Only in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Visit the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and you can indulge in some truly unique shopping experiences, while enjoying some wonderful local culture, flavours, green spaces, and historic architecture.

We spoke to Tot Brill, Kensington and Chelsea born and bred, about what she loves in the Royal Borough.

What's your favourite hidden gem in Kensington and Chelsea?

We have so many gems, hidden and well known that it's hard to know where to start. One of the best things about the Royal Borough is the fantastic shopping. Not just exclusive boutique treasures, but fantastic bargains and one-off specials. And we've got great food shops and delis, and amazing parks and hidden oases for al fresco picnicking. Not to mention some of the best museums in London!

Everyone knows about Harrods: where else do you recommend?

In Knightsbridge, it's impossible to ignore Harrods. But wander down the nearby intimate, refined and quintessentially English Walton Street for some great independent stores. Benney Jewellers has four Royal Warrants; world-renowned interior designer Nina Campbell's shop is gorgeous: luxury fabrics, wallpapers and home accessories.

What do you think surprises visitors to Kensington and Chelsea?

High Street Kensington is full of green surprises. If you start at Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens, you can stroll down wide pavements to Holland Park with its peacocks, woodland walks and Japanese garden. On the way, there's the amazing Kensington Roof Garden; London's oldest and best roof garden. It has ponds, bridges, walks, trees, shrubs and sitting areas. There's an English Woodland Garden with nearly 100 species of tree, Spanish Garden with fountains and a Walled Tudor Garden. The Roof Garden is open to the public when there's not a private event being held, and I'd really recommend people visit it.

Where do you recommend for a unique lunch in Kensington and Chelsea?

I like to pick up lunch from Whole Foods on Kensington High Street or Ottolenghi on Holland Street. Then, a perfect Kensington and Chelsea lunch is best eaten in the beautiful hidden park of St Mary Abbot's Church gardens between Kensington High Street and Holland Street.

Where do you like spending your weekends?

One of my favourite places on Saturday is Sloane Square and Kings Road. I can't resist V V Rouleaux for ribbons, tassels and general gorgeousness. The new Saatchi Gallery is free. The exhibitions are always thought-provoking and the galleries are gorgeous. There's a great speciality market in the Duke of York's Square on Saturdays – perfect for a post-art snack. The further away from Sloane Square you walk, the greater the number of smaller, independent shops. My favourites are Green and Stone for beautiful paper, inks and pens, and Rococo for some of the best artisan chocolates in London.

Where do you recommend for truly unique design shops?

I love Fulham Road and the Brompton Quarter, famous for design and fashion, with some of the best in interior design and unique home accessories. Take your pick from The Conran Shop or Few and Far, Patricia Carluccio's store on the Brompton Road, full of gorgeous objects, from textiles to toys, with chocolate cake on Fridays. The area's full of pioneering interior designers opening showrooms and galleries. I love the Rabin Hage Studio, which is as much of an art space as a shop. I always come away with ideas for my home, and perhaps a little something to wow the neighbours.

Where's your favourite place for a day's shopping?

Notting Hill is fun. From Ledbury Road to Westbourne Grove, it's full of a mixture of independent boutiques and luxury brand stores, including Twenty8Twelve (actress Sienna Miller's boutique), and Nicole Fahri's flagship concept store. The area has some great restaurants and cocktail bars where you might sit next to celebs, and London's glitteratti. I like to wander down Ladbrooke Grove, browse in Rough Trade Records for cutting-edge music and pick up a present in Pedlars, the best place for quirky homewares. Then, I'd hit Portobello and Golbourne markets for antiques browsing, and fruit and veg and vintage fashion buying. Speaking of vintage, I have to mention Rellik for classics from Vivienne Westwood to John Galliano, favoured by model Kate Moss. I can spend the whole day exploring home-grown design talent at Portobello Green Arcade. And for food? One of the best pastéis de Nata in London (Portuguese egg custard tart) at Oporto or Lisboa Portuguese Patisseries.

And what about Kensington and Chelsea's unique museums?

How could I not mention Kensington and Chelsea's great museums? I was brought up on the V&A, and still love it to bits, especially the newly re-furbished jewellery gallery and the South Asia gallery, full of beautiful and extraordinary things. But I've recently discovered the amazing Linley Sambourne House and the Museums of Brands. Stepping into Linley Sambourne House is like walking backwards through time to Edwardian arty London. And it's impossible to walk around the Museums of Brands without saying "I remember those!" Five Boys Chocolate, anyone?