The Good Guide to Notting Hill
As one of London's most vibrant neighbourhoods, Notting Hill is a delight to explore. On Westbourne Grove, you'll find high-end boutiques and on Portobello Road, an eclectic array of vintage and antique shops.
Whatever your taste, you'll find something for you.
Here are a few of our favourites.
1. Cocotte
With Winter approaching and Autumn in full swing, our minds turn to cosy nights by the fire, sustainably sourced cashmere blankets and sunday roasts. Enter Cocotte, the farm to table rotisserie in Notting Hill’s enduringly chic Westbourne Grove. Cocotte is the elevation of the Sunday Roast whilst maintaining all deliciousness.
Opt from healthy sides such as seame-seed-topped carrots and lentil broccolini, or indulge in truffled mac ‘n’ cheese and the must-have House gravy.
We visited Cocotte on a chilly Summer’s evening and it was heaving with stylish locals hoping to bag a last-minute seat, just to get a taste of this mouth-watering mix of hearty health-conscious home-cooking.
As the nights draw in and all we can think about is tucking into a fantastic meal and a night spent catching up with friends, we would highly recommend booking this essential neighbourhood staple.
2. Katrina Phillips
Katrina Phillips' style is modern but she draws on her extensive knowledge of antiques and art to bring in just the right pieces for her shop in Notting Hill. A natural hunter-gatherer, always searching for beautiful, eccentric and practical items; what's fascinating is her photographic memory and the vast image library in her head, which she flips through whilst talking to clients.
You'll find lots of handmade high-end objects for your home as you walk around her lavishly furnished store. Ceramic espresso cups, a sculptural lamp made from a mixture of limestone and sandstone are just a few of the treaures you can find, to elevate your home.
3. Daylesford Cafe
Daylesford is best known for its farm fresh organic food. Although, the wide selection of all shapes of breads, organic vegetables and other delights will leave you exploring for quite a while, you can also enjoy a Daylesford farmhouse full English in the morning, a Jerusalem artichoke risotto for lunch, or a simple baked good as a snack any time of day.
The coffee from their Notting Hill café, which is all ethically and sustainably grown, is a local favourite.
4. The Laslett
The Laslett in Notting Hill is a stylish boutique hotel comprised of five Grade II-listed townhouses, decorated with avant-garde artwork and gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows.
The hotel is named after Rhaune Laslett, the founder of Notting Hill Carnival, and is inspired by the vibrancy and vitality of the neighbourhood. The ground-floor communal space, designed by British architect Tom Barlett's studio, gives the hotel an warm yet modern feel.
The hotel is furnished with quirky antiques from the local antiques dealer Les Couilles du Chien and its Henderson Restaurant uses locally sourced, seasonal and organic ingredients.
5. Astrid & Miyu
Astrid & Miyu founder Connie started the company from her small flat in Notting Hill, and the graft certainly paid off. The shop, which now has other locations throughout London, is always bustling. Walking into the Astrid & Miyu, Notting Hill instantly translates Connie's vision to create a youthful, vibrant brand with personality- without the constraints of high price points. She has created not only jewellery pieces but boutiques that are beautiful, classic and refined by drawing inspiration from the world around her.
Astrid & Miyu has recently launched their Recycled Jewellery collection, which is made from recycled sterling silver and includes pieces that are cleverly looped to represent the circular economy. The packaging is also recyclable and reusable and you can select ‘Reduced Packaging’ at the checkout to receive your jewellery in a lovely little pouch.
6. Ottolenghi
Healthy food hero, Yotam Ottolenghi's, first deli opened in Notting Hill in 2002 and it is still going strong. You can't miss this shop with their enticing window displays ranging from large bowls of exotic, colourful Middle Eastern style falafel and pomegranate salads to delicately decorated cake slices (and the mega meringues!). The food is healthy, freshly prepared and comforting, allowing the eye to travel at every turn.
Team Ottolenghi take pride in working with small and local food producers across the country, as well as supporting farmers who raise 1005 grass-fed, humanely raised cattle. From the time the food is sourced to the time it is served, every detail is taken into consideration.