Notting Hill with its intoxicating blend of Caribbean charm, vibrant houses, cute shops and friendly vibes is a London icon in it's own right. As this area of the capital is also the place where our brand was born (our founder - Deniz Gurdal - started selling her bejewelled creations at Portobello Road Market nearly 10 years ago) and still calls home, we wanted to share with you a few of our favourite local gems, which go beyond the world famous Portobello Road.
Here are our top 4 picks of places to discover and have to yourself without the rush of crowds. We hope you enjoy :)
A Foodie Haven
As any Notting Hill or Ladbroke Grove resident and local in the know will tell you, Golborne Deli is a firm favourite with west London foodies. Whether you fancy an oat latte with freshly baked pastries or some delicious Mediterranean inspired dishes, this eatery will have you at hello. The waiters always greet you with a smile and are happy to offer recommendations. The interior is homely and quirky. If you are here on a sunny afternoon, make sure to grab a table outside to enjoy the food and to people-watch (we might be biased, but people of Notting Hill have the coolest bohemian style).
And don't forget about the amazing Portobello Green Market serving freshly prepared, artisan food on Fridays. Our personal favourites are Peruvian dishes, mouth-watering pasta cooked in a massive wheel of cheese and halloumi fries with a drizzle of caramelised onion sauce.
Golborne Deli: 100-102 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PS
Portobello Green Market: Portobello Road, London W10 5TD
A Vintage Shoppers Delight
If you're a fan of vintage shopping, Notting Hill is your oyster. The famous market takes place Friday to Sunday and is filled with the most amazing finds. To shop the best pieces at the best prices, avoiding tourist traps, head to Golborne Road early on Friday morning and work your way down Portobello from there. Perfect for interior decoration shopping and pretty little homewares Golborne road offers a wealth of choice, just be prepared to root through boxes and discover. Our favourite finds here included antique German pottery, cutest little glass vases, stunning book-ends and so much more.
Golborne road is also home to our favourite antique store - Phoenix on Golborne. Phoenix is not your typical vintage shop. This antique haven offers stunning finds from quaint furniture to a beautifully curated collection of one of a kind garments and accessories. Pieces are handpicked by the lovely shop owners Edel and Jess. We love their selection of statement dresses and kimonos (the kimonos have arrived straight from Japan) and high quality classics (black cocktail Valentino dress that got away still comes to us in dreams). You can easily while away you're time in their enchantingly decorated store. The prices are good too, so make sure to drop by.
Phoenix on Golborne: 67 Golborne Road, London W10 5NP
A Drink With a View
Boasting stunning canal-side views, it is easy to see why we love the Grand Union Tavern. Whether you would like to grab an after work drink or enjoy some tasty pub food, this place is great. Grand Union Tavern also prides itself on offering one the most extensive ale and craft beer collections with 12 local craft brews and five cask ales lining the bar. Not in the mood for beer? This popular hang-out situated just round the corner from Westbourne Park tube station has regular live music, fun quiz nights, house-smoked BBQ food and, our favourite, heated canal-side terrace where you can enjoy it all away from the bustling stretch of Portobello.
For music fans coming to Notting Hill on a Sunday we would highly recommend to visit Ukai. Gorgeous cocktails, live jazz and soul, stunning design and contemporary Japanese cuisine make for a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the weekend.
Grand Union Tavern: 45 Woodfield Rd, London W9 2BA
Ukai: 240 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LL
A Green Space in the City
When we want to escape the hustle and bustle of Portobello Road we head to the little hidden gardens just off the beaten track. While most green spaces are private and residential, we managed to find a lovely outdoor space that is close to Portobello and open to the public - Woohoo! Colville Square Garden is nestled just off Colville Square; it offers a little green sanctuary hidden out of view by shrubs and trees. There is a cute play area to keep kids occupied too. Whether you would like to recharge your batteries after a long walk or a shopping spree, Colville Square Garden is a perfect place to catch a break and day-dream about living in Notting Hill's famous coloured houses.
Colville Square Garden: 9 Colville Square, Notting Hill, London W11 2BQ
