Notting Hill
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Notting Hill - the title of arguably one of the most successful movies in the last 20 years, but also the name given to this small yet vibrant hub of London that is home to bohemians, literary academics, fashion-mavens, bankers and yummy mummies alike. This is indeed one of the most unique and diverse parts of London that is rich with social history.
It is rare to find a place that has the feel of a village; where everyone knows their neighbours and local shop-keepers by name, yet is still part of the fast-paced, glamorous and exciting London jet set.
People have long flocked from near and far to visit the world renowned Portobello Market, at the heart of Notting Hill. Every Friday and Saturday stall owners parade their finest stock and vintage goods to cool, fashion forward youngsters as well as more established antiques collectors. Right behind the excitement of the market is the more tranquil and luxurious Westbourne Grove, dotted with individual cafes and one-off boutiques alongside flagship stores such as Matches, Diane Von Furstenberg and Ralph Lauren.
For a more alternative and artistic feel you have the vibrant night life which includes the famous Notting Hill Arts Club (where Mark Ronson is resident DJ), the expertly sourced vintage shops at the end of Ladbroke Grove and the newly opened ‘Village Bicycle’ on Ledbury Road which is London’s answer to the Parisien fashion mecca Colette.
Finding a nice restaurant locally will never be a problem in Notting Hill, with the authentic Italian and celebrity hotspot ‘Osterio Basilico’ on Kensington Park Road, the pan-asian fusion ‘E&O’ right opposite, ‘The Electric’ which is part of the Soho House group and has it’s own private members club upstairs (which also boasts one of the most luxurious cinematic experiences in London) and newly opened and achingly hip ‘Pizza East’ which is jostling for pole position alongside the more established favourites such as ‘Lucky 7’ and ‘Tom’s’.
Notting Hill is also home to one of the most beautiful parks in London - Holland Park (also the home of Marco Pierre White’s restaurant ‘Belvedere’) which proudly displays beautiful greenery, the award winning Japanese Koyoto garden and some of the most exquisite flowers. There is also a selection of brilliant children’s playgrounds which they will never tire of. One could easily bump into Elle McPherson or Claudia Schiffer buying an ice cream for their children in the café.
Excellent schools include the academic and quaintly situated Pembridge Hall for girls and a few doors down Wetherby for boys who’s alumni include Prince William and Harry, Notting Hill Prep, although newly established, has rapidly gained a fierce reputation for academic excellence.
The grandeur of the white stucco fronted architecture sometimes sits at odds with the quirky communal gardens of many of Notting Hill’s finest squares. From pretty pastel coloured terraced houses on Portland Road to palladian style villas, Notting Hill’s architecture offers and provides something for everyone to appreciate and admire.
Property prices start from £750 per sq ft and have broken the £3,000 per sq ft barrier due to an influx of celebrities and bankers alike in recent years. A family home in this area will range from £2m to £10m approximately.