Notting Hill guide

So far, we've ventured far and wide with our Isla Holbox & Paris guides, but today we're delving into my own neighborhood of Notting Hill. I’ve lived here (on and off) for 6 years now, and the village atmosphere is still my favorite. Sure, the terrible traffic and hordes of tourists on the weekends can be a pain, but I love to be in the center of things. I'm starting to recognize friendly faces while out and about, and I love having my go-to restaurants, pubs, and florist just a short walk from home.

There are lots of Notting Hill guides, full of truly great spots (like Ottolenghi, the Cow, and Layla), but these are my personal favs, and maybe some you haven't heard of before. Maybe I'll see you there!

Where to eat in Notting Hill

Bakeries

Le Choux - As a sugar addict, Le Choux is my go-to for sweet treats in Notting Hill. They're known for their choux buns, but it’s their chausson aux pommes that I live for. Apple turnovers stuffed with caramelized apples and topped with crystallized sugar – so insanely good! At Easter, they do a chocolate basque cheesecake that's one of my all-time favorite desserts. I buy one and freeze it, eating it slowly throughout the year (yes, I'm a psycho).

Buns From Home – I love the success story of this place, how they began in the founder’s mum’s kitchen over lockdown and now have bakeries across London. Their buns have just the right amount of fluff and are the perfect morning treat, however, I actually come here for my salt fix with their focaccia; it’s made from the same dough as the buns and is just the right combination of yeasty and oily. It’s a real party in your mouth.

Restaurants

Strakers – My favorite restaurants always feel like real neighborhood joints, with a friendly, cozy atmosphere, and Straker's is my go-to. I’d always prefer a meal here to one of the local Michelin-star restaurants, as it just feels more relaxed. Not to mention, the food is absolutely delicious. Try whatever flatbread they have on the menu that day (the mussel is our fav) and finish with their burnt honey ice cream. It's the best thing on the menu (imo), and I go so often they know to save me a portion whenever I walk in. 

Dove – Jackson Boxer recently rejuvenated Orasay, creating a slightly more accessible restaurant in the same location: Dove. It has all the coziness of Straker's, with the same unpretentious vibe. It feels like a place you can go whatever mood you’re in, even if you don’t want to dress up. If you can, get there early enough to have the burger (they only do 10 a day!), do it. Why is the burger so special? I don't know, we'll have to ask Jackson.

Where to drink

Coffee shops

Notting Hill Bookshop Coffee Shop – Where you get your coffee is like a cult in Notting Hill, and Matt (a true coffee connoisseur) won’t get his beans anywhere else. This place used to be named Cable Co. and has recently rebranded under the same ownership.

Knoops on Portobello – Contrary to Matt’s taste for coffee, I’m a sugar freak, always searching out the perfect hot chocolate. Knoops 28% white hot chocolate with oat milk is the very best locally. It’s like drinking warm frosting. Maybe not your thing, but definitely mine!

Pubs

Mall Tavern – A true neighborhood pub if ever there was one, and hands down my favorite in Notting Hill. It’s a bit further from our house than some of the other pubs, but well worth it for their vast beer selection, yummy food, and warm, relaxed vibes. They host weekly quizzes and blues nights, and even have a running club (not that that's our thing). We're there so often that we know the owners, Nat and Andy now, and their knowledge of beer and general friendliness keep us coming back. I always order their side salad with croquettes and French fries – their vinegary greens are something special, and their nut roast has the best vegetarian gravy I’ve ever tasted.

The Pelican – If I’m in the mood for something a little fancier and closer to home (and willing to deal with the masses), The Pelican is an obvious but nevertheless wonderful choice. In the colder months, it's cozy with roaring fires and mulled wine, and in the summer, you can sit outside basking in the sunshine (if you're lucky enough to get a seat). They also host workshops here, which are so fun if you fancy getting creative with candle/perfume making or life drawing.

Where to shop

The Cloth Shop – Whenever I’m in search of fabric for an upholstery project or new curtains, The Cloth Shop is my first port of call. It’s a real treasure trove, filled with much more than beautiful material. I always buy my ribbon for Christmas wrapping here, and they have a great selection of antiques to browse too.

Golborne 44 – Notting Hill has its fair share of antique shops, and it’s quite tricky to pick favorites, but I definitely have a soft spot for this one. I’ve bought hardware and chairs from them in the past, and always love a good browse.

Les Couilles du Chien – This place really is the dog’s bollocks (haha, see what I did there??) when it comes to antiques. I especially love their collections of antique lighting and taxidermy. I bought a beautiful little taxidermied duckling from them once.

Portobello Road market – It doesn’t matter how touristy it gets, I still love a trawl of Portobello Road market at least once a month. It’s always the first place I’ll look for gifts for my family, and I’ve made many purchases of antique art, frames, and glassware over the years.

The Flower Stand – I love filling my home with fresh flowers, usually opting for more sculptural, statement bouquets. This flower stand literally has fresh blooms spilling out onto the street. They always have a great selection of structural branches and are great at putting things together. I’m well known for spending an arm and a leg here, and it’s Matt's go-to if he's buying me a bouquet.

Where to pamper

Rhian Truman – Whenever I really want to treat myself, I visit my facialist, who's conveniently located right by Ottolenghi. Rhian is a soul whisperer; a real face witch who will transform you into the very best version of yourself during your time with her. She brings calmness to my soul, and booking a facial with her is truly the nicest thing that I do for myself.

Eighty-8 Nail Studio – This is the only place I will go for my nails in London. I'm boring and always go for a natural pink, but it's a local favorite for good reason and they always do a great job.

The great thing about Notting Hill is that I'm always adding things to the list. Tell us your favorites in the comments below!