More than just a backdrop to a famous movie: Notting Hill
Notting Hill holds a special place in the hearts of Londoners and tourists alike for its vibrant street market, picture-perfect terraced houses, and array of exciting and chic restaurants. However, planning a day in Notting Hill always runs the risk of spending an afternoon pushing through crowds of American study-abroad students taking photos in front of the rainbow-coloured shops along Portobello Road (I was one of those students in 2019, sorry!).
Six years later, I still believe Notting Hill is worth braving the crowds. Here are some of the must-see spots.
Shopping
Portobello Market & antiques arcades
No trip to Notting Hill is complete without a peruse of its iconic markets and antique shops. The Saturday street market draws crowds rain or shine with vendors selling everything from jewellery to fresh produce. The labyrinthine antique arcades offer a seemingly endless selection of treasures from yesteryear.
The hours and vendors change seasonally, so be sure to check the website if you’re in the market for something specific.
The Notting Hill Bookshop
While you might not find Hugh Grant behind the till, the inspiration for the movie Notting Hill is still an obligatory stop on any wander down Portobello Road, this tiny independent bookshop has a surprisingly vast selection of new releases and an entire section of travel books worthy of a visit by an American movie star.
Books for Cooks
For dedicated home chefs, Books for Cooks is a unique bookshop filled exclusively with cookbooks. Peruse recipe books from any cuisine or diet imaginable, and when you inevitably start getting hungry, head upstairs to their test kitchen cafe where you can sample some experimental dishes and baked goods.
If you’d like to make sure you can actually pull off the recipes in the cookbooks, they also offer cooking workshops.
Alice's Antique Shop
You may recognise the facade of this shop from the Paddington films, and any shop that’s good enough for Britain’s most beloved bear is worth a visit. This whimsical shop has a peculiar selection of antiques and a wall of teacups that make the perfect London souvenir.
Restaurants
Holy Carrot
Vegan restaurants are not always the most luxurious, but Holy Carrot is here to change that. This upscale plant-based restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic evening. With modern aesthetics and an innovative menu to match, Holy Carrot turns eating your vegetables into a special occasion.
The menu offers creative dishes like celeriac katsu curry, the eponymous smoked carrot served on butter bean purée, and a decadent matcha tiramisu for dessert.
Zephyr
When the grey London weather starts to take its toll, Zephyr transports you to an island paradise with its Greek cuisine. The minimalist interiors dotted with pops of colour create a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy a meal with friends. Their family-style menu means everyone can try a little bit of everything. With their selection of traditional Greek salads, grilled seafood, meat served with Mediterranean sauces, and indulgent desserts, you'll be glad you don't have to choose just one.
Los Mochis
Notting Hill is a neighbourhood rooted in creativity and excitement, so it's no wonder that the inventive Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant, Los Mochis, is quite at home here. The unique blend of Mexican flavours with traditional Japanese cooking results in delicious dishes like chipotle miso soup and guacamole served on crispy rice.
The lively interiors feature art from both cultures, creating a fun, celebratory atmosphere. This is the perfect place for a special occasion - be sure to get a pepino-jalapeño margarita or a spicy non-alcoholic piña colada to toast to whatever you're celebrating.
Coffee Shops and Bakeries
The Notting Hill Bookshop Cafe
For a coffee date with a friend or a latte to accompany your Notting Hill adventures, you can't go wrong with The Notting Hill Bookshop Cafe, with a perusal of books and sipping lattes in the cosiest atmosphere.
Layla
While most people end their wander through Notting Hill at the end of the main market, there are a few hidden gems further down Portobello Road, including one of the best bakeries in London. Layla serves delightful pastries and coffee worth the extra steps to get there.
It seems like the bakers here always have new flavour combinations up their sleeves. Stop by every once in a while to try anything from apple miso almond galettes to blackberry pistachio ice cream sandwiches.
Kuro
With the addition of their new bagel shop, Kuro is building an empire on the Hillgate Village side of Notting Hill. With three locations on the same block, you can indulge in artisan pastries, gourmet coffee, and bagels without ever leaving the same stretch of pavement. Each space has its trademark soothing, simple interiors with cosy nooks to enjoy pastries and coffee.
Activities
The Electric Cinema
This beautiful, historic cinema is a cinephile’s dream come true, bringing Old Hollywood glamour to Notting Hill. With plush velvet seats and a full dinner menu to enjoy during your film, this indulgent movie-going experience is perfect for a date night or any time you want to savour a new release.
Rough Trade
Indie music fans must stop by Rough Trade’s Notting Hill location to sift through crates of vinyl records or run into your favourite musician. The original location of the iconic music store turned record label frequently hosts artists to perform or sign newly released albums.
The Coronet Theatre
Hosting some of the most eclectic performances in London, The Coronet Theatre is a historic venue for modern theatre. Here you can find any art you're looking for, including poetry readings, contemporary dance, R&B concerts, and Italian surrealist plays.
The theatre's bar is worth the ticket with a warm, bohemian atmosphere that feels like stepping into an enchanted library.
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