Notting Hill
In the film 'Notting Hill', Julia Roberts asked Hugh Grant if she could stay for a while, to which he replied, 'You can stay forever.' Famous for being famous, Notting Hill is one of West London's trendiest areas and - while I wouldn't want to stay forever - I certainly enjoy spending the odd afternoon or evening there.
Stylish places to be seen in include the Mas Café (6-8 All Saints Road - a fashionable bar/restaurant that is members only after 10pm); the www.electricbrasserie.com (very popular with Notting Hill residents); the Lazy Daisy Café (59a Portobello Road) has a courtyard and is perfect for an afternoon snack and/or coffee. A seriously chic venue is www.beachblanket.co.uk - you can find the restaurant in the Sleeping Beauty tower be prepared to be wowed hidden chambers huge fireplaces sculptures chandeliers candles mirrors fairy tale chaos on a grand scale.
Mex and steaks
Quality British food can be found at the http://www.thefatbadger.com . A small diner which now has an army of slathering fans is Taqueria - http://www.coolchiletaqueria.co.uk - the Mexican and tex-Mex food options are cheap but very tasty, though convincing the waiters to serve you can be a struggle.
Notting Grill (123a Clarendon Road) is owned by celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson and specialises in steaks.
Market place to be
Notting Hill is also famous for its Portobello Road market (probably began in the 1860s when the road was built, though takes its name from 'Puerto Bello', a city in the Caribbean captured in 1739 by a British navy Admiral - whose exploit gave sparked a number of commemorative names in the area, should the question ever arise).
The market has three categories; antiques and bric-a-brac in the south; fruit and vegetables in the centre; and second-hand clothing and such like to the north. Running alongside the market are a number of small food shops-cafes-bars-restaurants-that blend in seamlessly with the markets unique character. The area is regularly in the media featuring celebrities who live or visit there. Portobello Road market also featured in the film 'Notting Hill' - the Travel Bookshop actually exists.
Hey, Mr DJ
On your way back from Portobello Road you may want to stop off at the www.hummingbirdbakery.com - check out the mouth watering vanilla and chocolate cup cakes with heavy icing!
Well worth a look is the Farmer's Market located behind Waterstone's Bookshop, Kensington Place, Notting Hill. The hand made cheeses and artisanal breads and cakes are most popular.
Live music and djs can be found at the hip http://www.nottinghillartsclub.com - lots of knocked-about leather sofas and dark dance floor if you're in a carefree mood. Free before 8pm. Another popular hang out is the Blag Club - www.blagclub.com - offering a diverse range of music styles in an exotic setting, though its best to call ahead and book yourself onto a guest list.
For classy cocktails and club nights visit Number Ten (10 Golborne Road, Notting Hill). You may feel- after gazing at the large print flowery wall paper - that you have entered a 1970s ubergeekery utopia of sorts. Thankfully Blue Nun wine is not listed on the drinks menu.