The 1999 classic starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts may or may not have something to do with it, but Notting Hill has been on my list of favourite London neighbourhoods for many years. Whenever I plan a trip, I’ll always take some time to stroll through the area’s prettiest streets and try out some places I haven’t done yet, and when I was living in London from September till December there was nothing I liked more than spending my weekends there!
If you read my previous blog post where I wrote about moving to London, you might know that I hold this London neighbourhood close to my heart as it’s the place that made me fell in love with the city so many years ago, and it’s here I started to think about moving to London one day. No wonder I love revisiting this area to remind myself of how I turned that dream into reality, right? As I’ve been to Notting Hill so often, I feel like I can safely say that I know the area quite well, so I thought it’s about time to share my favourite places with you. Keep on reading to discover my tips for the best brunch spots, the best vintage shops and more!
Markets in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is, of course, known for its markets, where you’ll find everything from antiques and bric-a-brac to vintage fashion and delicious street food. On Saturday most of the markets’ stalls are out, which means this day is also the busiest (often a bit too busy, so I suggest going on a Friday if you can). Head to Portobello Green for vintage treasures, affordable jewellery and second hand books, or have a look at the market stalls on Portobello Rd located near Notting Hill tube station to discover the best antiques. On the weekends I like to grab a bite at Acklam Village Market, a street food market across Portobello Green. Last time I saw one of the stalls has vegan paella which I’m excited to try out soon!
Eat & drink
Farm Girl – 59A Portobello Rd
Farm Girl is often listed as one of London’s most instagrammable places and it’s not hard to understand why. The place’s dreamy interior is sure to capture your heart and if you’re vegan, like me, you’ll like to know that they have a decent amount of plant based dishes on their menu. Make sure to try out their signature “Lavender Latte” or “Rose Latte” or their delicious and healthy acaï bowl. A tip: it might be a good idea to come a bit earlier in the morning as there’s always a queue in the courtyard, but it’s worth the wait!
The Dayrooms Cafe – 212 Kensington Park Rd
This Aussie inspired cafe in the heart of Notting Hill finds inspiration in the ever evolving food scene of Melbourne and Byron Bay. Whether you’re more into sweet or savoury dishes, this small cafe located right off Portobello Road makes the perfect place for your next Sunday brunch or a healthy lunch.
Pizza East – 310 Portobello Road
You can never go wrong with Italian food, right? I discovered this cosy pizza restaurant onPortobello Road with my “travel buddies” Lisa and Helena and we all enjoyed its atmosphere and tasty food. I don’t know about the vegan options, as I wasn’t vegan yet when I came here, but there’s definitely some good vegetarian options on the menu.
Doughnut Time – 15 Blenheim Crescent
Feeling hungry or craving something sweet? Head to Doughnut Time and try one of their handmade delicious doughnuts! Their stores can be found all over London, but I discovered it first in Notting Hill. The best thing about this place is their variety of vegan options, from red velvet topped with cookies and cream frosting to doughnuts filled with Lotus Biscoff spread.
Shopping
Liberté Chérie – 291 Portobello Rd
Liberté Chérie is a charming zero waste grocery store situated on Portobello Road, near Portobello Green Market. This photo-worthy apothecary style shop will steal your heart whether you just want to take a look at their stylish interior or whether you want to stock up on some oats, grains or other products they sell. Don’t forget to have a look at their pretty flowers too!
The Notting Hill Bookshop – 13 Blenheim Crescent
How could I not include this one? When this store opened back in 1979, it specialised in travel books and while they still have a large selection of travel guides you’ll also find gift editions of your favourite classics as well as contemporary literature today. Not surprisingly the bookshop became famous after the 1999 movie copied the interior, so expect to see a lot of tourists taking pictures in front of the shop (*guilty*) or admirers of the movie hoping to find love in one of London’s prettiest neighbourhoods like Julia Roberts’ character in the movie.
Fara Charity Shop – 10 Elgin Crescent
London is of course home to many, many charity shops but this one on Elgin Crescent is one of my personal favourites! The staff are welcoming and helpful and they have a beautiful selection of quality items – from designer pieces to high street brands. Your money goes to Fara Charity, a worthy charity that aims to transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged Romanian children and young people. One of my resolutions for the new year is to shop more consciously and I’m definitely going to share more of my favourite thrift shops & charity shops with you!
Other places worth a visit….
Hillgate Place – if you’re looking for those typical pastel coloured houses, this is where to find some!
St Luke’s Mews – one of London’s prettiest mews, if you ask me. If you liked the movie Love Actually, go look for the pink house where Keira Kneightly’s character lives in the movie!
Retro Woman Clothing Exchange – for vintage fashion. I once found a pair of American Apparel high waist denim shorts for £1 here!
Farmacy – Although I haven’t been to Farmacy yet (but planning to go soon!) I still wanted to include this fully plant-based restaurant in this list since I’ve heard so many good things about this place!
Electric Cinema – for a truly luxurious cinema experience. Think ultra comfortable chairs, a retro interior and cocktails.
Have fun exploring Notting Hill!
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