Exploring Notting Hill

Exploring Notting Hill: A Weekend Escape to London’s Iconic Neighbourhood

A day out in Notting Hill in London has been on my bucket list for years. I love exploring new places and after seeing the colourful streets, vibrant carnival photos and the charming market on Instagram, and, of course, Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts bringing the area to life in Notting Hill, it was somewhere I had to visit. This past weekend, I finally made a day trip from Brighton on a crisp November morning. Catching the train to London Victoria, I arrived in Notting Hill and started wandering.

My first stop was Amoret Coffee Portobello, a cute little coffee shop where I’d imagine locals hang out; I warmed up with a delicious cortado before heading to Portobello Road. The street was as bustling and charismatic as I’d imagined, with quaint houses, market stalls, and fascinating stores. One that caught my eye was Stumper & Fielding – an independent clothing store filled with traditional English attire with a modern twist. Inside, I found a beautiful red wallet with white stitching, the perfect upgrade as my old one had seen better days. Stumper & Fielding captures that old-school British style but with a fun twist, and lots of tweed, making it a memorable find on my trip.

I continued down the road, taking in the sights and smells from all the market stalls – vintage finds, antiques, and mouthwatering food stalls made it easy to lose track of time. I took a breather at Soho House’s Electric House, sitting out on the terrace with a pint of cider, a quiet little haven, sat under the wooden dome of the cinema. It was like I’d left the chaos for half an hour. I also peeked inside the Electric Cinema, one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the UK, dating back to 1910. There’s something magical about seeing a cinema so steeped in history, and I could almost imagine the early audiences watching silent films there over a century ago.

Before leaving, I couldn’t resist a stop at Hugh Grant’s famous Travel Book Shop from the film. It’s a nostalgic touch to the area, giving you that feeling of stepping into a scene from the movie.

All in all, Notting Hill was everything I hoped it would be – vibrant and full of charm, with a welcoming village vibe despite the constant buzz. The side streets around Portobello Road were quieter and felt like hidden gems, a nice contrast to the lively main street. While I’d still love to experience the carnival one day, I can’t say I’d manage well with the packed crowds. For now, though, this weekend’s wanderings through Notting Hill will stay with me as a wonderful London memory.