A Weekend In West London: What To Do In Notting Hill

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Gold is a go-to people pleaser. Situated on Portobello Road it promises stylish interiors, delicious food and excellent cocktails. Choose between the rustic terracotta first-floor dining room or the palm-lined modern conservatory. Or, soak up the action of the kitchen, perched on a rattan stool at the sleek bar. Expect a seasonal and modern menu of fish, wood-roasted meat and elevated vegetable dishes, all designed with the intention of sharing. Mix and match your order: seabass carpaccio comes accompanied with majoram, chilli and datterini tomatoes, and chargrilled corn ribs with smoked paprika aioli. Finish with the cherry lattice pie or the heavenly chocolate and olive-oil cake.

 

A new(ish) edition to the Notting Hill food scene, Zēphyr opened in 2022 and is a trendy Greek odyssey, complete with cool interiors. Its unassuming exterior belies the glossy, sophisticated space you’ll find inside: from novel glassware to unique kitsch objects, everything about Zēphyr exudes style and the trendy decor is matched by an equally trendy crowd. Traditional Greek salads feature salty feta and black olives; the famous crispy potato terrine is completed with a cheesy truffle custard; yellowtail tuna is infused in a dashi sauce; and finish off your meal by sharing the loukoumades, a typical Greek desert that will leave you coming back for more.

 

The latest innovation from TikTok sensation Thomas Straker, this modern-European restaurant serves up sharing plates such as roasted beets, grilled langoustine and mini flatbreads served with either buttery-garlic cavolo nero or chilli-butter soaked mussels. The menu is an amalgamation of glorious flavours with interiors to match: sit at the open counter or nab a space in one of the more intimate green-velvet booths. No visit here is complete without an order of the doughnuts with crème fraiche and jam. An ideal, year-round lunch or dinner spot and with a menu to replenish energy levels – even if after dancing the streets during Carnival.

 

A Notting Hill institution, Layla Bakery has some of the best coffee and pastries in the area. Tucked slightly away from Golborne Road and the chaos of Portobello, sunny summer mornings are well-spent on its outdoor benches, catching up with friends or enjoying a solo breakfast bite. There is no shortage of choice when it comes to what to order: from sticky cinnamon buns to warm almond croissants or stone-baked sourdough. And the locally-roasted coffee and loose-leaf tea are both as equally as delicious. Arrive early to avoid disappointment: the artisanal spiced buns get snapped up in an instant.

 

Love Supreme Projects is a yoga studio home to some of London’s most respected teachers, attracting a crowd of dedicated yogis, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. From meditation workshops to healing sound baths, this magical space provides yogis with the tools they need to unwind and reset. Consider it a space to come back to yourself, and to connect with likeminded people from all backgrounds. They also have merchandise which can be purchased from the studio.

 

The outrageously retro interiors at Electric Cinema Portobello come straight out of 1911, the year when it was constructed; the red-velvet interiors and vintage lampshades will transport you back in time. This trendy theatre comes complete with a retro diner for long lazy lunches or dinners that turn into drinks. The cinema and restaurant welcome all ages, making this a family-friendly space for film buffs and brunch-goers. Don’t miss the coffee and banana smoothie, the strawberry shortcake shake or the french toast with a side of streaky bacon.

 

Hidden inside Holland Park, this traditional Japanese garden is a tranquil escape away from London life. The garden was built to celebrate the Japan Festival in 1992, and was a gift from the city of Kyoto to commemorate the friendship between Japan and Great Britain. Tiered waterfalls and serene ponds are filled with colourful koi carp offering visitors a quiet and relaxing space to reflect and rest. Look out for the Japanese maple trees and peacocks. Stop by Daylesford for picnic goodies on the way, or grab a matcha and pastry from nearby KURO Japanese bakery.

 

Notting Hill attracts an eclectic and chic crowd, which is reflected in the offering of kitsch boutiques and European brands. From Westbourne Grove’s refined curation to Ladbroke Grove’s trove of vintage treasures, Notting Hill offers each shopper something unique.

At the top end of Portobello Road, Aimé is home to a stylish curation of independent brands, from Dragon Diffusion to Isabel Marant Étoile and Ulla Johnson. As the only London outpost, the Sézane boutique transports visitors to the streets of Le Marais in Paris, offering a selection of colourful knitwear and timeless French denim.