars.
- Sandalwood Powder (Chandan): Cools and soothes the skin, helping in removing blemishes and also imparting a pleasant fragrance.
- Milk: Hydrates the skin, lightens tan, and helps in reducing fine lines through its lactic acid content.
- Rose Water: Tones the skin, maintains pH balance, and calms the skin with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits
- Skin Exfoliation: Ubtan helps in removing dead skin cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath.
- Skin Brightening: Regular use can lead to a natural glow and improved skin tone, thanks to the brightening effects of turmeric and sandalwood.
- Prevention of Acne and Pimples: The antibacterial properties of ingredients like turmeric help in preventing acne and pimples.
- Anti-aging Effects: Natural ingredients in ubtan can help in tightening the pores and reducing signs of aging.
Traditional Uses
- Weddings: Ubtan is famously used in Indian wedding ceremonies, particularly during the ‘Haldi’ ritual where a paste made of ubtan is applied to both the bride and groom. It is believed to provide a radiant look and purify the skin before the marriage.
- Everyday Skin Care: In traditional households, ubtan is used as an alternative to soap. It’s seen as a more natural and gentler way to cleanse and nourish the skin on a daily basis.
- Festivals: Similar to weddings, ubtan is used during major Indian festivals as part of the beautification and purification rituals.
Making Ubtan at Home
Creating ubtan at home is quite straightforward. You can mix equal parts of gram flour, turmeric, and sandalwood powder, then add milk or rose water to create a paste. Adjust the consistency according to preference—thicker for a mask, and thinner for a scrub. Apply it to the face or body, let it dry, and then rinse with warm water.
Ubtan not only represents a holistic approach to beauty that’s steeped in Indian culture but also exemplifies a preference for sustainable, natural skin care practices that harmonize with nature and body.