If you think all UK high streets look the same you obviously haven’t been to Notting Hill recently. It’s home to hundreds of quirky independent shops. Here is our pick of the best independent shops and bars, in no particular order…
(We haven’t even touched on Portobello Market – that’s a whole other story for another day!)
#10 Books for Cooks
This bookshop, kitchen and café has been selling cookery books and testing recipes for over 30 years. Eat the food and then buy the book. There’s a reason Books for Cooks is known as the best smelling shop in the world!
#9 Honest Jon’s
Honest Jon’s has been selling music in Notting Hill since 1974. You could lose whole days browsing through the hundreds of vinyl records and CDs. Specialities include blues, dance, folk, jazz, soul and funk.
#8 Pedlars General Store and Café
Fans of Pedlars’ web shop will love their General Store and Café just off Portobello Road. Stocking a range of quirky, design-led stationery, homewares and gifts, they also claim to make the best coffee in W11. Test them out and see what you think!
#7 Mungo & Maud
Give your pet a serious makeover with a trip to Mungo & Maud’s dog and cat outfitters. Their newest shop is on Notting Hill’s Ledbury Road and it stocks all the chic and fabulous accessories that every well-dressed pet should have. There are even a few treats for the humans too.
#6 The Electric Diner
After all that shopping, it’s time for a pit stop. Luckily The Electric Diner is open for breakfast from 8am, lunch from midday and dinner until 10pm (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). Recharge with a hot dog, burger or rib of beef in the coolest diner in town.
#5 Bella and Beau
If you’ve ever endured a trip to the barbers or a swanky hair salon with your kids, you need to visit Bella and Beau. It’s a hair salon designed specially for children. The cutting stations are New York cabs and Harley Davidson motorbikes and they’re each fitted with an iPad. Genius!
#4 Wolf and Badger
The team at Wolf and Badger pride themselves on stocking only the most exciting independent fashion, jewellery, accessories and interior design brands. Visit their Notting Hill boutique for high concept jewellery and accessories.
#3 Wild at Heart
For over twenty years Wild at Heart has been creating opulent floral displays and bouquets for weddings, events and special occasions. Their clients include The Ritz and St James’ Palace! The Notting Hill shop is something of a local landmark, sited on an award-winning reclaimed paving area called Turquoise Island.
#2 Cowshed Spa and Shop
If you’ve made it this far, you’ll need a rest. Get yourself to the Cowshed Spa where you can kick back on an oversized luxury recliner and watch your favourite TV show while having a manicure and pedicure. Therapeutic treatments are available downstairs. There’s even a café where you can have a green tea or a glass of wine, depending on your mood.
#1 Trailer Happiness
Round off your day with a cocktail at this retro cocktail bar and rum club. DJs at Trailer Happiness play reggae, blues and jazz-influenced hip hop on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
These are just our personal favourites. We’d love to know which are your must-visit Notting Hill shops, cafes, restaurants and bars! Tweet us @AlexandersRemov or comment via Facebook below and let us know!