Beyond Portobello Market: An Insider's Guide to Notting Hill
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Celebrated for its creative heritage, Notting Hill is known for its colourful streets lined with antique dealers, vintage boutiques, and independent traders. In recent years, it has also evolved into one of London’s most exciting culinary destinations, with some of the city’s acclaimed restaurants calling the neighbourhood home.
While Portobello Road remains one of London’s most renowned markets, there is so much more to discover beyond its most famous market stalls.
For the best places to visit in Notting Hill, this insider's Guide offers recommendations on the neighbourhood's best vintage shops, antiques emporiums, unique interior stores and independent boutiques, alongside standout restaurants, and the perfect place to stay during your visit.
Breakfast in Notting Hill
A day of exploring starts with a good breakfast. Just steps from Notting Hill Gate station, located among the neighbourhood's Georgian stucco-fronted townhouses, you'll find boutique hotel, The Laslett.
Designed to reflect Notting Hill’s rich cultural heritage, The Laslett is home to The Henderson Bar & Kitchen, an all-day dining destination which welcomes both residents and London visitors. The menu celebrates seasonal British produce, featuring locally sourced ingredients and freshly baked goods, with guests able to enjoy breakfast al fresco on the terrace or in the relaxed dining area.
The bar is named after Russell Henderson, whose legacy is an important part of Notting Hill’s history. Be sure to ask the team about his pioneering contribution to the area and the story behind his lasting influence on the community.
Vintage Shopping Beyond Portobello Market
A short stroll from The Laslett and you’ll find yourself on one of Notting Hill’s most recognised streets, Portobello Road. Home to the famous Portobello Market, the street is also lined with several noteworthy vintage boutiques.
First, make a stop at Lovers Lane. Housing an ever-evolving collection of pre-loved designer clothing, handbags, and accessories, it is a favourite among those searching for distinctive designer finds.
A little further down, you’ll also find Found and Vision, another boutique worth visiting if you’re on the hunt for collectable or timeless vintage clothing. Each item has been hand-picked for its quality and design, with pieces featured regularly in Vogue, Self Service, Dazed and more.
As you wander down Portobello Road, you’ll soon reach Golborne Road. A local favourite, this neighbourhood is home to a whole host of independent boutiques, antique dealers, artisan food shops, and eclectic homeware stores, offering everything from one-of-a-kind vintage finds to rare antiques and beautifully crafted homeware.
Among its many highlights is Rellik, one of Notting Hill’s best vintage boutiques. A favourite among fashion insiders, its collection spans from the 1960s to the present day, including designers such as Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, Alaïa, Yves Saint Laurent, and Vivienne Westwood, to name a few.
Golborne Road's Best Interiors & Antique Shops
Once you reach Golborne Road, make a quick coffee stop at The Flying Horse, before stepping into the world of carefully curated interiors at Arte House. Part gallery, part homeware destination, its ever-evolving collection draws from a personal archive of hand-sourced pieces, including antique furniture, artworks, ceramics, books, and decorative objects.
Next, cross the road to the antique haven of Les Couilles du Chien. Filled with antique furniture and one-of-a-kind pieces sourced from across the globe, this space embodies an eclectic living collection, where every item has its own history.
Store owner and antique dealer Jerome Dodd hand-selects each piece, considering its craftsmanship, quality materials, character, value, and the story it brings. No two visits are ever quite the same.
A few doors down, make your way to 001 Atelier. More contemporary in style, this sculptural lighting and furniture shop is a celebration of human artistry and craftsmanship, championing one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces of exceptional quality.
Lunchtime on Golborne Road
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, take your pick of Golborne’s understated restaurants, perfect for a relaxed lunch. For a modern neighbourhood restaurant built around seasonal British cooking and quality produce, visit Acre. Created by chef Thomas Straker, it offers relaxed all-day dining alongside its ground-floor delicatessen of fresh goods and take-home staples.
For an Italian dining spot, visit Canteen, a walk-in-only restaurant with an open kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven. It serves simple, well-executed dishes with a focus on quality ingredients, including handmade pasta, pizzas, and seasonal plates.
For a more relaxed, local-feel lunch, head to Golborne Deli, a neighbourhood wine shop and delicatessen offering carefully selected wines, fresh produce, and everyday pantry essentials. Take a seat outside to enjoy lunch with a bottle of wine or pick up fresh deli favourites for lunch on the go.
Where to Have Dinner in Notting Hill
Dinner in Notting Hill offers no shortage of exceptional options, with a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences right at your fingertips. A celebrated favourite is Akub, a Palestinian restaurant centred around traditional ingredients and the culinary tradition of tawla - an abundant table overflowing with small plates designed for sharing.
The menu showcases locally sourced British produce, reimagined by the flavours of Palestinian cuisine. Pair with a selection of wines from Palestine and Jordan, Taybeh beer, traditional Levantine arak, or cocktails inspired by distinctive Palestinian ingredients.
For a refined, yet relaxed fine dining experience in Notting Hill, Michelin-starred neighbourhood brasserie Dorian promises a memorable option. Celebrated for its modern British cuisine, fire-led cooking, and exceptional seasonal ingredients, its menu evolves regularly to showcase the very best of seasonal produce.
If you're in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine, head to Mazi for a seasonal Greek menu with a contemporary twist. An acclaimed Greek restaurant in Notting Hill, Mazi means “together” in Greek and celebrates sustainably sourced seasonal produce through a selection of small plates meant for sharing.
After your meal, head to The Henderson Bar and Terrace for a classic cocktail nightcap.
Live Like a Local at The Laslett
When it comes to finding the best hotel to stay in Notting Hill, why not choose a hotel that reflects the creativity, history, and character of the neighbourhood it calls home?
Housed across a collection of Victorian townhouses, The Laslett celebrates the area’s cultural roots through interiors shaped by local designers and creatives. Discover the behind the hotel, from its interiors inspired by Notting Hill’s creative community to its connection with carnival pioneers who helped shape the area’s cultural identity.
Located just moments from Notting Hill Gate, The Laslett offers an ideal base for exploring the area’s independent boutiques, cafés, galleries, and restaurants. During your stay, our concierge team is always on hand to share recommendations, from much-loved local favourites to hidden gems.
For more curated recommendations on places to visit, eat, and explore during your stay, visit our in-depth neighbourhood guide.
Book a stay at The Laslett.