Guidebook for London
Food Scene
Sunny australian-style... good for brunch! Get there early on weekends to avoid the ridiculous round-the-corner queue.
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Granger and Co.
175 Westbourne GroveSunny australian-style... good for brunch! Get there early on weekends to avoid the ridiculous round-the-corner queue.
The original! Yotam Ottolenghi does fresh Israeli-style food with a western twist - proving so popular that he now has several restaurants and numerous cookbooks.
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Ottolenghi
The original! Yotam Ottolenghi does fresh Israeli-style food with a western twist - proving so popular that he now has several restaurants and numerous cookbooks.
Sensational fine dining (2 michelin stars) - regularly tops the list of London's best restaurants.
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The Ledbury
127 Ledbury RdSensational fine dining (2 michelin stars) - regularly tops the list of London's best restaurants.
Phenomenal cupcakes! Try the Red Velvet.
59 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
The Hummingbird Bakery - Notting Hill
133 Portobello RdPhenomenal cupcakes! Try the Red Velvet.
Marianne
104 Chepstow RoadBrilliant tasting menu from this young star chef.
Gastropub serving delicious Italian food - don't miss the pizzas! There's a great bar upstairs where you can have a drink whilst waiting for your table.
175 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
The Oak W2
137 Westbourne Park RoadGastropub serving delicious Italian food - don't miss the pizzas! There's a great bar upstairs where you can have a drink whilst waiting for your table.
Great value, great quality French staples - a fail-safe for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
24 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Côte Brasserie - Westbourne Grove
Westbourne GroveGreat value, great quality French staples - a fail-safe for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Amazing sushi and hot Japanese food at more than reasonable prices - it's best to book. Don't forget to order their hot sake!
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Eat Tokyo (Notting Hill Gate)
17 Notting Hill GateAmazing sushi and hot Japanese food at more than reasonable prices - it's best to book. Don't forget to order their hot sake!
Pop in for their Italian small plates, desserts and fabulous cocktails. They do a great negroni.
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Polpo
126-128 Notting Hill GatePop in for their Italian small plates, desserts and fabulous cocktails. They do a great negroni.
A fiercely-kept secret amongst locals, this quaint little bookshop has an open kitchen and a few tables at the back. They whip up dishes from several different cookbooks daily Monday-Friday - all for a ridiculously cheap price, even if you want a glass of wine thrown in!
TOP TIPS:
1. get there around 11.30am for a realistic shot of getting a table
2. when they ask you which dessert you'd like, ask for a little slice of EACH! it's pudding heaven...
45 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Books for Cooks
4 Blenheim CresA fiercely-kept secret amongst locals, this quaint little bookshop has an open kitchen and a few tables at the back. They whip up dishes from several different cookbooks daily Monday-Friday - all for a ridiculously cheap price, even if you want a glass of wine thrown in!
TOP TIPS:
1. get there around 11.30am for a realistic shot of getting a table
2. when they ask you which dessert you'd like, ask for a little slice of EACH! it's pudding heaven...
Dim sum in style on Queensway! No bookings on weekends, so get there earlyish - the queue moves quickly though.
49 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Royal China Queensway
13 QueenswayDim sum in style on Queensway! No bookings on weekends, so get there earlyish - the queue moves quickly though.
A few doors down on our road, this cute corner restaurant and alcohol-free bar (!) serves up healthy plant-based dishes. The 'good for you' desserts are particularly yummy.
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Redemption
6 Chepstow RdA few doors down on our road, this cute corner restaurant and alcohol-free bar (!) serves up healthy plant-based dishes. The 'good for you' desserts are particularly yummy.
Having lived right next to this for 4 years, I know this charming food market like the back of my hand! Go hungry and do a little 'tasting tour' (some stalls lay out free tasters - don't miss the truffle honey, the Comte cheese, the mushroom pate and the paella) before settling on what you want for lunch. I personally love the roast chicken wrap, the cajun prawn/fish wrap, and the Brindisa chorizo sandwich. For dessert there's no beating the brownie deal at Konditor & Cook, the overflowing filled doughnuts at Bread Ahead, or the excellent gelati at 3Bis (if they have licorice, try it!). If you need a pick-me-up, people swear by the Monmouth flat white - but you'll need to brave the queues at peak times...
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Borough Market
Borough High StreetHaving lived right next to this for 4 years, I know this charming food market like the back of my hand! Go hungry and do a little 'tasting tour' (some stalls lay out free tasters - don't miss the truffle honey, the Comte cheese, the mushroom pate and the paella) before settling on what you want for lunch. I personally love the roast chicken wrap, the cajun prawn/fish wrap, and the Brindisa chorizo sandwich. For dessert there's no beating the brownie deal at Konditor & Cook, the overflowing filled doughnuts at Bread Ahead, or the excellent gelati at 3Bis (if they have licorice, try it!). If you need a pick-me-up, people swear by the Monmouth flat white - but you'll need to brave the queues at peak times...
Neighbourhood stalwart with an extremely convivial atmosphere and excellent Italian food.
147 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Osteria Basilico
29 Kensington Park RdNeighbourhood stalwart with an extremely convivial atmosphere and excellent Italian food.
Perennially trendy, this corner restaurant off Portobello Road serves up posh asian fusion food - the salt and pepper squid and pad thai are both must-trys.
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e&o Pan Asian Restaurant Notting Hill
14 Blenheim CrescentPerennially trendy, this corner restaurant off Portobello Road serves up posh asian fusion food - the salt and pepper squid and pad thai are both must-trys.
Best Persian restaurant in London - the main draw being the mindblowingly tasty and tender grilled meats. Always packed, with a lively atmosphere.
67 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Alounak Restaurant
44 Westbourne GroveBest Persian restaurant in London - the main draw being the mindblowingly tasty and tender grilled meats. Always packed, with a lively atmosphere.
I come here to gorge on exquisite pork tacos, accompanied by a margarita or two!
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Taqueria
141-145 Westbourne GroveI come here to gorge on exquisite pork tacos, accompanied by a margarita or two!
A celeb fave, this healthy restaurant serves nourishing tasty food in a beautiful setting. Major plus point - also serves alcohol... so you don't all have to be good!
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Pharmacy
74-76 Westbourne GroveA celeb fave, this healthy restaurant serves nourishing tasty food in a beautiful setting. Major plus point - also serves alcohol... so you don't all have to be good!
Sightseeing
Pretty much my favourite place to be. I love wandering up and down this street on any day, but there's a buzzing antiques/fashion/food market on weekends. If you're after antiques in particular, get there early morning on a Saturday. The falafel van is deservedly one of the most popular food stops - they give generous tasters so you can try before you buy (you'll definitely buy)!
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Portobello Road
Portobello RoadPretty much my favourite place to be. I love wandering up and down this street on any day, but there's a buzzing antiques/fashion/food market on weekends. If you're after antiques in particular, get there early morning on a Saturday. The falafel van is deservedly one of the most popular food stops - they give generous tasters so you can try before you buy (you'll definitely buy)!
Drinks & Nightlife
Great Jamaican-style food and cocktails. On Friday and Saturday nights the downstairs area is open for dancing and drinks
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Rum Kitchen Notting Hill
Great Jamaican-style food and cocktails. On Friday and Saturday nights the downstairs area is open for dancing and drinks
A relatively well-kept secret - hit the mind-blowing fried chicken shop (washed down with their delicious daiquiris) before working up a sweat on the dancefloor downstairs
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The Globe
103 Talbot RdA relatively well-kept secret - hit the mind-blowing fried chicken shop (washed down with their delicious daiquiris) before working up a sweat on the dancefloor downstairs
Hip tiki bar famous for their scrumptious pina coladas served in pineapples - as good as any you'll find in Hawaii :-)
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Trailer Happiness
177 Portobello RdHip tiki bar famous for their scrumptious pina coladas served in pineapples - as good as any you'll find in Hawaii :-)
Parks & Nature
Perfect for strolling, jogging, rollerblading or swimming in the Serpentine! Leave enough time to explore all the beautiful sights in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens (these Royal Parks are right next to each other) - my normal 5K run takes in Kensington Palace Gardens (aka Billionaires Row), the Queen Victoria Statue and Kensington Palace, the Round Pond (loads of ducks, swans etc.), the Kensington Gardens Band Stand, the Physical Energy Statue, the Speke Monument, the Albert Memorial, the Serpentine Galleries, the Serpentine (huge boating pond), the Arch sculpture by Henry Moore, the Peter Pan statue, the Italian Gardens and Queen Anne's Alcove. Check out these links: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues
https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues
http://www.serpentinegalleries.org
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Hyde Park
Perfect for strolling, jogging, rollerblading or swimming in the Serpentine! Leave enough time to explore all the beautiful sights in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens (these Royal Parks are right next to each other) - my normal 5K run takes in Kensington Palace Gardens (aka Billionaires Row), the Queen Victoria Statue and Kensington Palace, the Round Pond (loads of ducks, swans etc.), the Kensington Gardens Band Stand, the Physical Energy Statue, the Speke Monument, the Albert Memorial, the Serpentine Galleries, the Serpentine (huge boating pond), the Arch sculpture by Henry Moore, the Peter Pan statue, the Italian Gardens and Queen Anne's Alcove. Check out these links: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues
https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues
http://www.serpentinegalleries.org
Arts & Culture
Quirky and original museum takes you on the journey of well-loved brands. Great for families or anyone fascinated by our consumer culture!
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Mużew tal-Marki
111-117 Lancaster RdQuirky and original museum takes you on the journey of well-loved brands. Great for families or anyone fascinated by our consumer culture!
Shopping
On Fridays and Saturdays this street becomes a treasure trove for antique hunters and bric a brac lovers - it's one of the most interesting streets in the area, and is slightly off the main tourist track ie. Portobello Market. It's VERY important that you stop at Lisboa Cafe for their famed pasteis de nata - Portuguese egg custard tarts, hands-down the best in London (and to be honest I prefer them to the ones we get when we visit the Algarve...)
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Golborne Road
Golborne RoadOn Fridays and Saturdays this street becomes a treasure trove for antique hunters and bric a brac lovers - it's one of the most interesting streets in the area, and is slightly off the main tourist track ie. Portobello Market. It's VERY important that you stop at Lisboa Cafe for their famed pasteis de nata - Portuguese egg custard tarts, hands-down the best in London (and to be honest I prefer them to the ones we get when we visit the Algarve...)
Paul Smith specialises in modern British fashion and his flagship store is a sight in itself, set in a gorgeous 3-storey mansion at the Portobello end of Westbourne Grove. Whether you want to pick up some statement accessories or just do some window shopping, you'll marvel at the eclectic blend of traditional and cutting-edge design.
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Paul Smith Westbourne House
122 Kensington Park RdPaul Smith specialises in modern British fashion and his flagship store is a sight in itself, set in a gorgeous 3-storey mansion at the Portobello end of Westbourne Grove. Whether you want to pick up some statement accessories or just do some window shopping, you'll marvel at the eclectic blend of traditional and cutting-edge design.
The London flagship of this highbrow chocolate shop is billed as a 'Boutique and Chocolateria'. You can stop in for a hot chocolate whilst being talked through the selection of fresh and pre-packaged choccy treats (copious tasters provided). Great for buying gifts.
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Artisan Du Chocolat
236 W End LnThe London flagship of this highbrow chocolate shop is billed as a 'Boutique and Chocolateria'. You can stop in for a hot chocolate whilst being talked through the selection of fresh and pre-packaged choccy treats (copious tasters provided). Great for buying gifts.
Step in and you'll be swept away by the heavenly aroma in this delightful French perfumery. With a huge selection of different formulations including sprays, roll-ons and solid perfume, you can absolutely try before you buy (ask for a few tester vials to take away). I often give their mini candles as gifts - they never fail to go down a treat!
Diptyque
38 Floral StStep in and you'll be swept away by the heavenly aroma in this delightful French perfumery. With a huge selection of different formulations including sprays, roll-ons and solid perfume, you can absolutely try before you buy (ask for a few tester vials to take away). I often give their mini candles as gifts - they never fail to go down a treat!
This one-stop shop stocks all kinds of asian ingredients, and also has a deli counter at the front selling freshly cooked food to go (pad thai, green/red curries, fried fish etc.). Don't miss the fishcakes and the tako coconut puddings!
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Tawana Oriental Supermarket
18 Chepstow RdThis one-stop shop stocks all kinds of asian ingredients, and also has a deli counter at the front selling freshly cooked food to go (pad thai, green/red curries, fried fish etc.). Don't miss the fishcakes and the tako coconut puddings!