Notting Hill is an absolutely beautiful area to explore, and a stroll from your Accommodation in Kensington London towards and then through the streets makes you feel as if you have been plucked out of a Julia Roberts rom-com! Though the facilities at The Park Grand Kensington are top class, here is an itinerary you can follow if you can find it within yourself to leave the unrivalled comfort of your hotel.
Breakfast
Farm Girl in Notting Hill is the kind of bright, fresh start to the day that every traveller dreams of. This Australian cafe is cosy yet chic, health-conscious yet deliciously indulgent – the perfect combination and a great way to kick off a day of activity and exploration. They serve up the freshest seasonal produce, with options like greek yoghurt topped with seasonal fruit, as well as alternatives like smoked salmon, beet cream cheese, turmeric pickled egg and pickled kohlrabi – you will be drooling as soon as you see the first person’s order go past your table.
Address: 59A Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 3DB
Morning
In Disney’s classic wartime children’s musical Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Portobello Road is described in song, even way back then, as the “street where the riches of ages are stowed. Anything and everything a chap can unload is sold off the barrow in Portobello Road. You’ll find what you want in the Portobello Road”. This remains the case – anything you could imagine buying can be found in this historically rich marketplace. You will already be on the road after your breakfast – you just need to take a stroll further down to get to the market, the main attraction. The Portobello Road market is not only Notting Hill’s most famous, but one of London’s most famous and oldest street markets. From antiques to books, collectables to clothing, the street is lined with over 1,000 dealers waiting to sell you your favourite treasure.
Address: 306 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TA
Lunch
You will be blown away by the lunch and dinner menu at The Turmeric Restaurant at Park Grand Restaurant London – it is, without a doubt, some of the finest Indian food on offer in the area as well as one of the city’s gems. But if you are staying in the hotel for a few days, you might want to mix things up a bit and stay in Notting Hill for lunch time on this self-guided tour. Though Core by Clare Smyth is a top-class, fine-dining Modern British restaurant, the fresh, airy atmosphere is still one that facilitates a laid-back lunch. Once owned by world-famous chef Gordan Ramsey, the restaurant is now run by the first and only female chef to run a restaurant with three Michelin-stars in the UK – Clare Smuth, a master of her trade with an unwavering devotion to the food served from Core. Set menus are available, as well as wine pairing menus and a la carte options, with star-players of the menus including the Isle of Mull scallop tartare or the Scottish cep tartlet with toasted yeast, confit egg yolk and white truffle.
Address: 92 Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill, London, W11 2PN
Afternoon
When in London, Indian Afternoon Tea is a must and the spread that is available at the Park Grand Restaurant is certainly a worthy contender.
In fact, there are a few options of Afternoon Tea if you choose to take it at your hotel, including Indian as well as Chocolate and Traditional options. However, if you would rather stay in the Notting Hill area for this activity, then there are more local options, too. For instance, the Afternoon Tea at Biscuiteers Boutique and Icing Cafe is a unique take on the activity, including the iced delicacies that the biscuit-sanctuary is famous for.
Address: 194 Kensington Park Road, London, United Kingdom, W112ES
Dinner
The Ladbroke Arms may call itself a gastropub, but the truth is it is definitely veering more into the proximity of fine-dining when it comes to their outstanding menu. What is retained, though, of the gastropub description, is the upbeat atmosphere in this light-filled space. The menu is constantly changing, and you will feel the temptation to visit all the time to ensure you get a bite of every flavour on the menu before it changes. Though close to the main part of Notting Hill, it is nestled away on Ladbroke Road, making you feel like you are tucked away in this gem of a dining room. It also has a lively bar area, so arriving early and staying late is encouraged on either side of your delightful meal.
Address: 54 Ladbroke Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 3NW
Dessert
Unico Gelato & Caffé is one of the best spots to visit in London if it is authentic Italian gelato you are after – and it is right on your doorstep at The Park Grand Kensington. Straight from Cremeria Funivia, the taste will transform you from this quirky Italian hotspot to the warm streets of Bologna. There are a range of classic, special and vegan flavours to choose from, which will probably end up being the hardest decision you make all day! Their coffees are also exceptional, so an espresso to top off a day of dreamy indulgence is definitely on the cards.
Address: 37 Pembridge Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 3HG
Night-cap
After a day as action-packed and food-filled as this, you may be inclined to head back to the fully stocked, welcoming bar at your hotel. But if you still have more life in you yet, then it is worth checking out Trailer Happiness for a night-cap cocktail. It is Polynesian-themed and oozing with chic and charm. Everything is served up with a Tiki twist and you will leave the doors and find yourself shocked to be on the streets of Notting Hill rather than on a beach in the Pacific.
Address: 177 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2DY
Though this should act as more of a guide and less of a point-by-point itinerary for the area of Notting Hill, you will no doubt have a day for the record books if you follow it rigidly. Otherwise, pick and choose whichever sounds the most appealing to you and get a great feel for all the wonderful things the area has to offer, from its antique shopping opportunities to its Michelin-starred restaurants.
