Notting Hill found its fame in some unusual places; its sizzling carnival that sweeps through docile streets. An ode to the strong Caribbean community that resides largely in the area.
The other place where Notting Hill found its fame was, of course, the 90’s movie hit of its namesake; The Blue Door, the quaint portrayal of a folksy village within a city.
Admire Street Art at its Finest at the Graffik Gallery
Graffik Gallery on Portobello Road has built up a reputation as London’s major street art destination. From the elite in the genre to exciting new talent, Graffik Gallery brings the best in street art for you to admire.
Free to enter, you can see street art from the likes of Banksy, Dotmaster, Alec Monopoly, and more. Try your hand at this growing art movement by attending the public workshops suitable for all abilities. The Graffik Gallery is a friendly environment that aims to inspire its visitors.
Watch movies in bed at Electric Cinema
Cinema doesn’t get more glam than this classy restored movie house, dating back to 1910.
The lush crimson interior features leather chairs and soft, squishy beds – all complete with cashmere blankets, booze, and fancy finger food.
Prices start from £20, so not much more than a regular cinema in London these days, and way more unique experience.
Try your hand at icing school at Biscuiteers Icing Cafe
The pastel hues of this dainty store sit synonymously with Notting Hills’ certain style.
Originally an online biscuit delivery company, Biscuiteers has now opened two brick-and-mortar locations where you can try your hand at icing some gourmet biscuits at their icing school.
They have a cafe onsite, as well as a selection of perfectly finished treats, so if you don’t feel like doing the icing, simply do the eating instead.
Take a literal walk down memory lane at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
Just a few steps from Portobello lies a world of times gone by. Or candy-bars and-laundry -detergents-gone-by, more aptly.
The Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising offers guests a chance to view relics of print back from the 1800s to the current day.
Pick up vintage posters in their onsite store, or maybe stop for a quick cuppa in their quaint, leafy garden cafe.
Pretend you belong at Notting Hill Farmers Market
Nothing says “I’m a well-to-do 30-something Notting Hill darling” more so than pursuing artisanal charcoal buns at this semi-down-to-earth farmers market.
The kind of place where modest melons sit next to gluten-free beetroot brownies. Notting Hill Farmer’s Market is very – well – Notting Hill, let’s just say. Nestled within are some very unique products, many with a direct link to the area.
Grab Notting Hill’s most affordable lunch at Books for Cooks
This twee-blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bookstore is a homage to the fine art of cooking. Drop in simply to leaf through glossy pages of exquisite desserts, or to sample the cosy atmosphere over a cup of coffee.
Books for Cooks little secret, however, is their extremely cheeky lunchtime special. Served at midday Tuesday to Friday, an exclusive few guests can expect to receive a unique menu every day consisting of a starter, main, and cake of choice for just seven English pounds!
In a city like London, where the only place £7.00 will usually take you is the nearest Wetherspoons or chip shop, this is a real deal. Recipes are chosen on the day from one of their books and cooked onsite with fresh ingredients straight outta Portobello. Just delightful.
Geek out on gin at GinTonica distillery & bar
To sample one of London’s increasingly expensive new wave gins – ideally served in as big a glass as possible and topped with an artful slice of grapefruit or smattering of berries – GinTonica is perfect.
This is the brick-and-mortar home of Portobello Gin, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can purchase their Ginstitute experience; learn all about the history of gin in the onsite museum and tour the distillery and botanical blending room where you will make your blend to take home.
Unsurprisingly, the entire experience is lubricated by gin cocktails as you go. Reward yourself afterward in the chic bar with a nice crisp, erm, gin & tonic.
Enjoy an intimate performance at The Gate Theatre
With just 75 seats to its name, this unassuming venue perched above The Royal Albert pub is as cosy as they come.
It’s also where Notting Hill’s sophisticated clientele come to worship at the altar of theatre, at one of the most unique venues in the city.
With a continuously changing schedule of international productions, the venue promises “no two nights are ever the same” – it’s your civic duty to now test this theory, reader.
Catch a show at the historic Tabernacle Arts Centre
This magnificent church-turned-arts-venue hails back from the 1800s. Even without venturing inside, it’s quite the spectacle.
With a pretty awe-inspiring interior to boot, The Tabernacle is sure to “wow” with both show and surroundings.
It seems like only in Notting Hill could a local arts centre be so undeniably grand and yet host such a mixture of events; everything from feminist comedy to steel drum shows. How very, very Notting Hill.
Add some colour to your life at the annual Notting Hill Carnival
This unique event has undoubtedly taken on a life of its own, turning the typically docile West London neighbourhood of Notting Hill into a fairground for three days every August bank holiday weekend.
The festival is an explosion of colour, sound – and quite a lot of delicious curry goats. While sound systems rattle a mixture of urban musical styles through the air, carnival goers shimmy around each other as street after street packs to the maximum.
Surprise performances from British artists are almost guaranteed, and if you’ve ever had a burning desire to mound a telephone pole, this might just be your only opportunity.
It can get a bit stressful at times as overcrowding is the norm. Choose the day you attend carefully to avoid this.
Spot pretty pastel streets all over Notting Hill
An Insta-dream, Notting Hill is home to several quiet streets teeming with pretty pastel houses that run in multicolour terraces.
A great way to get accustomed to this super-cute area is to stroll from street to street taking in the unique architecture – and maybe grab a few “for the ‘gram”, if time allows.
Be sure not to miss Ledbury Road, Farmer Street, Kensington Park Road, and Hillgate Street.
Snap London’s most flowery pub at The Churchill Arms
Many simply stop by to check out the impressive flower display that covers the exterior. Aptly described as “flower-bedecked” by the management and rumoured to spend up to £25,000 a year on their unique floral displays.
Inside, lies a charming boozer that oozes personality and some true British pride, with plenty of Churchill memorabilia to boot (his grandparents famously drank here – or so the story goes!) Grab a crafty pint and a stool and see where the night takes you.
Find a Bargain at Portobello Road Market
Saturdays are home to Portobello Road Market, a very famous London market.
The street stalls sell an array of things including second-hand clothing and antiques, perfect if you want to find a bargain, plus lots of different food stalls, and even if you don’t want to shop it is still worth visiting.
Be warned that when the main market is on Saturday the street and surrounding streets do get very busy and I advise you to be wary of pick pocketer’s.
Alternatively, if you visit Sunday-Friday the antiques market is not on but there are smaller markets in the area and the independent shops that line the road are open so this is a great time to visit too.
Feed your inner hipster at Portobello Vegan Night Market
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I am just absolutely jonesing for a buckwheat and kale smoothie, no? Vegan or not – this is a plant-based market with a difference! Hosting a smattering of delicious stalls ranging from Lebanese to Indian and even burgers.
Yes, burgers! Made from beets, probably… Along with some delightful side-stalls selling all kinds of healthy food type delights suited for those with specific dietary requirements.
This place also has a great little vibe, adequate seating, and serves booze – because England. Taking place on selected Wednesdays close to Ladbroke Grove Tube.