Guide to Portobello Road
When you've gotten used to online shopping and quick food delivery, a stroll down Portobello Road reminds you of the magic of brick-and-mortar window-shopping. Rummage through vintage shops, stop at local food vendors, and enjoy a wander through one of London's best local shopping areas.
Here is your guide to Portobello Road.
Lovers Lane Vintage Shop
Specialising in retro designer fashion, Lovers Lane has been regarded as one of the best vintage shops in the world by Vogue, Tatler, and more. The meticulously curated shop has attracted supermodels, celebrities, and everyday Londoners to find the most iconic pieces of yesteryear.
Highland Store
If you're looking for a little piece of Scotland in London, the Highland Store has a vast selection of traditional Scottish apparel. Browse tartan scarves, Harris tweed, Fair Isle jumpers, and custom-made kilts, all sourced from Scottish artisans, of course.
The Portobello Print and Map Shop
London is filled with places that transport you back in time, and The Portobello Print and Map Shop is one of them. At this charming speciality shop, you'll find historic maps, antique botanical prints, and other collectables like fashion and cartoon drawings.
Zēphyr
Zēphyr is a prime example of Notting Hill's penchant for chic, gourmet restaurants. This trendy Greek spot combines modern, minimalist interiors with comforting family-style meals. Stop in for the lunch or dinner tasting menus to sample a bit of everything, or to grab a drink with friends from a selection of excellent cocktails and mocktails.
Notting Hill Bakery
The Notting Hill Bakery feels like an elegant boulangerie you might find on the streets of Paris rather than West London. An excellent spot for people watching, sit outside with a coffee and a croissant and take in the sights and sounds. In addition to traditional French pastries, it also offers sandwiches, desserts, and seasonal treats.
Portobello Road Distillery @ The Star
In the historic Star pub, the Portobello Road Distillery serves bold spirits inspired by Notting Hill. Try the signature gins created in collaboration with Portobello Road heroes, like Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler, or vodka infused with unique flavours like asparagus and citrus bergamot.
Holy Carrot
Vegan food incapable of being luxurious and tasty is a trope the culinary world has grown out of. With refined interiors and an inventive, seasonal menu, Holy Carrot is an upscale plant-based restaurant that is every bit as indulgent in flavour as a steakhouse. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, try expertly prepared dishes like celeriac schnitzel and oyster mushroom tostadas. The dessert menu is just as creative, with options like matcha tiramisu and almond cashew soft serve.
Bird and Blend
For tea enthusiasts, there is no better place to go than Bird and Blend. Browse the wall of loose leaf tea inspired by sweet treats like chocolate digestives, Victoria sponge, and peach cobbler. If you just can't wait to get home and pop the kettle on, grab one of the signature tea lattes to enjoy in the shop or takeaway on your wander through Portobello Market.
Electric Cinema
One of the poshest cinemas in London, Electric Cinema's single-screen rotates between popular new releases and screenings of nostalgic films. Trade the chain cinema for beautiful architecture, plush seats, and a full dinner menu to enjoy during the film.
Dishoom Permit Room
London's most beloved Indian restaurant recently opened a gorgeous Notting Hill eatery called the Permit Room. Inspired by the permit rooms of 1970s Bombay, the all-day café features retro interiors and live DJs playing late into the evening. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, bar snacks, and dinner, with menus including new recipes and Dishoom favourites.
Royal Trinity Hospice Portobello Road
The market has no competition, but it'd be a mistake not to mention the brick-and-mortar charity shops. Donations reflect the quirky, high-end fashion tastes of Notting Hill denizens. Royal Trinity Hospice has the curated selection of a vintage shop at the prices of a charity shop.
Acklam Village Market
As a crossroads of different cultures and cuisines, the best place to try a little bit of everything is at the weekend at Acklam Village Market. Egyptian falafel or Transylvanian chimney cakes, if you can think it, it's probably here – travel around the globe without ever leaving Notting Hill.
Honest Jon’s Records
A Portobello Road institution for music from all genres and all cultures, the shop has sold vinyl records here since the 1970s. Specialising in reggae, jazz, and soul music, the shop produces its own compilation albums to highlight forgotten artists and musical genres.
Lowry and Baker
Nothing pairs better with a day in Notting Hill than a delicious brunch. Lowry and Baker is a cute café serving sweet and savoury brunches and excellent coffee. The comfort food and mismatched plates and furniture create a relaxed, homey atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike.
Layla Bakery
One of the best bakeries in West London, Layla's artisan pastries are worth the walk to the end of Portobello Road. Using seasonal ingredients, the pastry offerings vary week by week with past flavour combinations including miso caramel buns, rhubarb and pink peppercorn bow ties, and pistachio and dark chocolate pain Suisse.
The creativity doesn't stop at pastries – just try one of Layla's signature drinks, like banana cream cold brew coffee or a blood orange Earl Grey iced tea.
Cacciari's Portobello
Cacciari's is a cosy, neighbourhood Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta and pizza. On a sunny day, you can dine al fresco, while the elegant interiors make it a romantic date night spot. Pair the traditional Italian recipes with modern drinks like a pistachio espresso martini or a lychee spritz.
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