London - Notting Hill

Recently my friend Selina, who is in London at the moment asked me for some travelling advice. So I ended up writing a two page travel guide about anything I could think of about the Big Smoke. Obviously I am a little jealous (I want to be in Londoooon) but I also loved remembering some of my favourite things about the city.

So after Shoreditch, this is my second try at rambling about London´s different areas. And this time it is Notting Hill! I know, I know. Everyone knows that Julia Roberts movie, but there is so much more to it. Firstly it is good to know that Notting Hill is one of the wealthiest areas in one of the wealthiest cities ever, so feeling like a peasant is absolutely normal. But a normal person can have just as much there, trust me.

First of all: Notting Hill Gate. I don´t know the backstory to this, but Notting Hill seems to have a huge amount of Italian restaurants and shops. You will surely find a little place to have some yummy pasta in and mentally beam yourself to Tuscany for your lunch. Also there is the „The Gate“ Cinema, which I´ve never actually been to, but always walked past, wanting to watch a movie in this vintagy looking place.

The Jamie Oliver „Recipease“ here is totally amazing for brunch (the Pancakes in particular are to die for) and they also offer cooking classes and workshops. Of course Notting Hill is well known for little parks and beautiful white houses, of which there are many, especially if you leave the main road and go exploring in the winding little streets around it. I especially love Holland Park, which is - although still busy - much more relaxed than Hyde Par, Regents Park and all the big ones.

If you´re ready for a huge shopping trip, look no further than the Westfield Mall in Shepherds Bush, only two tube stops from Notting Hill Gate. It has everything you never knew you wanted and more. There is also a massive cinema on the top floor, various restaurants such as Jamie´s Italian, Wagamamas, Nandos and Byron Burger, and in the winter they even have an inside ice skating area. How cool is that?

If you´d rather walk around looking for bargains than queuing in Topshop I can absolutely recommend Portobello Market. I first stumbled upon it when I was late to an appointment to get my nails done at the Coco Nail Bar and suddenly found myself in a blur of colors, people and incredible smells. You can try food from pretty much every country on earth, find vintage clothing, huge sunglasses and cool accessories or even some real leather goods. Although busy, it is an amazing place for a little stroll on a Saturday. Along Portobello Road there are various cafés and restaurants, as well as a Hummingbird Bakery (which I´m not the biggest fan of so far, but everyone seems to love it!). If you find your way trough the food area, you will discover the Acklam Village Market and Bar, where live bands are usually playing and you can get a pint of beer or Pimms while doing some people watching. It´s a great atmosphere and the bands are really good.

I love London in genereal, that´s no secret. But Notting Hill with its pretty (often pastelly colored) houses, little streets, wine shops and hidden gardens is one of my favourite places to spend an afternoon or even an entire day in. It is less crazy than central and makes you feel a little like you escaped the city and come to a little suburb with Italian influences.