Perhaps nowhere in London embodies the dual identities of the capital better than Notting Hill, which is synonymous with both British eccentricity, due to the 1999 film starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, and multicultural celebration, thanks to its annual carnival. It’s tempting to flit from one side of London to the other when you’re visiting, but why not spend a little more time in the neighbourhood, and really find out what makes it tick? And if you’re a Londoner, why not get to know Notting Hill a bit better, and play tourist in your own town? With our weekend itinerary, you can do just that.
Best Things To do
W11 is known for its pretty streets and colourful houses, so start off by taking a stroll with your camera phone at the ready. Some of the most famous are on Portobello Road, St Luke’s Mews and Pembridge Crescent, but our favourite is the pink flat iron building, on the corner between Pottery Lane and Penzance Street.
While you’re in the area, check out the rare 19th-century bottle kiln on Walmer Road, a remnant of Pottery Lane’s eponymous past. Tick off the blue plaques as you go – including Notting Hill Carnival’s founders, Claudia Jones and Rhaune Laslett-O’Brien – and marvel at the brutalist monstrosity that is Trellick Tower.
No visit to Notting Hill would be complete without seeing some of the sights made famous by Richard Curtis’s rom-com: find Hugh Grant’s place of work at 142 Portobello Road (it simply reads “Travel Book Shop” on the sign).
If you’ve got kids, be sure to visit Tavistock Crescent, with its large children’s play area, or Holland Park. End your day with a film at The Electric – the oldest cinema in the UK – which boasts comfy armchairs and a snack bar.
Where to eat & stay in Notting Hill
Handily located a 12-minute walk from the Tube station, The Princess Royal Boutique Hotel & Pub is a great base for exploring the best that Notting Hill has to offer. Our restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving Mediterranean dishes with a twist: think chicken Milanese, braised borlotti beans and our signature dish, the Princess Parmigiana. Sunday Roasts are a big deal here, too, with porchetta, beef rump and half a chicken on the menu.
Brunch at The Princess Royal
We know weekends are for lie-ins, so we’re making sure there’s no need to rush. The Princess Royal in Notting Hill serves brunch from 10am–4pm, giving you time to ease into your weekend the right way.
Start with a perfectly spiced Bloody Mary or a refreshing Peach Bellini before diving into a Full Princess—our take on the ultimate fry-up. Or, if lighter bites are more your style, there’s Severn & Wye smoked salmon with avocado and poached eggs or scrambled Burford Browns with wild mushrooms, truffle and Parmesan.
Whether you’re in need of a hearty post-lie-in feast or just fancy a lazy morning with a Breakfast Martini in hand, The Princess Royal is the place to be.
Why Not Make a Weekend of It?
Turn brunch into a full Notting Hill escape by booking one of our rooms upstairs. After a long indulgent meal, there’s nothing better than retreating to a beautifully designed space to unwind.
Our four bedrooms are beautifully decorated using local designers and artisans, with some of the comfiest beds in London, plus toiletries by 100 Acres. If you’re visiting London for the first time , we can’t think of anywhere more traditional, charming and unique to stay than a pub with rooms, and ours is the best – if we do say so ourselves.
Where to shop
It would be remiss of us to not mention the world-famous Portobello Road Market here, a warren of vintage clothing, up-and-coming designers and antiques. You might even see Kate Moss browsing the rails, with the model known for her love of vintage. Elsewhere, Notting Hill’s Ledbury Road area has a smattering of boutique brands, from Caramel childrenswear and locally handcrafted jewellery by Maya Magal to Aimé womenswear, while Westbourne Grove caters to the designer-loving amongst you. Golborne Road is another trendy area, with great shops for foodies, while Portobello Green Arcade offers high-end jewellery, tailors and skincare.
Book your weekend stay in London with us today.
Book Your Stay
