by Camilla Ridley
Last week after 18 months of trading, we finally celebrated the opening of our first Ridley & Co retail store. A year in the making, we wanted to create a unique shopping experience for busy women who share our aesthetic and appreciation for unique, high quality fashion.
You’ll find the entire Ridley London collection including our bestselling silk maxi dresses and blouses in all your favourite Liberty prints and elegant solids.
To deliver our bespoke - made to measure service, we’ve created a sumptuous tailoring lounge staffed by a knowledgeable team of Ridley stylists who will help you find your perfect garment and ensure it’s individually tailored for the ultimate fit.
To complete our one stop concept store, we’re collaborating with several complementary accessories brands that share our ethos. So while we are sending your measurements to your personal seamstress, you can browse fine jewellery from Tara Rosenbaum, Vanessa Heaney and this season’s must have camouflage bag from Aurora London.
All the fashion directors are talking about cashmere from Wyse London and we’ve stocked the very best from their new collection. It’s so exciting for us to be opening our doors in Barnes, London’s best kept secret.
More than a shopping destination…
At first glance, leafy Barnes with all the remnants of a quaint country village might feel like you’ve stumbled into the chipping Norton set, or from the river, a sleepy seaside town. But don’t be fooled - only 30 minutes from the city mile, Barnes has managed to incorporate the very best elements of metropolitan life, while retaining its quintessential English village vibe.
Unsurprisingly, Barnes has a rich and quirky cultural heritage that straddles both Victorian and recent times. The 19th century legend of Spring Heeled Jack fuelled reports of ghostly sitings in and around Barnes Cemetery and to this day, loyal T.Rex fans lovingly lay flowers astride a bust of Marc Bolan at the site of a tree on Queens Ride where he lost his life in a car crash.
The cognoscenti; however, know Barnes for its many restaurants, cafes and bars frequented by household names, pop stars and up and coming actresses. And with its beautiful setting and incredible selection of independent stores, Barnes is fast becoming a shopping destination for the discerning crowd in South West London.
Getting There
Idyllically situated on the banks of the River Thames, Barnes is surprisingly accessible from central London and is well served by a direct and regular 20-minute rail service from Waterloo. Alternatively, it’s a 10-minute bus ride from Hammersmith and only a 15-minute drive from the heart of Chelsea. We recommend enjoying a leisurely cycle along the River bank from Putney Bridge.
So whether you are on the lookout for this season's must have fashion statement or a chic timeless piece, the team at Ridley & Co will make sure it's tailored to bring out the very best in you. And what’s better than shopping and relaxing in one of London’s most attractive and vibrant locations.
Visit us today!
Attractions
Whether you are a fashionista, foodie, film buff or simply out for a gentle family stroll, Barnes has something for everyone. We have compiled you a list of some of our favourite spots.
Where the ladies lunch:
Olympic Studios members’ club and Brasserie is a former recording studio where, notably, The Beatles recorded, “All you need is Love.” Let’s think about that title for a while. And From Bowie and Coldplay to the rolling stones, U2 and Led Zep some of the greatest sounds of our time have been created. Olympic Studios now boasts two luxurious cinemas and is open daily from breakfast to digestiffes.
Family outing:
The Wetlands Centre is a magical oasis set in 105 acres of protected marshland in the heart of the city. The conservation centre plays host to over 180 species of Birds from around the world along with other riverside wildlife and is packed with engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.
The Barnes Bookshop is a real gem, just a few doors from Ridley & Co. Browse the beguiling selection of new best sellers, classics with great recommendations from the charming and There’s also a great kids section. What a bookshop should be and so much more enjoyable than Amazon.
Dinner dates:
Riva is Hands down one of London’s best Italian restaurants. Specializing in Lombardiy classics and famed for its use of truffle; this discreet eatery is a favourite haunt of celebrities and critics including Fay Maschler and the late AA Gill. Don’t leave without trying and the vongole and the Fritelli is to die for.
Rick Stein is the latest restaurant from the eponymous celebrity chef. Enjoy signature dishes including Dover sole à la Meunière and Indonesian seafood curry and a fabulous wine list. All topped off with stunning river views.
Weekend grazing:
Sonny’s Kitchen is long standing local favourite serving up tasty modern interpretations of English Classics including a mean Sunday Roast. We love the Mussel Velouté and cepe risotto. And it's a great place for pudding lovers!
The Brown Dog is tucked away in the pretty streets of little Chelsea, this charming local watering hole boasts a heroically British menu and is much loved by all local dog owners! Enjoy fresh oysters with a Guiness and a succulent homemade pie.
The Barnes farmers Market is where the village meets on Saturday mornings. Fabulous fresh produce from across the South. We Love Ringden Farm apple juice, The wild mushroom man and the amazing Isle of Wight Tomatoes. There’s also incredible fish, bread, butchers and vegetable stalls and a tantalising sushi stand.
Cafe culture:
Orange Pekoe's gorgeous tea rooms serve (and sell) an incredible selection of the finest loose leaf teas specially sourced from around the world. Pair a pot of TGFOP with one of their fabulous freshly baked cakes for a little afternoon treat!
Barnes' answer to Ottolenghi with a nutritious twist, Alma Café is located just around the corner from our shop and a great place for a light, healthy lunch. We love the delicious fresh salads and cleansing smoothies.