The Richard Brendon guide to Notting Hill is here! 

Since starting the brand from his kitchen table back in 2013, Richard's homestead of Notting Hill has been a consistent inspiration. Take a stroll down Portobello Road with the team as we share our favourite spots in W10. 

With Notting Hill Carnival back after three long years this weekend, thousands will be flocking to the area for all things calypso. Whilst Notting Hill may look a little different during Carnival, delve into our guide to explore where we usually head for when in search of aperitivo hour, our favourite sweet treats and the best places for people watching. 

Portobello Road

Few markets around the world are as famous as the one that wiggles along Portobello Road. Starting life selling fresh produce from nearby Portobello Farm in the late 1700s, the market became synonymous with the London antique trade in the mid 20th Century. With over 1,000 antique dealers based in Portobello Road, it is one of the UK’s largest antique markets and Richard’s initial inspiration for Reflect; the collection that launched the brand in 2013. 

 

 Reflect Antiques picked up from Portobello Market

When we aren’t out searching for antique saucers to pair our signature Reflect teacups with, we like to visit the following spots. 

The Electric Cinema - Box Office Hits in Classic Hollywood Style 

Electric Cinema, from @electriccinema 

One of the oldest working film theatres in the country and one of the first buildings in the area to have electricity, The Electric Cinema has retained the gilded glamour of its Baroque architecture since opening in 1910. An iconic cinema house, The Electric can save even the dullest of box office duds with its plush velvet seats and opulent decor.

Pop into The Electric Dinner next door for late night bites, far superior to your standard cinema popcorn and nibble options. 

Natoora - Seasonal Produce for Enviable Home Cooking 

One of our recent Natoora-supplied feasts

Natoora focuses on seasonality to bring truly exciting and delectable produce straight to our doors. Whilst we love their home delivery options, popping off Portobello into their store on Elgin Crescent is always worth the walk up hill by treating ourselves to their in-store cafe. 

Serving a seasonal menu, naturally, their selection of toasts are always a welcomed brunch essential, with toppings including delicious roast peach, rich burrata and ricotta, and buttery cannellini beans in the colder months, whilst their homemade soups are a favourite winter lunch. For stand-out lunch spreads and beautifully simple breakfasts, we always head to Natoora for our produce. 

Books for Cooks - For Old School Home Cooks

Books for Cooks, from @booksforcookslondon

Whilst Notting Hill may be littered with brilliant dining options, when we’re in the mood for home cooking, Books for Cooks is our first port of call for inspiration. 

Founded by Heidi Lascelles in 1983 after being disappointed by the meagre offering of cook books across the capital, Books for Cooks is now a famous pilgrimage for any food lover visiting London. 

With their test kitchen serving lunch and cakes daily, trialling recipes from the books that grace the shelves, it’s worth heading to the shop when it comes time to pursue something to eat. Note that the menu is posted on their Twitter before the lunch rush and sells out quickly... Showcasing everything from the latest bestsellers to more niche specialist books, there is always something to inspire us for our next dinner party or weeknight supper. 

Kensington Park Road

Lutyens & Rubinstein - Beat the Tourists at The Notting Hill Bookshop 

L&R Bookshoop, From @landrbookshop

For those who have watched 1999’s Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, finding the ‘travel bookshop’ may be high on the list of must-see sights in the area. Whilst an enterprising gift shop has taken the name, no such bookshop truly exists in Notting Hill. Writer, Richard Curtis, mainly drew inspiration from The Notting Hill Bookshop on Blenheim Crescent, and the near constant line of tourists outside the shop are testament to the film's continued success. 

If you prefer your book shops on the quieter and less touristy side, Lutyens and Rubinstein is the perfect readers' paradise in the more secluded Kensington Park Road. Pinstriped white and navy, the shop sits pretty along the road of handsome store fronts and restaurants. Whilst their book selection is expansive, they also carry a beautiful range of cards perfect for birthdays and 'just-becauses'. 

They regularly host author talks... make sure to follow their socials to stay up to date. 

Orasay - Seafood Odysseys Await

Orasay, From @OrasayLondon

A small and cosy neighbourhood restaurant, Orasay serves a seafood feast throughout the week, with Head Chef Jackson Boxer drawing inspiration from the West Indies. With an oyster happy hour starting at 5pm until selling out every evening, Orasay offers the perfect start to a night. 

One of our favourite places to eat in the area, we especially love enjoying wine pairings in our Jancis Robinson One Glass, which we are proud to supply the restaurant. 

Core by Clare Smyth - For When Two Michelin Stars Isn’t Enough 

 Core, from @corebyclaresmyth

When we aren’t taking inspiration from our latest buy at Books for Cooks and feasting on seafood at Orasay, Core by Clare Smyth is a tried and tested go-to. Since opening in 2017, Core has been awarded three Michelin Stars, with Smyth becoming the first female British chef to achieve such a feat. 

Working seasonally and sustainably with some of the country's most dedicated farmers and suppliers, Core is a much looked-forward-to dining experience and a must for ‘foodies’ visiting the area. 

All Saints Road

7 Saints - Elevated Neighbourhood Eats 

 7 Saints, from @7saints

All Saints Road has changed drastically in its recent history, with destination dining spots popping up along the historic road. One of our favourites is 7 Saints, which sits nestled just beside the iconic People’s Sound record shop. 

Serving a small and perfected Mediterranean inspired menu, 7 Saints is a truly elevated neighbourhood eatery and one that is heavily frequented by the locals; a sure sign of being worth the trek for those living further afield. We enjoy having a glass or two from our Jancis Collection, stocked in the restaurant, and regularly sampling their latest offerings as the menu changes with seasonality and availability. 

The Pelican - Aperitivo Hour

 The Pelican, From @ThePelican_W11

Sitting proudly at the corner of All Saints Road, The Pelican is the newly opened offering from the team behind 7 Saints.  A bustling spot for apertivo during the summer months and warming pints and digestifs in winter, The Pelican has quickly become a favourite since opening last year. 

Dramatic interior with log fires for the winter and welcomed airy windows to beat our recent London heat waves in the summer, the pub welcomes a lively and friendly crowd even mid-week. With impressive bar snacks ranging from oysters to spider crab toast, the more traditional pork scratchings to rich terrines, after-work drinks have never looked so good!

Golborne Road

Golborne Deli - Our Favourite Watering Hole

Golborne Deli, from @gobornedeli

A long-time favourite of Richard and the team, Golborne Deli is the perfect spot for people watching at all times of the day. Nestled on bustling Golborne Road, the deli and wine store offers a fine base from which to explore the antique shops and oddities that line the always busy street. 

For lunch, we pick up takeaways of their lasagne, thick sandwiches and crisp pistachio cannolis when we can’t find time to grab a table. For after-work, their wine shop and bar offers a full and in depth selection of wines, served best in our Jancis Wine Glasses. 

There is no wrong time of the day to enjoy Golborne Deli, and any excuse to pop in is always appreciated in the studio. 

Lisboa Patisserie - For Elevenses through to Afternoon Pick-Me-Ups 

Famous for their Pastel de Natas, golden Portuguese custard tarts for the uninitiated, and one of Yotam Ottolenghi’s favourite shops in London, Lisboa is a must visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. 

Cash only, if you’re braving the shop on the weekend make sure you’re here early before the de Natas sell out. Mid-week, the shop mainly serves locals and their long serving regulars, making it easier to pick up a treat and secure a table outside for people watching. Venture into their other sweet offerings, equally as good if not as world-renowned as their custard tarts, for the perfect sweet treat throughout the day.

Take a stroll through Portobello and our favourite spots in our latest Instagram Reel, and stay tuned on Instagram for our Notting Mule Cocktail in celebration of Carnival, helping you celebrate the weekend even if you can’t make it to W10!