Notting Hill is one of London’s most fashionable and famous areas. Its pastel-coloured buildings, independent shops and welcoming and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect area to spend an hour or two wandering the streets. With the world-famous Portobello Market at its heart and an array of beautiful, in many cases historic, and very trendy shops scattered along Westbourne Grove and the streets around, our pub, The Princess Royal, is perfectly situated to explore the area.
Our local guide to Notting Hill gives you a snapshot of this vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood in London. We take a look at the best things to see and do in Notting Hill, specifically the streets around our iconic London pub that calls this area home.
WHERE TO EAT AND STAY IN NOTTING HILL
The Princess Royal has quickly built up a reputation as the place to be in the vibrant Notting Hill community. Think tastefully restored, vibrant spaces, including a light-flooded conservatory, grand private feasting rooms, four boutique bedrooms and two splendid terraces designed by Jinny Blom, perfect for outdoor dining.
Why not make a weekend of it? Our bedrooms feature tasteful interiors with a focus on British craftsmanship. Plus, we’re only a 15-minute walk away from Portobello Road Market for a true London local experience, as well as being conveniently close to some of the best Notting Hill brunch places.
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THINGS TO DO IN NOTTING HILL
The Electric Cinema
A cinema with that little bit extra – or a lot extra in this case. The Electric Cinema on Portobello Road is one of the oldest working cinemas in the country and ensures your cinema experience is more of a proper night out. Part of the Soho House group, this cinema comes with a bar in the auditorium and the comfiest seats and even sofas. This is what Notting Hill cinema-going should always be like.
Portobello Road Market
This world-famous street market attracts tourists and locals alike and is always worth a visit just to soak up the atmosphere. Famous for its 1/2 mile long antiques market, Portobello Road Market is a haven for foodies and shopaholics alike. But for those of you with an eye for history, Barham Antiques is just a stone’s throw away. The oldest antique shop on this road, it has a reputation as being one of the best antique shops in London, specialising in boxes, glasses and silver plates.
Westbourne Grove
Stroll along Westbourne Grove, a tree-lined street filled with boutiques, cafes, and contemporary design stores, reflecting the neighbourhood’s chic and artistic ambience. If you’re looking for Notting Hill shops, this is the place to be.
Notting Hill Carnival
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the annual Notting Hill Carnival, a dazzling celebration of Caribbean culture featuring parades, music and mouth-watering cuisine.
Notting Hill Gate
Once a toll point on the edge of London, Notting Hill Gate marked the entrance to the city. While the gate is long gone, its name remains, along with a stretch of street that still draws people in. Then and now, it’s a place worth passing through.
Books for Cooks
Books for Cooks is a bookshop with a difference, embodying a lot of what Notting Hill is about – a carefree, independent and community atmosphere. This is Notting Hill’s famous cookbook shop, crammed with thousands of books, and you take advantage of the comfy sofa to take a good look through. There’s even a café out the back where the books are tested and cookery classes too.
HOW TO GET THERE
Now here’s a part of London that’s easy to reach. Whether you’re crossing the city or just a few stops away, you’ll find yourself well-connected by not one, but three Underground stations:
- Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle and District lines)
- Holland Park (Central line)
- Westbourne Park (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines)
This corner of W11 is packed with Notting Hill restaurants, Notting Hill things to do, and enough charm to keep you exploring for hours.
