If London had a romantic, pastel-hued alter ego, it would be Notting Hill. Think dreamy houses painted in mint greens, blush pinks, and butter yellows; cozy cafés spilling scent of coffee and pastry onto cobbled streets; and hidden mews that feel like whispers of another era. In this guide, I’ll lead you through cafés, local gems, drinks after dark, and the must-wander streets for the perfect instagram photo (because yes, this is one of London’s most photogenic neighbourhoods to find yourself in!)
☕ Best Cafés & Brunch Spots
Notting Hill has a café culture that blends polished interiors with local heart. Here are my current faves:
Farm Girl Café (59A Portobello Rd) – Go for the instagram famous rose latte, stay for the avocado toast.
Bluebelles of Portobello – The perfect all day brunch spot with cozy London charm.
Gail’s Bakery (Portobello Road branch) – Gail’s is an iconic London institution but the Portobello Road branch is particularly special. It’s a neighbourhood staple so you can mingle with the locals, grab a coffee, and park up for a while to watch the world pass you by.
Butter Bakery – A local favourite and a great spot for an easy breezy brunch spot.
📍 Points of Interest & Local Gems
Here’s what you should wander by (or into) while you explore:
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Portobello Road & Portobello Market — the beating heart of Notting Hill. Antique stalls, vintage finds, colourful shops, street food and energy. Saturdays are busiest.
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The Notting Hill Bookshop — made famous by the Notting Hill film. Perfect for lovers of literature and movie nostalgia.
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St Luke’s Mews — one of the sweetest quiet lanes with charm and character.
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Hillgate Place / Hillgate Village — pastel houses set on a peaceful cul-de-sac. (Note: In recent years, some locals have repainted homes darker to deter large crowds and influencer photoshoots. Always be respectful and remember Notting Hill is very much a lived in neighbourhood.)
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Denbigh Terrace & Colville Houses — architectural gems that feel like something out of a storybook.
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Alice’s (Antique shop on Portobello Road) — the deep red storefront with vintage trinkets makes a quirky backdrop.
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Sun in Splendor pub — bright, cheery pub on a corner, ideal for a snap or pint.
Also: don’t forget to wander off the main roads. Some of the best discoveries in Notting Hill arrive when you let your feet lead you along quiet side streets.
🍸 Where to Sip (After Dark & Cocktails)
When you want to linger into the evening, here are my top picks:
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Franklin’s Wine — a basement wine bar close to Portobello, perfect for sipping something deep over charcuterie.
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The Little Yellow Door — fun, quirky, slightly hidden—ideal for cocktails with ambiance.
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Speakeasies and hidden cocktail dens — Notting Hill is full of them and finding them is half the fun. Ask your local barista for a fun recommendation by day, to keep the magic alive by night.
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Neighbourhood pubs — for something more laid-back, wander toward side streets and local favorites (you’ll often stumble on a cozy bar with local charm).
Notting Hill isn’t just a pretty backdrop—it’s a vibe. It’s about slow coffee in charming corners, doorsteps drenched in gentle colour, and moments of quiet wonder tucked behind bustling façades. Wander the neighbourhood leisurely without a strict plan and don’t be afraid to get lost. Let the pastel houses, cafés, and winding lanes tell you their stories.