A Creative's Guide To Notting Hill: Where To Go Beyond Portobello Road

Forbes

2 days ago

Set across fourGeorgian townhouses, The Laslett is one of the only boutique hotels in London's charming Notting Hill district Courtesy of The Laslett
'This is the London I came here for,' says Jessica in Too Much , Lena Dunham's new Netflix series that follows an American transplant to The Big Smoke. After taking a photo in front of the famous blue door—the entrance to Hugh Grant's home in the hit romcom, Notting Hill — her character strolls around the area wistfully exclaiming what most of us think when we visit this incredibly pretty slice of London.
Thanks to its multiple appearances on the silver screen—The Beatles filmed part of A Hard Day's Night in Notting Hill Gate in 1964—people have a distinct image of the area even if they've never stepped foot there. Before The White Lotus inspired set-jetters, countless references make this neighborhood one of the original set-jetting destinations.
A beautiful pink terrace house near Portobello Road in Notting Hill (Photo by Sam Mellish / In Pictures via Getty Images Images) In Pictures via Getty Images
There isn't much need to explain its appeal: From the lovely pastel-colored houses to the jumbles of antiques on Portobello Road, there's a creative pulse running through the neighbood even though it has significantly gentrified over the decades. This edgy, elegant character is something that Tracy Lowy knows well and celebrates in her boutique hotel, The Laslett.
Lowy grew up in the area and says that this part of West London was once hub for pottery and ceramic crafts and an artist's enclave, so its reputation as a bohemian haven has deep roots.
The Henderson Bar at The Laslett features blends sophistication with creative flair Courtesy of The Laslett
It was also the landing pad for Irish and Caribbean immigrants—the latter resulting in the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival, an annual 3-day event running since the 1960s. This movement directly influenced The Laslett, which was named after local activist Rhaune Laslett, who helped spark the creation of the Carnival.
One of the only townhouse hotels in this popular district, The Laslett also functions as a creative incubator. Its walls feature artwork from icons and emerging names, its shelves are lined with books gifted by friends and former guests such as Roland Mouret, and its rooms welcome global names like legendary jewellery designer Francesca Amfitheatrof.
Tracy Lowy, founder of The Laslett in Notting Hill and Living Rooms, was one of the first hoteliers who set up a hotel that reflects the area's creative spirit Courtesy of The Laslett
Here, its founder Tracy Lowy shares her insider guide to Notting Hill. WHERE TO EAT Dorian
Located on a quiet road in Westbourne Park, this low-key local restaurant makes headlines because of its A-list clientele (the likes of the Beckhams frequent it). 'Make sure to order the Crab Rosti, Beef Tartare and Sirloin Steak for the perfect Dorian experience,' says Tracy. Given its popularity, it can be tough to score a reservation, but owner Chris D'Sylva holds spaces for valued clients. Take note: the restaurant is said to keep a logbook of customer behavior so be on their good side and you'll get a spot next time.
dorianrestaurant.com , 105, 107 Talbot Rd, London W11 2AT Canteen
Helmed by two The River Café alumni, this walk-in only restaurant serves up flavor-driven, impeccably crafted Italian food. In less than a year since it opened, the casual-fine spot has won over critics and crowds who enthusiastically queue for a table. British newspapers applaud its nonchalant atmosphere and dishes that rival those savored on an Italian holiday—all without a hefty price tag. 'The menu changes daily but if the Dark Chocolate Mouse is available, you must get it!'
310 Portobello Road, London W10 5TA
Sally Clarke is one of the first chefs to champion seasonal British food in London. (Photo by Maurice ROUGEMONT/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Sally Clarke's
A Notting Hill institution, proprietor Sally Clarke has welcomed more VIPs than you can list over the last 40 years, who come to enjoy simple, seasonal plates served in an unpretentious atmosphere. It's one of those spots that's universally loved, thanks to genuine hospitality led by Clarke herself. 'Lucien Freud ate lunch here every day and Sally herself sat for him twice a week for two years,' says Lowy. 'The private dining room features etchings that he gifted her.'
sallyclarke.com , 122–124 Kensington Church Street, Notting Hill, London W8 4BH Sol's, Sol's Sister and Foreign Exchange News
A 10-minute walk from Notting Hill Gate and you'll reach this triumvirate of cool: Sol's, a wine bar and deli; Sol's Sister, a florist next door; and Foreign Exchange News, a cafe-meets-currency exchange that also sells beautiful magazines. These are Tracy's go-to for a casual bite and a bit of shopping. 'They're all next door to each other. If anything, head to Sol's for the area's best negroni.'
sols.london , 25 Leinster Terrace, London W2 3ET; solssister.com , 266 Leinster Terrace, London W2 3ET; Foreign Exchange, 22 Leinster Terrace, London W2 3ET WHERE TO SHOP
The famous Portobello Market gift store on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, London. (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images) PA Images via Getty Images Rellik
Notting Hill's vintage stores are heaven for treasure hunters, especially if you're looking for a curated edit. 'This is one of London's best vintage designer stores with an archive dating back to the 60s,' shares Tracy. Whether you're after a classic Yves Saint Laurent ensenmble, a Phoebe Philo-era Celine piece or something from Comme des Garçons or Issey Miyake, this shop close to Portobello Market is your best bet.
relliklondon.co.uk ; 8 Golborne Road, London W10 5NW One Of A Kind Archive
Established in 1994, this store draws fashion stylists and museum curators alike. Tracy says this is definitely 'one of the best, perfect for those seeking Noughties-style or that rare John Galliano piece'. The store reportedly has a collection of over 5,000 pieces, with new additions weekly.
oneofakindarchive.net ; 259 Portobello Road, London W11 1LR Solange Azagury-Partridge
'She's the British jewellery designer behind the Hot Lips rings,' explains Lowy about this distinctive talent whose signature creation has been worn by every it-girl from Dua Lipa to Rihanna. The jewellery and interiors designer got her start at her Notting Hill workshop in 1995, and recently opened a new flagship store on Bond Street, Mayfair. Her work is featured in the permanent collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, as well as at the Les Arts Décoratifs at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
solange.co.uk ; 27 Chilworth Street, London W2 3HA WHERE TO VISIT
Trellick Tower is an iconic high rise Brutalism apartment designed by the architect Erno Goldfinger. (Photo by: Chris Harris/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Trellick Tower
'You'll either love it or hate it,' says Tracy about this iconic Brutalist tower block designed by Erno Goldfinger. When it was built in 1972, this was the highest residential building in Europe and it remains the tallest in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea today.
trellicktower.com ; 5 Golborne Road, London W10 5NH Leighton House Museum
London has plenty of museums, but if you're after something off-the-beaten-path then it's worth carving an afternoon for a visit to Leighton House Musuem, which marks its centenary in 2026. 'This is a hidden gem that was the home and studio of Victorian artist Fredric Leighton,' shares Tracy.
rbkc.gov.uk/museums ; 12 Holland Park Road, London W14 8LZ The Coronet Theatre
'It's a small late Victorian theatre that originated as an off West End theater,' notes Tracy. In 1923, it became a cinema until it was transformed into The Coronet Theatre—a London home featuring 'the best theater, dance, poetry, music and visual art from around the world.'
thecoronettheatre.com ; 103 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LB MORE FROM FORBES Forbes What To Expect When Olympia, London's Cultural Landmark, Opens In 2025 By Kissa Castaneda Forbes A Craft Lover's Guide To Mayfair: 9 Ateliers For One-Of-A-Kind Finds By Kissa Castaneda Forbes Art Deco Is Trending Again—See Inside These Reimagined Gems In London By Kissa Castaneda Forbes Can Whisky Foster Creativity? The Dalmore Luminary Series Says Yes By Kissa Castaneda Forbes 'The Brutalist' On Tour: 5 Concrete Hotels Made For Brutalism Lovers By Kissa Castaneda