Discover Notting Hill
Fashionable Notting Hill is one of London’s most iconic neighborhoods. Best known as the home of the world’s second biggest carnival (after Rio’s Mardi Gras) and the famous Portobello Road Market, this area is also a serious destination for culture buffs and those in search of a quintessential London experience.
Over the decades, Notting Hill has taken many forms, transitioning from a center of brickmaking in the 1800s to a flourishing Victorian area, then experiencing slum housing in the mid-twentieth century and significant migration from the Caribbean. Today, it is largely a gentrified area filled with townhouses and private gardens while still managing to retain some of the dynamism of its working-class roots.
Visit the Notting Hill Carnival
The annual Notting Hill Carnival attracts over a million revelers in a vibrant celebration of West Indian culture. Local streets are packed with costumed party-goers, steel pan bands, sound systems blasting reggae, soca, and calypso music, plus food stalls serving jerk chicken, rice and peas, and delicious curries. Since its humble beginnings in the 1950s, the carnival has evolved into one of the world’s top outdoor street festivals and is the largest event of its kind in Europe.
The festivities take place on the bank holiday weekend at the end of August, with the first floats setting off on the Sunday, known as Children’s Day. This day is less raucous than the main Monday event and is ideal for families.
The big party unfolds on the Monday, featuring the Grand Finale of floats, bands, and dancers parading through the streets of Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, and Westbourne Park. Although there is no entry fee to the carnival itself, be sure to bring enough money for food and drinks, as the cash points can run out quickly.
Unless you arrive very early, it’s best to avoid the tube and bus stations within the carnival area, as they can become overcrowded. The nearest tube stops that operate normally are High Street Kensington, Queen’s Park, Paddington, and Bayswater.
Browse Portobello Road Market
On weekends throughout the year, crowds stroll along the two-mile stretch of Portobello Road Market. Colorful terraces blend with antique shops, buskers, historic pubs, and clothing stalls. The market features old-fashioned produce markets, with the sounds of fruit and vegetable sellers adding to the charming atmosphere reminiscent of Dickensian times.
Street food of all kinds is available, from paella and bratwurst to crepes and churros. The markets take on a grungier vibe past the Westway sports center, but it’s worth persevering for people-watching and to admire the 100m-long Portobello Wall, showcasing public artworks commissioned by the local council.
For an indoor experience, Ginstitute, located at the corner of Portobello Rd and Talbot Rd, offers a gin-themed experience, where visitors can learn about the spirit’s history and even create their own gin.
Shop for Music, Books, and Fashion
Even more interesting shops can be found just off Portobello Rd. A visit to alternative music pioneer Rough Trade on Talbot Rd, adorned with original posters and album covers, is a treat for any music lover. Books for Cooks on Blenheim Crescent is a treasure trove of food-related literature, complete with a café for cooking demonstrations, light lunches, and tea. Meanwhile, across the road, the tiny Spice Shop boasts over 2500 herbs, spices, and condiments in collectible yellow tins.
Fashion enthusiasts should visit Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Rd, which are dotted with higher-end boutiques and children’s shops, along with a variety of French chains like Sandro and Maje. Additionally, Paul Smith’s flagship store invites guests to explore three stories filled with art and curios from the esteemed designer’s personal collection.
Finding Food in Notting Hill
Besides the renowned two-Michelin-starred Ledbury, which is celebrated for its inventive modern European cuisine, neighborhood restaurants and independent cafes dominate the dining scene in Notting Hill.
Italian favorites serve wood-fired pizzas and pastas at the bottom of Kensington Park Rd, while several pubs offer gourmet classics (try the Walmer Castle) or Sunday roasts (try the Sun in Splendour). Securing a reservation or having the patience to queue is essential for popular local spots like Granger & Co, 202 London, and E&O for pan-Asian fusion and delightful cocktails.
Notting Hill and the Silver Screen
Notting Hill’s status as a filming location is well-established, particularly among fans of the famed movie featuring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. Visitors can explore various memorable filming locations, including Grant’s shop, inspired by The Notting Hill Bookshop at 13-15 Blenheim Crescent, which, although changes in ownership, still retains a travel section. The picturesque Rosmead Gardens, where the couple strolls, can be glimpsed through the fence, and the iconic blue door at 280 Westbourne Park Rd, featured in the film, has returned to its blue hue after being painted black by a previous owner. The area’s hip status in the late 1960s is also celebrated in cult classics like The Italian Job and Performance.
Additionally, a couple of great cinemas adorn the area. The Gate boasts a stunningly ornate interior and focuses on independent films. One of London’s oldest picture houses, the Electric, has retained its vintage charm over the last century. In the lobby, guests can find some of the most innovative donuts in London (flavors include maple bourbon and bergamot orange) along with a French-American diner featuring booth seating nearby.
On Lancaster Rd, the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising presents historian Robert Opie’s fascinating consumer goods collection. A tour of the museum offers unexpected insights into British daily life from the Victorian era to the 2012 London Olympics, all through the lens of iconic products like Cadbury’s, Persil, and Bovril.
Getting to and Around Notting Hill
Notting Hill is accessible via three tube stations: Ladbroke Grove to the north, and Holland Park and Notting Hill Gate (the best option for accessing Portobello Road Market) to the south. A plethora of bus routes also serve the neighborhood. Weekends are particularly busy when the markets are in full swing, making it ideal for exploring on foot. Conversely, if you visit during the week, a cycling adventure could be a delightful way to navigate this area.
