LONDON’S CHIC NEIGHBORHOOD
COSMOPOLITAN, BUT QUIET AREA
London is a vast city with many things to see, but if you have more than a few days to visit and are in need of a slower paced day, Notting Hill is a quaint, peaceful and colorful area. Here is my guide for A Perfect Day in Notting Hill.
If I lived in London, this would be my ideal neighborhood- It feels like a small town within a large city- a similar vibe to New York’s West Village. The homes are mostly 2 and 3-stories (no high-rises here) and are beautifully maintained.
The shops and cafes are posh, without being intimidating and there still remains a touch of the area’s bohemian roots. A mix of poets, artists, chic mommies, businesspeople and healers mix seamlessly at cafes. In my mind, the perfect blend of people.
A bad day in London is still better than a good day anywhere else.
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WHERE TO START
A PERFECT DAY IN NOTTING HILL, LONDON
Westbourne Grove is a street that has a mix of cool cafes, independently owned shops, a few select franchises and beautiful flower shops. It’s what I would consider the perfect starting point for a day in Notting Hill.
You can travel in either direction and then on one end go to Ledbury Road (where you will find other cool spots) and on the other end, travel up Kensington Park Road.
CAFES
OTTOLENGHI
You have no doubt seen the cookbooks from this jewel box of a café. They seem to be at the best shops and cafes- for good reason. This shop, with a tiny cafe in the back, has delicious, and I mean absolutely DELICIOUS, food!
*The star of the show- The Flourless Coconut and Chocolate Cake. In one word- DIVINE. If you can’t make it to London soon, try the recipe here .
GRANGER & CO
A good option for lunch or a nice drink. They have a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks that are good for you.
*We like the salads here.
DAYLESFORD ORGANIC FARM
This is another area hotspot. There is an organic market in front, stocked with locally grown veggies, salads, meat, deli case, honey and other food to take-away. In the back, a sit down café with organic breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
*This is a nice place to buy souvenirs: locally sourced honey, chocolate and/or tea are my favorites.
MELT
Not exactly a café, but a shop devoted entirely to smooth, luxurious chocolates. The bon bons were my favorite.
*For the chocolate lover who wants a unique experience, try one of Melt’s gourmet classes, everything from Bon Bon making to Blindfold Chocolate Tastings.
SHOPS
MATCHES.COM
One of three brick and mortar shops of this curated designer shopping website. They sell only the best here- 400 established and emerging designers from Balenciaga to Chloe to Batsheva and Gabriella Hearst.
PIPPA SMALL JEWELLERY
Anthropologist turned jewelry designer Pippa Small creates ethically-made jewels to sell in her bright Notting Hill shop. These pieces range from bold to dainty and are inspired by art from all over the world.
SMYTHSON
For perfectly British, meticulously made leather goods and bespoke stationary, this is the shop.
JOSEPH
Another sleek shop for the discerning shopper, Joseph carries its own line of clothing, plus newcomers like Khaite and fashion stalwarts like Celine (my favorite), Isabel Marant, and Maison Margiela.
HOLISTIC HEALTH
ILAPOTHECARY
This beautiful little place is part spa and part meditation center, with a small apothecary shop in front selling gorgeously packaged facial products and home scents. It’s technically not in Notting Hill, but just a few blocks away in Kensington. This gem of a place is worth the 5-minute walk.
*Book a spa treatment where they use their beautiful, lightly scented organic products or come for a wellness workshop on everything from Ayurveda to dealing with hormones.
BODYISM
If allergies or special food restrictions are a concern, Bodyism Café is a great place to eat. It’s a members only gym, with a cafe and organic skincare shop that are open to everyone.
*Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and paleo options.
ART
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM
One of my favorite museums of all isn’t technically in Notting Hill, but it is a short distance away in Kensington/Chelsea. The Victoria & Albert Museum (also known as the V & A) is a must-see while in London. It houses a permanent collection of more than 2-million objects. I particularly love the 30-foot blown glass chandelier by artist Dale Chihuly (see above) and the extensive Asian Art Collection.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you have other favorite things to see and do in Notting Hill, London, please let me know in the comments below. Also, check out our recipe for Ottolenghi’s best dessert ever, Flourless Coconut & Chocolate Cake. One of the best, if not THE best. Really.
