Shopping in Notting Hill
Brimming with rows of candy-coloured homes, quirky shops and delectable eateries, Notting Hill is the kind of place that immediately puts a smile on your face. Find out our insider tips for shopping in Notting Hill!
Brimming with rows of candy-coloured homes, quirky shops and delectable eateries, Notting Hill is the kind of place that immediately puts a smile on your face. Find out our insider tips for shopping in Notting Hill!
One of London's most charming shopping spots, Notting Hill is located north of Kensington and just northwest of Kensington Gardens. This little corner of London has always been a favourite with visitors, but it wasn’t until the 1999 film Notting Hill that the colourful neighbourhood shot to worldwide fame. Today Notting Hill is one of London’s best shopping destinations, especially if you love antiques and vintage goods. Everything here revolves around Portobello Road, a lengthy lane packed to the gills with antique shops selling everything from silver tea sets to old books, posters and even vintage golf clubs! On market days the road overflows with stalls that spill out onto the side streets. Depending on when you time your visit you can expect to find new and old fashion, books, knick-knacks, music a whole lot more in Notting Hill.
Portobello Road Antiques Market
Visitors from around the world flock to Notting Hill for the antique shops and stall of Portobello Market. A bulk of the antiques can be found towards the south end of Portobello Road, from Chepstow Villas to Elgin Crescent. It is important to note that whilst the street market consists of traditional outdoor stalls, the road itself is also lined with dozens upon dozens of antique dealers and antique arcades. Many of these dealers and stalls, however, are only open on Saturdays and occasionally on Fridays. To avoid crowds, try to arrive at around 9am.
Portobello Market Food Market
Just beyond the antique market, you can snack on ready-made meals, freshly prepared smoothies, baked goods and other treats. Running roughly from Elgin Crescent to Talbot Road, this part of the market selling fresh fruit and vegetables as well as flowers. The best time to visit the Portobello Road for the food market is Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Try to arrive by mid-morning, when the cooked food stalls begin serving hot food.
Portobello Market Fashion Market
Past the tasty treats of the food market, the area where Portobello Road crosses Westway specialises primarily in fashion. Look past all the I Love London t-shirts and hats to uncover the latest cutting-edge fashion trends side by side with brand name labels, ethnic textiles and up-and-coming designers. The best selection of wares, both new and gently used, is available on Fridays and Saturdays.
Grab some cakes from the markets or stop in for a coffee and an energising breakfast at Talkhouse Coffee, located right on Portobello Road. The cafe serves up delicious lattes and offers a revolving seasonal menu featuring fresh ingredients. For some of the best cupcakes in town, look no further than the famous Hummingbird Bakery, a local institution.
If you’re feeling more than just a bit peckish, try hearty Hereford Road for a traditional British meal in the heart of Notting Hill. The restaurant opened in 2007 and occupies a former Victorian butcher shop. Like Talkhouse Coffee, it features a changing menu to reflect fresh and seasonal ingredients. A two and three-course set lunch menu is available on weekdays.
Visit Notting Hill on a Saturday and you could easily spend the entire day shopping and browsing for antiques and vintage fashion along Portobello Road. If you’re also interested in modern fashion, however, take the Tube, bus or walk over to Kensington High Street and Kensington Church Street. This popular area is where Londoners go to top up their wardrobes. Choose from popular international brands such as GAP and H&M, or shop local British labels like LK Bennett and Reiss.
Kensington Palace
This stunning palace in the heart of West London is still an active royal residence, hosting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they are in London. The public portion of the palace, which is open seven days a week, let’s you explore the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, as well as the King’s Staircase, Gallery and gardens. For an added treat, stop by the beautiful orangery for afternoon tea.
The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
One of London’s quirkier museums, The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising is tucked away just off Portobello Road and provides fascinating insight into the history of commercial advertising. Anglophiles will appreciate packages and posters of beloved British brands dating back to the 19th century, including Bovril, OXO cubes, Rimmel cosmetics and Mars bars.
The easiest way for most of our guests to reach Notting Hill is to take the Tube to Notting Hill Gate (District & Circle, Central Lines). The station is just one stop away from High Street Kensington. Guests staying closer to South Kensington and Gloucester Road can take the Circle Line up to Notting Hill Gate for a total journey time of around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take bus no. 28 towards Kensal Rise or no. 27 towards Chalk Farm from Kensington to Notting Hill Gate. Portobello Road is a five-minute walk away from the station.
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