You might’ve heard of Notting Hill, but do you really know it? No, it’s not just the place where Hugh Grant meets Julia Roberts, or one of Europe’s largest street festival’s known as Notting Hill Carnival, and it is certainly more than the famous Saturday Portobello Market. There are so many places worth a try in this trendy London neighborhood, so spend a day discovering Notting Hill with this haute guide.
6.30am Morning Gloryville Rave
Every once in a while at the crack of dawn an immersive morning dance party takes place. It is spawning the revolution of sober morning raving. You might be asking why on earth you would get up that early to go to a sober rave. Good point, but there are just so many reasons. The purpose of the party is to energize you before a stressful day. Here you will find free massages, organic coffee and smoothie bars, yoga, loud music and stunning visual entertainment. This is definitely the ultimate way to start your Notting Hill day, find out when the next one takes place here.
10.30am Breakfast at Lowry & Baker
After a wild morning, you might be seeking somewhere more laid-back for a good breakfast. Scratch that, great breakfast. In which case you should find yourself at Lowry & Baker. The local favorite is filled with a casually cool crowd. The menu is as trendy as the place with treats like avocado toast with poached eggs, toasted brioche with ricotta, banana and blueberries and pink grapefruit with brown sugar and mint. Not to mention their selection of English teas and necessary coffees.
339 Portobello Road
12.00pm Shop at Honest Jon’s and The Merchant
Once you’ve refueled with some delicious eats you’re ready for some retail therapy. Notting Hill is filled with eccentric boutique and vintage shops for you to explore. The best part about these small gems is that the chance of anyone else in the world having the same thing is very slim. Two shops you must pass by are Honest Jon’s and The Merchant. Whilst they are on two totally opposite spectrums of shops you can find in this neighborhood, they both can’t be missed. First we have Honest Jon’s. This simple store is legendary for it’s extensive vintage record collection. Here you can find all your favorite classics on vinyl, in posters and on replay throughout the awesome store. Second, you have The Merchant. This high-end store houses it’s own line of luxury clothing and accessories as well as a curated selection of luxury vintage clothing. The Merchant is frequented by many of our favorite celebs, where they can shop for rare designer pieces at discounted prices. It’s awesome.
Honest Jon’s at 278 Portobello Rd and The Merchant at 19 Kensington Park Road
2.30pm Lunch at Mazi
Rave, eat, retail, repeat. After browsing some of Notting Hill’s hautest shops, you’ve simply got to try some of London’s best Greek food at Mazi. They are on a mission to show the world their innovative Greek eats. They make sure to stay true to their origin and source most of their ingredients from Greece, and when not possible get the best produce from local independent suppliers. We recommend sitting in their sunny garden and sampling Grandmama’s Meatballs from Smyrna, king prawns “Saganaki” with Ouzo and Metsovone, grilled octopus with garden herb potato salad and olive tapenade, and a Greek yoghurt mousse for dessert. It’s wonderfully light and the perfect way to reboot your day.
14 Hillgate St
5.00pm Chill out at the Electric Cinema
There is no way you can visit Notting Hill without catching a film at the Electric Cinema. The iconic London establishment is a truly unique cinematic experience. Unlike most boring theatres, here you will sit on large leather armchairs equipped with footstools and side tables where you’re cocktails and eats will be placed. If that’s not good enough, you also have the option of reserving a sofa or double bed. Naturally this comes with cashmere blankets. The Electric Cinema experience wouldn’t be complete without sipping on some Champagne or wine while you escape into your film. Not only is this going to elevate your experience, it’s going to get you ready for a night out in Notting Hill.
191 Portobello Road
7.30pm Dinner at The Shed
Your night begins with dinner, of course. One of the best spots in the area is none other than The Shed. Here you will find delicacies like raw scallop with black summer truffle and garlic, Nutbourne veal with Jersey Royal gnocchi, and pan fried goat’s cheese with hazelnuts, honey and thyme. You can’t go wrong. The restaurant was the created of the three Gladwin brothers. The main reason The Shed is such a delicious success is the merriment of their unique skills. Whilst one pursued a career in farming, the other became a chef and the third went into hospitality. These three talents brought together have created a truly exceptional experience.
122 Palace Gardens Terrace
10.00pm Trailer Happiness
Enough with the eating, it’s time to get your drink on. This intimate lounge bar is serving up beautifully crafted cocktails with a unique Tiki twist. Whilst the main focus of their drinks menu is Rum, they have all of your liquid spirits to get you going. This small spot is filled with the sounds of reggae, blues, jazz and soul music. The whole experience of being at Trailer Happiness seems perfectly curated. It is the perfect spot for pre-drinks.
177 Portobello Rd
12.00am Notting Hill Arts Club
A couple of drinks have left you ready to hit the dance floor. The ultimate spot to hit the scene in the neighborhood is the Notting Hill Arts Club. It is a London staple with live music, niche club nights and art exhibitions. The small stage hosts many local and famous musicians for you to groove with on the dance floor. Along with the beats you will find an interesting drinks menu. Optionls ike the J-LO with Flor de Cana Rum, pineapple, cranberry, lime and mango puree exist here. It is a largely hipster-type crowd that is seemingly unpretentious and easy going. The night varies entirely on the music, which can range from salsa to rock and hip-hop. You can’t miss out on this unique spot.
21 Notting Hill Gate
