What to do in Notting Hill
Exploring one of London’s most beloved locations
Tuesday 9 November 2021
- Where? Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London (Notting Hill Gate station)
- When? On all week – Best days to go are Friday and Saturday
- How Much? Free
Crowding the verges of Portobello Road, antiques, hats and silverware don’t leave mushroom for anything else – whether you’re looking for a bargain or a British heart-throb, you’ll be sure to stumble upon something unexpected in this miscellaneous market.
Renowned for its brightly coloured buildings, artistic scene and cinematic fame, Notting Hill is an enchanting location with countless things to do and see. Welcoming the Notting Hill Carnival every August, this London borough celebrates it’s rich cultural heritage with a vibrant parade – for those who enjoy dancing, music and delicious food, Notting Hill Carnival is the place to go. Besides this yearly extravaganza, Notting Hill invites visitors daily to its independent cafes, boutique retailers, stylish bars and extensive market.
Fashion, Jewellery & Boutique
Notting Hill is one of my favourite spots for vintage and pre-loved clothing – whilst many will recommend a trip to Shoreditch, the Notting Hill eco-market is London’s best kept secret. Endless aisles of leather blazers and trench coats will have you scouring every rail for the perfect find. With Dior camis priced at £20 and Kenzo shirts for £35, be sure to stock up on cash and refill your wardrobe with vintage designer wear.
The difference between Notting Hill market and its Camden & Shoreditch rivals, is that it feels sustainable rather than profitable. One retailer stood by a mountain of clothing priced at £3 an item – rummaging my way to a vintage steal, I came across brands such as Morgan de toi, Karen Millen, Miss Sixty and many more. If you have the time and the patience, you’ll be sure to take home some authentic y2k and 90s fashion – why invest in overpriced fast-fashion mimics when you can buy the real thing for less than a fiver?
If you love adorning yourself in staple accessories and jewels as much as Iris Apfel or Jacqueline Wilson, Notting Hill market is the perfect place for you. From quirky homemade items, reworked beer bottle rings and countless brooches, to quality vintage silver and gold pieces, Notting Hill has it all. We spoke to one seller who told us that her goods were purchased at car boot sales and resold at her authentic vintage jewellery stall, which has been running for four generations – the items were reasonably priced and returnable. Whilst prices range from stall to stall, they are usually negotiable, so be sure to haggle your way down to a reasonable deal.
Nestled behind the bustling street counters, on the pricier side of Notting Hill, are bespoke boutiques and independent fashion retailers. A personal favourite is Jessie Western, an ornate collection of cowboy boots, suede tasselled bags and chunky silver accessories – you’ll find this beautifully crafted store at the top end of Portobello Road. Be sure to visit Jessie’s neighbours, Henry Gregory and Alices Portobello, two quirky antique stores stocked head to toe with unique homeware accessories.
Food & Drink
- Vegetarian & Vegan friendly 🌱
- Gluten free options 🌾
- Local & independent produce 🌽
- International cuisine 🌏
If you don’t fancy the weekend queues overflowing from Gail’s Bakery, there are plenty of charming independent coffee shops and cafes rippled throughout Portobello Road and it’s neighbouring side streets. If you prefer your coffee to go, make your way down to the end of Portobello market, where coffee vendors and beverage vans await. You’ll even be able to grab some groceries whilst you’re down there from farm shop sellers and at-home growers – it’s a brilliant way to invest in the local community and sustainable food produce (oh and it’s also organic).
For a cheap, easy and delicious lunch, I would opt for the street food market – it may not be as vast as the Camden and Borough food halls, but there is plenty to choose from. Make sure to hover around each stall and wait for the offer of a taster, before slyly moving onto the next. Many of the stalls are family ran, providing homemade cuisine from all over the globe – whether you fancy a German bratwurst, a Turkish falafel wrap, Chinese noodles or an Australian pastry, there’s sure to be something which will tickle your fancy.
After conflicted indecision, we made the un-regrettable choice of steamed buns – with a menu of honey fried chicken, braised short-rib beef and the vegetarian friendly deep-fried mushroom, we could not resist. These flavour stuffed clouds of dough were the perfect balance between light and filling. At only £3 a bun, it would have been rude to say no!
For the vegetarians, vegans and the gluten intolerant, there are counters to quench every dietary requirement at budget prices. I have no preference when it comes to good food and will be sure to keep you all in tune with my London foodie adventures.
Having just scratched the surface of London’s Notting Hill, subscribe below to find out more about this wonderful city and its many marvels. For my virtual guide, check out the TikTok link below:
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