Lucy Fenn is a South Kensington based yoga teacher extraordinaire. When she’s not teaching yoga at The Other House, she leads communications for sustainable water provider, eWATER, putting water taps into communities around Sub-Saharan Africa. Here, she shares her favourite places in South Ken, whether it be to relax, inspire or play.
What drew you to move to South Kensington?
I moved here from Fulham two years ago after falling madly in love with both the area and a boy… Since moving I have only grown to love it even more. It’s the proximity to culture, the endless green spaces, and of course the amazing food. It feels both unique and homely, whilst also being a buzzing hub for travel and tourism. It’s the best of all worlds.
What do you think makes the neighbourhood so unique?
It’s so quaint and quirky. There are secret gardens and outdoor spaces all around you. I love how much it changes with the seasons too – Kensington Palace Gardens in the snow seems a world away from a warm summer weekend when it is packed with dogs, frisbees, picnic rugs and a lot of Prosecco. South Kensington is also full of beautiful old London roads and little mews with awe-inspiring architecture on every corner. There’s also a remarkably high rate of dogs who look like their owners.
When your friends or family visit, what or where is a must-do activity?
The V&A is one of my very favourites, and you must check out a permanent or one-time exhibition when you’re here. There will be something for everyone, I promise. The Design Museum is so playful. One wall of the museum is covered top to bottom with different design ideas – it makes for the perfect place to play, get in touch with your inner child and play ‘eye-spy’. I also love the peacocks at Holland Park. I’d normally say Holland Park was a quiet place…but that’s a little dependant on the mood of the peacocks that day!
What’s your favourite off-the-beaten-track hidden gem?
The South Kensington Farmer’s Market is really great for stocking up on fresh pasta, fruit, vegetables and amazing seafood! If the Friday night was a heavy one, their pastries are exceptional and I’m assured their sausage sandwiches are just as good!
And finally, where do you go to relax?
The Other House, of course! The vitality pool is designed to de-stress and it really delivers! I also really enjoy teaching my yoga classes in The Wellness Studio to members and residents. You can find me there every Tuesday morning.
You can book onto Lucy’s Tuesday morning yoga class by emailing wellness@otherhouse.com.
Lucy is also hosting a yoga brunch event this April (2023) with charity, Refettorio Felix, at St Cuthberts. Local to South Kensington, Refettorio Felix is an incredible charity that serves as a drop-in centre and community kitchen serving vulnerable people in Earl’s Court and beyond. They have an open-door policy, welcoming without judgement anyone struggling with a wide variety of issues, such as homelessness, loneliness, substance abuse and mental health difficulties. Join Lucy on April 23 in their beautiful converted church for a morning of yoga and delicious food, knowing that every penny raised goes straight to this amazing charity.