Barkers of Kensington, Department store in Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, United Kingdom
Barkers of Kensington is a Grade II listed building on Kensington High Street that now houses retail spaces and modern office areas across multiple floors. The interior features contemporary vertical connections and a landscaped rooftop terrace.
The building originated in 1870 when John Barker and James Whitehead established a small textile business at the location. Over the following two decades, it evolved into a major retail destination with numerous departments.
The building displays Victorian and Art Deco design elements that reflect London's architectural heritage visible throughout the interior. The contemporary renovations have integrated modern features such as glass lifts and connecting bridges that sit alongside the original character.
The building is easy to navigate with elevators and stairs providing access to different levels, with facilities designed for accessibility. Visitors can access the rooftop terrace during business hours, and private meeting spaces are available on-site.
The building was transformed from its role as a traditional department store into a modern retail destination, now housing a major grocery retailer. This conversion preserved the historic facade and interior architectural details while welcoming new commercial purposes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
