Why we love Notting Hill

Notting Hill offers a slice of all the things we love about London, synonymous with a film that defined the childhood of many Londoners alike, it is one of London’s most fashionable and iconic neighbourhoods. From iconic Portobello Market, the brunching lifestyle, the picturesque streets to the yearly carnival. Here are some of the reasons we love Nothing Hill.

The Picturesque Streets

The streets of Notting Hill are some of the most picturesque streets in London, known for their distinctive pastel townhouses and vintage cars, it often feels like a scene straight out of a movie (cough cough Notting Hill). Strolling through Notting Hill is guaranteed to put you in an unintentional happy state (Guarantees limited to the summer times, we accept no liability if this is not felt in the winter).

#FLOFavourite: Our favourite picturesque location in Notting Hill has to be St Luke’s Mews. As one of the most sought after mews in London the pastel-coloured leafy mews is dreamy, to say the least. It was also featured in Love Actually. You can also find wonderful quaint pastel townhouses on Lancaster Road and Portobello Road. 

Bookshops

Notting Hill is a haven for independent bookshops. You can find bookshops that cater for all genres, whether you are looking fro detailed travel books or hard to find comic books, there is always a good selection in Notting Hill’s bookshops. Some of our favourites include Book & Comic Exchange, Lutyens & Rubinstein, The Notting Hill Bookshop, made famous by Notting Hill (If you’re too young to recognise this reference we highly recommend this watch. It’s a classic). Notting Hill plus books, a scrumptious combination!

 #FLOFavourite: We are in love with the decorative books hanging from the ceiling Lutyens & Rubinstein, and we are never disappointed with the selection of books when we visit. They stock fiction and non-fiction across a range of genres, each book carefully hand-picked by their dedicated team.

Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market is Notting Hill, as Notting Hill is Portobello Road Market, neither would be the same without the other. The market is home to over 1,000 antique dealers, selling a variety of antiques and collectables, basically anything and everything.  Along the two-mile stretch, you will also find artisan cheese, fashion items, fruits and vegetables alongside art galleries and cafes.

#FLOFavourite: The market is a great spot for finding unique wonderful items. Be sure to check out Alice’s for the best antiques (with its electric red facade you won't miss it) and Stumper & Fielding for some classic attire.

Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill carnival dates back to 1964 and gives London a taste of Caribbean culture with two days of music, dancing and food. The carnival is one of Europe’s biggest street festivals and takes place every year over the August bank holiday (last weekend in August). The main parade and party fall on the Monday with the early Sunday parade for kids and families.

#FLOFavourite: The Carnival is a beautiful display of how culturally diverse London is.

The Cafes and Pubs

Notting Hill is home to several great cafes, from the ‘Westbourne Grove clique’ to quaint cafes that feature along Portobello Road, there is no shortage of cafes and pubs in Notting Hill. Some of our favourites include;

 

Cafes 

Farm Girl

Farm Girl offers decorative lattes and acai bowls. Enjoy their weekend brunch and delicious artisan doughnuts some epic tunes! 

Location: 59A Portobello Rd, Notting Hill London W11 3DB

Farmacy

 Their flagship restaurant is located in Notting Hill offering fantastic plant-based meals in a chic setting.

Location: 74 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill W2 5SH

Biscuiteer Café

The Biscuiteer is a luxury biscuit boutique famed for its iced biscuits that come in all shapes and designs, and are simply delicious!

 Location:194 Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2ES

Pubs

The Churchill Arms

Named after the late Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. The Churchill Arms is famed for its floral exterior, which gets inundated with Christmas trees every Christmas time, that’s a whopping 97 Christmas trees and 21,500 lights, it is quite the unmissable sight. Besides its intriguing exterior, the pub offers great food, great beer and great atmosphere. 

Location: 119 Kensington Church St, Kensington W8 7LN

Duke of Wellington

Located in the heart of Portobello Road the Duke of Wellington is often busy and full of life, it’s he perfect quick stop whilst browsing the market. Known to be the location songstress Adele signed her first recording contract expect to find a range of punters from locals, tourists to musicians and more.

Location: 179 Portobello Road, Notting Hill W11 2ED