Meeting Julia Roberts in Notting Hill
OK, I didn’t meet Julia Roberts nor Hugh Grant in Notting Hill. Sorry, I know you were excited because you asked me to say hello to them. It is funny how many people know Notting Hill because of the movie and how many of you have asked me to say hi to Julia and Hugh when I meet them at the Portobello Road market, or when I go buy my travel book in that famous bookstore. If I do bump into them, I will say hello. You can count on it.
I’ve lived on the border of Notting Hill and Bayswater for about eight months now, and I must say I am truly enjoying it. As you might remember I decided on the place just one day after arriving. I made a good choice. The area is just lovely. Close to everything, yet not as busy as living in the center of the city. A lot of little shops, restaurants, bookstores, cafes, cinemas, the famous market and much more.
Here are some of my favourite spots:
Portobello Road Market
Every Saturday thousands of tourists and locals head to the famous Portobello Road market for fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, African cuisine, crapes, fried shrimp, German sausages, etc. As you can tell I focus mostly on the food section of the market, but there is also a lot antiques and junk of all sorts mostly for tourists to enjoy. I try to go at least twice a month. If you go early (before 11 am), you’ll avoid the crowds. Also one tip: don’t start at the beginning, use one of the side streets to enter the market in the middle where all the good food starts skipping the old telephones and stands with all sorts of silver, paintings and gas masks.
Electric Cinema
One of the independent cinemas in Notting Hill and at the moment my favourite. This is how you can enjoy the movie Vojta style: book your tickets in advance, go to the restaurant near the cinema at least one hour before the film, order some wine and food if you wish. Then take the remaining wine with you inside the cinema. Yes! You can take it with you and if you run out there is another bar inside. Enjoy leather chairs with little tables for your glasses and snacks, very comfortable chairs and put your feet up to relax. Tip: book your tickets early, this place gets sold out quickly. Also, there are two sofas in the back if you really want to get cozy. (Note: at that point I don’t think you came to the theather to enjoy the movie ;) They also serve delicious full English breakfast.
Tavola Delicatessen
Want to taste the best parma ham in Notting Hill or buy hand made pasta, various olive oils and all sorts of delicious food, then join me for my shopping trip to Tavola. A very little place with some of the best stuff around. Unfortunately, it is also costly.
Kensington Gardens
Just a short walk from Notting Hill are Kensington Gardens, where I sometimes go running, or just snap a few photos of the birds, the lake and the peaceful atmosphere of this busy city. Right next to Hyde Park, you can walk through these two parks for hours and hours, visit Princess Diana’s Memorial or watch a crazy lady feed pigeons.
Alounak
In Bayswater is one of the best restaurants in London and definitely the best Iranian one (confirmed by a real Iranian). I can eat there any day, especially on Saturday. Their Saturday lamb dish is irresistible. And their prices are low too. Tip: Go for dinner before 8 pm or expect a wait. Bring a bottle of wine with you, the restaurant doesn’t serve alcohol.
Kensington Wine Room
Don’t want to always buy a full glass? Maybe you want to taste a $300 bottle of wine? That’s exactly what I did in Kensington Wine Room. You pre-pay a card and then you can buy a full glass, half a glass or just a taster of wine (25ml). And how was the $300 bottle? The 25ml I had tasted good and had the long finish as advertised. I’ll be definitely coming back here.
Le Pain Quotidien
Very nice place to have a coffee, cake or breakfast in the morning. I recommend going upstairs where you have a view of all the chaos around Notting Hill Gate station out of the peaceful area of the Le Pain Quotidien.
I love this area and all the time I find new places and new things to do. Come visit. I’ll show you around.
