Notting Hill. A Neighbour's Guide to Hidden Gems and Foodie Spots.
When to Go
Go on a weekday. While the allure of the famous Portobello market may tempt you to join the weekend crowds, you will discover the true essence of Notting Hill shining through when you avoid the hustle and bustle. Unless you really like that. And if you want to see the market, go early on a Saturday morning.
Brunch Spot
01 Grangers and Co.
02 The Tin Shed
Nestled on trendy All Saints Road, The Thin Shed is a charming walk-in-only cafe that promises delightful surprises at every visit. Offering all-day food and cocktails, this is a cozy spot for a drink or snack. With its quaint ambiance and friendly atmosphere, The Tin Shed invites you to unwind. Head downstairs for additional seating (but better to be upstairs).
03 Bodyism
Bodyism is a fantastic spot for solo outings, offering a cozy retreat for those exploring Notting Hill. Situated along Westbourne Grove, this gem boasts cute window seating, perfect for people-watching or enjoying a moment of solitude. Indulge in their delicious yet nutritious shakes and healthy pancakes, although be prepared for the higher price tag. Despite the cost, the quality and taste make it worth the splurge, providing a guilt-free treat that nourishes both body and soul.
04 The Good Plot
The Good Plot’s specialty are Lavender and Rose Lattes. If you find yourself wandering away from Notting Hill Gate Station (where the best coffee shops are) and craving a caffeine-free afternoon indulgence, look no further than The Good Plot.
Cheeky Pints
Ladbroke Arms. The only option for a neighbourhood pint and a great bloody mary and Sunday Roast. It does not get better in the area.
01 The Ladbroke Arms
When it comes to enjoying a casual pint or indulging in a hearty Sunday roast, Ladbroke Arms reigns supreme as the ultimate neighborhood haunt in Notting Hill. This charming pub offers the perfect setting to unwind with friends after a long day. The Ladbroke Arms boasts a reputation for crafting exceptional Bloody Marys, perfect for those lazy Sunday afternoons. And speaking of Sundays, their roast dinners are legendary, drawing locals. You need to book to get a spot. The outdoor seating on a quiet street is unique.
02 The Hillgate
Looking for a quick pint near Notting Hill Gate Station? Look no further. The HillGate Pub is your go-to for a straightforward, no-frills meetup spot. Whether you're grabbing a drink after work or waiting for your perpetually late mates, they've got you covered. We meet here for an after work drink on the way home if we don't want to meet up in the City.
03 Other Options
If you're simply in the mood for a quick pint without any fuss, any pub in the neighborhood will do the trick. However, for a convenient pit stop, look no further than the Cock & Bottle just off Westbourne Grove.
The Mitre. Classic Charm Meets Good Times. On a busy street, but beautfiul Holland Park Avenue views when sitting outside.
03 Pubs towards Kensington
The Windsor Castle's history dates back century, an authentic pub experience and cute beer garden at the back.
Shops
Discover charming finds at Graham & Green on Elgin Crescent.
Harper & Toms Flowers is more of a photo spot, but iconic.
Indulge in the beauty kitchen crockery at Daylesford Organic downstairs.
Love love love Sezane.
Not the tourist hotspot bookshop from the movie, but prefer to come here to roam around and find a goodie.
I recommend to go to the Melt shop in Holland Park. It is also a beautiful walk through the Holland Park neighbourhood to get there from Portobello Rd via Elgin Crescent, up to Landsdowne Rd, down to Clarendon Rd.
A bit of Scotland in London. My Stumper & Fielding weekender is one of my favourite bags, always getting comments on it when travelling (Cotton -Weekender/Shoulder Bag -'The Avondale'-Khaki Sand)
The Westbourne Grove fishmongers teamed up with other independent producers from across the country to create a sustainable superstore, stocking all the freshest seasonal produce he could find in one place. It's a much-loved community shop.
A bit of Lisbon in London.
If you'll make it up to Golborne road, come here for a snack.
Dancing
The Little Yellow Door
Notting Hill's Best Late Night Cocktail Bar, DJ on weekends, open until 2am. Perfect for private hire for a birthday blowout, glorious nights feeling like at an upgraded college party and everyone looks familiar. Memories made.
Dining Favourites
Cheap and Cheerful Eats
Tonkotsu Ramen
Can't beat a counter-eating experience with Ramen. Cheerful, easy ordering through an app, smooth experience.
Dining Recommendations
Notting Hill now has an endless array of new and trendy restaurants, here are some of our classic's.
Cacciari's does a great pizza.
The Pelican has become a trendy hotspot. It is a revamped neighbourhood pub. Lot's of people standing outside with drinks in hand. Excellent food.
The Cow is a Notting Hill institution. Crisp white table-clothed and classic Sunday roasts.
Coffee
For the ultimate caffeine fix in Notting Hill, head to the spot near Notting Hill Gate Station. Fuel up with the best coffee in the neighbourhood, before you start your day roaming the streets of NH and HP.
01 LIFT COFFEE
Lift Coffee offers a perfect flat white and the best banana bread in town, usually sold out before 11am.
02 KURO COFFEE
KURO COFFEE makes a great Matcha Latte.
Self-care
In case there is time for some well-deserved TLC, here are our go to spots.
Sugaring London
Step into Sugaring London for a delightful pampering experience in a charming pink atmosphere. The team is so lovely and highly professional. They definitely provide high-quality sugaring services,
Nails
For nails, head to Townhouse Notting Hill. Very close to the Ladbroke Arms, for a drink or meal after to reunite with your team, if you are out and about together.
Scrubs & Massage
Get a massage or body scrub at Koia
Hydrafacial
Experience a Hydrafacial with Pelin at The Well in Notting Hill.
The Ultimate Facial
The best facial you'll get from Hadda in her studio on Knightsbridge. https://www.minimalbyhadda.com/
Photo Spots
The ultimate colourful houses photo spot.
Cute Mews spot just of All Saints Road.
The prime spot on Westbourne Grove on the corner of Wild at Heart.
Lansdowne Crescent is a great Wisteria Hysteria Photo Spot in mid spring.
Impress your travel companions with some facts.
History
NH is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It used to be known as a rural area with orchards and farmland, but then began to urbanise in the early 19th century.
A big development was the construction of the Ladbroke Estate in the 1820s by James Weller Ladbroke. It is the foundation for the neighbourhood's iconic architecture, with its Georgian and Victorain townhouses (The Brits love their Victorain legacy).
Carnival
In the mid-20th century, NH became home to a vibratn Caribbean community. The period is infamous for the Notting Hill Race Riots of 1958. In response to racial tensions and discrimination, the Notting Hill Carnival was established in the 1960s, as a symbol of cultural celebration and unity.
Now, the Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's largets street festival celebrating Caribbean culture.
Movie
NH gained international fame with the release of the film "Notting Hill" in 1999, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. This cemented its reputation as a cultural hub. The famous bluedoor is an overrun photo spot and not that magical.
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