Notting Hill is arguably one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in London, an Instagrammer's dream with rows of pastel-hued houses, cute cafes, and the iconic Portobello Road Market. But other than snapping #ootd shots next to vintage Figaros, there's also lots of hidden gems and fun things to do to while away a day or two in London's cutest district.
Start your Day
... with eggs, obviously. Brunch is an integral part of London life, and Notting Hill has a couple of great options.
My favourite choice is Egg Break just behind the station, which has an unsurprisingly egg heavy menu, ranging from classics like avo, poached eggs and sourdough, to foreign flavours like Shakshuka and Baba Ganoush. If you want something different, there are healthier options like granola, as well as burgers and sweet options. Make sure to get there early though, there are long queues on weekends, and they don't take reservations. It's right round the corner from some of Instagram's most popular Notting Hill photo locations on Hillgate street, so it's perfect for post-shoot fuel.
Egg Break
30 Uxbridge St
W8 7TA
Another favourite and Instagram stalwart is Farm Girl. If you're looking for bacon and sausages, this is not the place for you. The menu is all healthy vegetarian options with plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices, including berry pancakes, acai bowls, and oven baked aubergine (and of course, blogger staple avocado on toast). My favourite is the pancakes, which are thick and squishy with plenty of toppings.
If you're looking for the perfect place for the Gram, their open air courtyard fitted out with potted plants, pink tables, and weathered white walls, is a popular spot for a flat lay. They also have a location in Chelsea, which I've not been to, but I've heard good things.
Farm Girl
59a Portobello Rd
W11 3DB
If you're looking for a bite to eat on Sunday after strolling Portobello, you'd better get to cosy Notting Hill hotspot Dayrooms fast, or it's standing room only. The cafe's few tables fill up quickly, a testament to the popularity of their aesthetically pleasing Aussie brunch. It's a quirky space, with flora and fauna paintings lining the walls, artistically faded tables, and teal-tiled floors. It photographs well, which in a 'camera eats first' world no doubt contributes to it's popularity (when I visited, the girls at the table next to me were showing the waitress images off Instagram to indicate what they wanted to order). But it's not just a pretty picture - the brunch menu is full of hits, that taste just as good as they look. I went for the avocado toast with a side of bacon, which got scarfed in seconds flat. Everything was cooked perfectly, from the bacon (golden round the edges, crispy but not tooo crispy) to the poached eggs (runny for that #yokeporn moment). One thing's for sure, the Aussies know what they're doing.
Dayrooms Cafe
212 Kensington Park Road
W11 1NR
Go Shopping on Portobello
Of all the things to do in Notting Hill, Portobello Road's market is the most iconic, and a real must-do. Traditionally an antiques market, it's expanded to sell all sorts, from bric-a-brac and artisan food to cheap souvenirs to satisfy the booming tourist trade. I've never actually bought anything from the market so can't comment on value for money (it's pretty touristy, so I can't imagine it's particularly good!), however it's still worth a nosey, and you're sure to find some interesting bits and bobs. Don't forget to explore some of the shops along the street too, as there are some good vintage stores and other independent boutiques that are worth checking out. The market starts at the top near Notting Hill Gate Station, all the way down Portobello Road to Ladbroke Grove. Saturday is the best day to visit, however the market is also open during the week.
Get the Gram
Notting Hill is probably one of London's most Instafamous locations, thanks to the legions of tourists and bloggers who flock to the area to snap the pastel houses and pretty shopfronts. There's no shortage of photo ops in the area, if you can nab yourself a spot amongst the crowds!
I have a full guide to London Instagram locations, but some of the best streets for pastel hunting include Hillgate Place, Denbigh Terrace, and Lancaster Street.
A couple of other notable locations include the Biscuiteers shop which sells intricately decorated biscuits and has an ornately drawn exterior, and fllorist Wild at Heart in Westbourne Grove, known for it's floral displays and bright green tiles.
Stop for a Sweet Treat
At cosy biscuit shop Biscuiteers, which offers a range of their beautifully decorated biscuits to purchase as well as hot drinks, afternoon tea, and icing lessons if you're feeling creative. It's distinctive intricately drawn facade is enough of a reason to pop by, but it's also a lovely little spot for a coffee and a biccie.
Biscuiteers Notting Hill
194 Kensington Park Road
W11 2ES
Grab a Drink
My favourite bar in Notting Hill is Trailer Happiness, a kitschy rum lounge with Tiki vibes and a seriously good menu. Rum is my favourite spirit, so I'm pretty happy here! It's fun, lighthearted, and a great place to start your night in West London. The cocktails are a bit on the pricey side, but what do you expect for one of London's most expensive neighbourhoods? I'd recommend a cocktail, but that would be like choosing a favourite baby... If you get peckish, they also offer a small menu of snacks including sweet potato fries and shrimp dumplings.
Trailer Happiness
177 Portobello Road
W11 2DY
Catch a Movie
Electric Cinema is probably my favourite cinema in London. Bold statement, but it's one I come back to time and time again. Their movie listings are fairly limited as there's only one screen, but it's a beautifully plush, decadent spot to while away an evening. Book an armchair or one of their sofas in the front row, and enjoy drinks and snacks during the movie. This is most definitely not your local Cineworld.
Electric Cinema
191 Portobello Road
W11 2ED
Have you visited Notting Hill, and what secret spots would you recommend? I'd love to discover some new places! Leave a comment if you check any of these out, and what you thought!
Oh my! These are such pretty places
Candice xx
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