I know that once in Notting Hill, you are now excited to visit one of the most famous market in the world! But wait, just before your excitement drowns all your common senses away, allow this article to briefly warn you of what danger you might walk into.

Given that the Portobello market is so popular attracting many tourists each day, it is not surprising then to find out some warning signs everywhere in the market, warning visitors and locals of pickpockets. Indeed, pickpockets are now rampant in this area of Notting Hill, but it doesn’t mean that this will stop you from experiencing the great market, right? If you just follow some of the tips I will give you, this notorious reputation of having pickpockets and thieves won’t actually bother you as you shop along the market.

PREPARE PROPERLY:
Plan before you leave your hotel. Take into account how much money you are bringing. So it will be easy to monitor later on how much money you can spend, and if you will be a victim of a pickpocket, you would know at once without being embarrassed in the stalls, about to purchase something but discovering you don’t have enough money anymore.

SECURE YOUR THINGS:

Before stepping off the tube and up onto the road, it is about time to check your things. Count how many bags you have. Know what you are holding on your left and right hand. Know what are inside your left and right front pockets, and back pockets as well. In this manner, it would be easier for you to monitor your valuables. Do not place down your bags at any cost when purchasing something. Always ask for assistance from stall attendants when reaching for their stuff. Make sure your bags’ zippers are always closed and always hug your shoulder bags in front of you and not hang it behind you.

SOME TECHNIQUES:
Bringing a lumpy wallet will always attract pickpockets like magnet. It is advisable to not bring your wallet at all because one swift pickpocket can take the entire wallet away, taking away all your money, cards, and personal paraphernalia with it. A wallet in this situation is reduced as a container giving all what the pickpocket needs. It is better if you separate your cards and bills into all your pockets. In this manner, if you will be a victim of a pickpocket, he/she won’t be able to loot all your money. Also, it will be difficult for him to pickpocket a bundle of bills than a sturdy wallet. In doing so, just an additional technique to this, place lower bills outside the bundle so that the lower bills will wrap the higher bills. This will make you a much lesser target when pickpockets see you’re not carrying too much money. And even if they do see through your technique, they will think that you came prepared and they won’t risk victimizing a wary individual. Also, hide your money, or make it discreet as you pay for the things you purchased, so that no one will know that you are hiding some bigger bills sandwiched by smaller bills.

In this day and age of CCTV (control-circuit television), people tend to be lax. Pickpockets know this. But you can use this technology to your advantage. Always situate yourself in front of a CCTV, especially when paying.

You can also use some decoy wallets to fool the pickpockets, stuffing it lumpy and saving your original wallets and purse in the process. If your shopping with your husband or boyfriend, have him carry your purse bag. This image will already be a warning in itself to the pickpockets that you are aware of them.

If you can’t shop without bringing your wallet, attach a chain to it and anchor it to your pants. Or clip the chain to your belt sockets.

BE EXTRA SENSITIVE:

You can rehearse before coming out of your hotel. Try stuffing your bills into your pockets, and try to get them out like how the pickpockets do it. Remember the feeling so that when you are in he market, you can immediately catch a pickpocket red-handed when he/she is trying to victimize you.

Just a warning: Pickpockets do not make their move when you are not busy. They will victimize you when you are most busy in the market, especially when you are feeling items you wish to buy. They will also make some diversion buy bumping you. Once your bumped or squeezed by two or more people, cover your pockets with your hands immediately and look at the people who bumped and/or squeezed you. Look at them sharply to ward them off. Most probably, they are your waiting suspects.

HAVE ACTIVE EYES:
Always be on the look-out for pickpockets. Look at the other people buying. If you see a pickpocket victimizing them, shout if you’re all out to help. You may also call any authorities around. But if you don’t want any trouble at all, simply remember the pickpocket and stay away from him/her the whole time you are shopping. Also, be wary that some pickpockets pose as shoppers as well. It will be helpful to add a little paranoia while shopping.

There is indeed a real danger in the market. Before visiting the popular market, make sure to mind your valuables or you may soon find them missing.

Knowing your local public servants more is relevant to maximize whatever you give to your community. A huge part your income is being cut to be given to your city. You own that money, and you deserve to see that the taxes you are paying are worth it. Local public servants are placed there not just for the heck of it. They wanted the position to look after your concerns, and we must always check if they are fulfilling their pledge to develop and maintain a peaceful, prosperous and happy community through wisely utilizing taxes and creating highly beneficial projects.

Although you are too busy managing your life, you must not forget that you are a relevant part of the community. You must be aware, every now and then, of the new things that are happening to your community. Is the mayor’s brother’s son dating an older married woman? Is the councilor gay? Oh, no. Don’t get this wrong. Knowing your local public servants doesn’t mean being updated with the latest and the spiciest gossips about them. What we should be interested in are plans and promises that they have accomplished or failed to accomplish which, in one way or another, affect our and our loved ones’ existence in the community.

Sometimes, the right programs are there but we are too busy to benefit from it. Public servants create and fund such and such agencies to assist the public in such and such concerns, but the funds are wasted because you don’t even give a glance at the local newspaper. You have problems that you painfully resolve, not knowing that there are a lot of hands willing to help. You have hobbies and interests that you wanted to pursue, not knowing that there are local government programs that can help you develop these inclinations. It is important to take in mind that while your local public servants are responsible to disseminate information about the community, the public, which includes you, should also compromise through listening and reaching out to the local government.

The saddest places in the world are those whose residents keep closed windows and shut ears. Notting Hill is anything but sad, and you must also exclude yourself from being one. Consider the city hall as your family’s ancestral house. Take a visit to it, and learn an array of projects and programs that can make your life a whole lot better.

Discover one of Notting Hill’s most popular attractions by visiting Portobello Road. This road is famous for its Portobello Road Market, a street market known for its antique shops and other stores. Notting Hill is also home to a number of galleries and museums including the Temple Gallery, which features a collection of ancient icons and sacred art; the Museum of Brands, which exhibits toys, comics and other interesting items; and the Piano Nobile Fine Paintings, an art gallery that specializes in fine quality 20^th century international, modern British and post-war paintings, drawings, watercolors and sculpture.

For those interested in taking a nice stroll, there’s Holland Park. The park is a mixture of open spaces, woodland and formal gardens. It has a large field for football and cricket, as well as tennis courts. The park is also a great place to catch outdoor opera during the summer months. There is an ecology center that provides information about the ecology of the park and arranges various activities for children. The park is an ideal way to walk from Notting Hill Gate to Kensington High Street.

For family fun, see a movie at the Electric Cinema. The movie theater shows a wide range of films from cinema classics, cult and independent films to regular Hollywood blockbusters. There are also a number of activity centers or theme parks, like Bramley’s Big Adventure, Queens Ice & Bowl, Porchester Centre and Holmes Place, where children can have a lot fun.

Bramley’s Big Adventure is an indoor playground with separate sections for older children, babies and toddlers, as well as a quiet section for parents and nannies. Queens Ice & Bowl is the best place for bowling and skating, but its amenities are not limited for these two activities alone. Queens also includes a collection of arcade games, a pizza parlor and a bar.

For people who want a cheaper option, there’s the Porchester Centre. The Centre features a full gym, dance studio, squash courts and swimming pool. Another facility similar to the Centre is the Holmes Place. Holmes Place offers a large gym, two dance studios, swimming pool and several weekly classes in tai chi, yoga and other disciplines. Other amenities at Holmes Place include a club bar, car park and childcare facilities.

With so much going on in the Notting Hill district, make sure to plan your visit today and catch all the excitement.

Notting Hill is not only a wonderful tourist destination, it is also a food lover’s paradise. As a matter of fact, the district offers some of the most inventive and mouth-watering cuisine in West London, England. Whether you’re craving for the comforts of traditional home cooking, Italian delicacies, Japanese food or a limitless selection of international dishes, there will surely be something to please your palette.

Local restaurants in Notting Hill offer a variety of cuisine, including but by no means limited to Japanese, Italian, Mexican, African, Asian, American, French, Indian and Spanish. Sandwich places, burger joints and pizza-places are also ubiquitous throughout the area.

With so much dining establishments to choose from, there will always be something to suit your budget. If you’re on a tight budget, choose restaurants that offer bangers and mash, falafel and German sausages. If you have money to spare, there are several posh restaurants and bars including E&O, 192, Ledbury and Edera.

If you’ll be able to take part in the Notting Hill Carnival (a two-day event which takes place every year on the August Bank Holiday weekend), try the jerk chicken, goat curry and other popular dishes sold along the route of the carnival.

Restaurants in Notting Hill offer various menu options for diners. Below is a list of of some menu items offered by local restaurants.

192

192 Kensington Park Road, London, W11

192 offers a selection of modern British brasserie fare. Some of the dishes served at the restaurant include crab ravioli with sauce vierge, seared scallops with cauliflower purée and roasted mini-tomatoes, and English asparagus and spring lamb with pumpkin risotto and wild mushrooms.

Osteria Basili

29 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W11 2

Osteria Basili is an Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta and other delicious treats. The restaurant’s menu include frito de calamari e gamberi, fegato di vitello alla Veneziana and gamberoni alla griglia.

Ladbroke Arms

54 Ladbroke Road, London, W11 3NW

Ladbroke Arms is a place where you can enjoy good pub food. This Notting Hill pub offers a variety of culinary delights including sea bass with potatoes and peas, and pan-fried chicken breast with capers and anchovies.

Bombay Bicycle Club - Holland Park

The Bombay Bicycle Club is the biggest buzz nowadays in up-market Indian dining and, now that branches are colonizing spots north of the river, devotees of the original won’t have to trek over to Clapham to grab a plate of their favorite Indian cuisine. With bright and modern decoration, it fits the stretch of Holland Park Road, with light walls, subcontinental artifacts, and white table linens. The menu is filled with freshly-prepared temptations, like starter of mixed kebabs, tender from the tandor, main course of slow cooked lamb yanam gosht, and dessert of cinnamon and chocolate fudge cake. What a way to indulge! By the way, you can come via a bicycle if you like, but it’s definitely not a club.

Upon entrance, one would be awestruck by the style Utsav has to display; blue lights flood the ultra modern ground floor main dining room. Don’t worry, you wont be feeling remotely blue once the intense flavors of regional Indian delicacies start enlivening your palate. Executive chef Seetharama Devadiga and his team of master chefs take you on a gourmet trance of India’s four main cuisine regions - the North, South, East and West. Every dish carries the signature of robust aromas, earthy flavors and impressive colors, especially the ever-so-tender lamb khorma, and the mildly spicy Goan prawn balchao. The vegetarian menu has grown due to popular demand which is one more reason that makes Utsav is a discovery worth celebrating.

Cheneston’s at the Milestone Hotel

Milestone Hotel
2 Kensington Court
Kensington
London W8 5DL
UK

The award-winning Milestone Hotel’s Cheneston Restaurant is just very near Kensington High Street. It offers a spot of luxury for lunch and dinner. Suggestive of a stately home, the room’s center of attraction is the fancy fireplace in front of which charming staff pass to and fro attending to your every need.

Trevor Baines’ international menu exhibits Modern British dishes such as a smoked haddock and leek fritter starter, and main of pan fried calves liver, bacon, red cabbage and mash served with onion gravy. Desserts are so divine - take a load of sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and clotted cream washed down with a sweet glass of Muscat de Rivesaltes 1998. Average price - £25 to £34 (€35 - €47)In house

This restaurant’s stables bar is highly popular in London. It is open 365 days a year. Opening at 12 noon to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 11 pm for Mondays to Saturdays, while 11am to 4pm and 7pm to 10:30pm on Sundays. So why don’t you come along and sample the friendly atmosphere!

Notting Grill

123a Clarendon Road
Holland Park
London W11 4JG
UK

British Celebrity Chef Anthony Worrall-Thompson have dreamed of this: celebs, media and arty folk, pack out this lively, funky eaterie as great wines, desserts and fun fill the room. Your meal will be comprised of the finest meats and even some tasty tidbits from Wozza’s own garden.

The restaurant has the following opening times: Mon - Sun 12pm - 2.30pm, Sun - Thurs 6.30pm - 10.30pm, Fri - Sat 6.30pm - 11.30pm

The Lonsdale

48 Lonsdale Road
Notting Hill, London W11 2DE
UK

Offering two bars, the Lonsdale is set in London’s trendy Notting Hill. One bar is a private first floor bar, and the other is a restaurant, both are fully stocked with the pick of premium spirits available throughout the world. With over 100 premium liqueurs, 40 vodkas, 18 gins and 50 American, British and Irish whiskeys, guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning of palates.

Only high standard food are served, with starters such as seared diver scallops with sweet and sour cherry tomatoes and crispy Asian greens and a main course of twice-cooked pork belly with butternut squash puree and chili pickle. The cocktail menu is an ingenuity of two of London’s leading mixologists, with a sixty strong list that contains over 20 new and bespoke drinks for Lonsdale. The rest of the list contains classics and other drinks that have seen to be popular over the past ten years, thanks to the London cocktail culture. There is also an extensive wine list offering ten wines, available by the glass, ranging between £14 and £60 and above per bottle.

Lonsdale does cater for gatherings and meetings of larger groups for dinner and drinks. Genevieve, (Lonsdale’s private first floor bar) is also available for exclusive hire.

Trailer Happiness

177 Portobello Rd
Notting Hill, London W11 2DY
UK

Along the Portobello Road in Notting Hill stands an intimate lounge bar, den and kitchen called Trailer Happiness. It offers an e-z-boy feel of a low rent, mid-60s California valley bachelor pad.

The ‘Fully Stocked Bar’ at Trailer Happiness serves a selection of classic and contemporary cocktails on three menus: The House Favourites, Tiki Classics and Homage Drinks as well as a small but perfectly formed selection of 4 whites, 4 reds, 2 rosés, 4 Champagnes and 2 beers.

Each night the chef cooks up a selection of delicious nibbles and finger food sourced daily from the local market stalls and delis in the heart of Portobello all presented fresh from the fridge and the grill by the delightful staff.

Electric Brasserie

191 Portobello Road
London W11 2ED
UK

Electric Cinema in Portobello, the home of an all-day restaurant that will take care of your eating needs from 8am until quite late: the Electric Brasserie. The cinema has recharged itself and is showing groovy movies at a premium to punters in comfy chairs, and people may easily go to the Electric Brasserie after screenings. Upstairs there is a private members’ club but it’s downstairs for the rest of us. The bar is fun, enhanced by bulgy yellow lights. The kitchen is open to view featuring the hardworking chefs and kitchen staff. Arrangement in seating is on a hugely long leather banquette in the non-movie-themed main dining room. The food is modern British because the operation is run by the guys from Soho House. Starters include a tasty saute chicken livers on toast with mixed leaves, and whiskey cured salmon with turnip pickle. Mains include mouth-watering duck shepherds pie, and calves liver and bacon with Lancashire potato cakes. The outstanding menu offers intriguing twists on classic breakfasts - scrambled eggs on toast with hollandaise, smoked haddock kedgeree - as well as good, honest sausage sandwiches.

At this west London outpost of Nick Jones’s Soho House empire, adjoining the reopened Electric Cinema, is the whole Notting Hill breakfast in leather-upholstered style alongside the stallholders of Portobello where they even have a great silver-domed trolley for serving. Average price here is £3.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace
London W8 4PX
UK

An elegant place for the royalty, also fit for the 21st birthday celebration of a princess of your own, made to celebrate the marriage to the king of your heart, or to royally entertain clients, Kensington Palace is a beautiful royal palace and a national landmark. Overlooking Kensington Garden, the Palace exudes elegance and glamour and has been the host of many historic events - including yours, perhaps? Space is not a problem, one could hold a reception in the Sunken Garden for up to 80 people. The gardens are patterned on a Tudor Garden at Hampton Court and are a perfectly-kept model of formal English gardens. Indoors, the Teck Saloon, a royal apartment classically decorated as it would have been in the 1860s with creamy walls, luxe carpets and paneling and columns, is perfect for smaller groups up to 40 seated or 75 standing. Named for its rich color and opulent design, The Red Saloon was used by the young Queen Victoria to hold her first Privy Council in 1837 on the day of her accession to the throne. It holds up to 80 people seated or up to 100 standing.

Sopranos

W8 6SH
UK

Seriously, this restaurant is not named in honor of the unmissable TV series, but it also has live music. There’s a romantic piano bar downstairs where you can listen to piano and vocalist as you relax with a drink. Upstairs, you can enjoy a pizza or some pasta in a non-restrictive atmosphere and watch High Street Ken scurry by. The ambiance is modern and informal, and the menu reflects Italian heritage with a nod to local specialties. Find yourself salivating on a starter of bruschetta, and a main course of escalope milano, or fish and chips and trad puds. For more options, try their stone-baked or deep-pan pizzas. The wine list favors the Italians, but then, for the rest of us too.

Notting Hill Brasserie

92 Kensington Park Road
Notting Hill Gate
London W11 2PN
UK

If you want to be at home with modern African art, luxurious custom-made armchairs, classical décor, subtle lighting, nightly live blues and jazz in the cocktail bar, where celebrities frequent, the Notting Hill Brasserie is the place to be. It is a homely neighborhood restaurant converted from three Victorian terrace houses. Their talented and charming mixologists are also partial to the extensive classic and exotic cocktail list. They also serve the very high quality modern Mediterranean menu. To put it simply, the essence of is the sautéed scallops and the beef roasted in a salt crust.

During weekends, the Notting Hill Brasserie becomes more of a destination restaurant attracting discerning individuals who appreciate the genuine occasion so impeccably provided there. Everything is just in tune - the décor, the atmosphere, the staff, the food and drink, the location - nothing is just coincidence. The average price ranges from over £45/€74.

In summary, just to reiterate, for a pre-dinner drink you need look no further than Notting Hill Brasserie’s in-house cocktail bar. It Serves an extensive list of classic and exotic cocktails as well as fresh fruit martinis It is the bar that is a perfect meeting place before your meal. Simply relax to the live jazz and blues provided every evening with or without dinner.

The restaurant has the following opening times: Mon - Sat from 12 noon - 12 midnight(restaurant serves between 12pm - 3pm and 7pm - 12pm) Sun 12pm - 3pm

Wodka

12 St Albans Grove
Kensington
London W8 5PN
UK

Wodka is a Polish and Eastern European cooking in a stylish setting. Their menu changes frequently to allow for seasonality. The dishes are not strictly ‘traditional’, as they have taken the dishes and given them a new and creative twist. Then there is a superb range of vodkas and well as freshly made vodka ‘cocktails’. The restaurant itself is cozy and relaxed, a fantastically atmospheric and popular pub to have a drink before enjoying your meal and more cocktail sessions, with friendly staff. The visit is worthwhile even if blinis are the extent of your forays into Eastern European cooking so far. Average price ranges around £25-£34/€35-€49

Restaurant Hours are:

Mon - Fri 12.30 - 2.30pm Mon & Sun 7pm - 11.15pm

Belvedere

Off Abbotsbury Road
Holland Park
London W8 6LU
UK

There is a very pretty restaurant set in Holland Park. The park is one of London’s most attractive activity area. Since the opening of this restaurant known as Belvedere, it has been popular with both locals and outsiders from other areas of London. It is particularly popular for Sunday lunch probably because of all that greenery you can kid yourself that you’ve escaped from the wicked City. It has undergone a complete ‘makeover’ in April 2000 that updated its decor and cuisine. Its power menu is composed of Parfait of foie gras en gelée, toasted poilâne; Confit of salmon, cauliflower cream Maison Prunier to start, and for mains - Daube of Aberdeen Angus à l’ancienne pomme purée, garnish provençale; Grilled tuna with aubergine caviar sauce vierge au basilic or perhaps Poulet noir with morilles, sauce Albufeira.”

Restaurant Hours are:

Lunch Mon - Sat 12pm - 2.30pm, Sun - 12pm - 3.30pm. Dinner Mon - Sat 6pm - 11pm.

First Floor Restaurant

186 Portobello Road
Ladbroke Grove
London W11 1LA
UK

First Floor is a groovy haunt and very atmospheric that is easily found on trendy Portobello Road. When night falls, the grandiose room is lit with chandeliers and hundreds of candles making it incredibly romantic. The restaurant attracts trendy Notting Hill crowds (usually the very funky casual group) and those in the know.

This trendy restaurant features Modern British with New World influences, the menu boasts signature dishes including pecan-crusted lamb, sweet potato, serrano and cranberry jelly, oven-roasted free range chicken with a warm fennel and artichoke salad and pomegranate demiglace, marinated duck breast with Asian greens and noodles with Japanese five spice sauce. Average price -is around £25 to £34 (EUR 38 - 50)

Restaurant Opens at Mon - Thurs12.00 - 3.00 + 7.00 - 11.00. Fri 12.00 - 3.00 + 7.00 - 11.30. Sat 12.00 - 4.00 + 7.00 - 11.30. Sun 12.00 - 4.00. Open lunch only on Bank Holidays.

Lessandro

18-30 Lexham Gardens
Kensington, London W8 5JE
UK

Enjoying popularity in the exclusive area of Kensington lies the romantic Italian gem, Lessandro. This awesome restaurant instantly soothes the senses, using sunny yellows and creams accented by dark woods to give the feel of relaxing in the Mediterranean sunshine, and in the summer customers can dine alfresco in their beautiful secluded garden.

Their menu features Mediterranean dishes with a heavy Italian accent, with starters like beef carpaccio, with parmesan shavings and garlic sautéed shimeji mushrooms. Try their simply delicious, monkfish with grilled polenta and porcini mushroom sauce or braised lamb with mashed new potatoes and Barolo sauce for fresh pastas and robust mains.

Any sweet tooth would be satisfied by the desserts: flambéed red berries crepes served with ice cream among many others.

Gate Restaurant

87 Notting Hill Gate
London W11 3JZ
UK

Through a wooden door next to the Gate cinema, down the narrow stairs there is a very happening set of rooms where the entire Notting Hill finds itself eventually. Inside, the decor is minimalist and chic, and the wood laminate brings back modernist leanings of the newly retro seventies. The bar and dining rooms are lively, fun and easy, with a relaxed, clubby atmosphere. You’ll find W11 media, fashion and industry folk gathered here, drinking some mighty fine cocktails and tucking into truly global grub. Head chef Dan White-House tempts you and your friends with their own delectable tapas menu designed, as they tell us, so that it’s conducive for partying, drinking and socialising. With influences faring from all over the world, be tempted to nibble on mini homemade burgers with red onion relish, Spanish meatballs in spicy tomato sauce and homemade duck liver & foie gras parfait with apple jam. When you are done enjoy the music.

Restaurant opens during Tues - Sat 6.30pm - 11pmThe bar is open Mon - Sun from 5pm - 1am

Arcadia Restaurant

35 Kensington High Street
Kensington
London W8 5EB
UK

Visit Arcadia Restaurant if you’re in the heart of Kensington. It’s easy to find, just off its high street, down a pedestrian walkway, Pukka locals will be easily spotted frequenting the place to enjoy the funky, charming, slightly eccentric and very popular local favorite modern European cuisine. Speaking of funk and eccentricity, be welcomed by muralled walls, squawking parrots, golden retrievers, and singing macaws, but it’s the great food and excellent service that make Arcadia a buzz. Feast on starting with the chorizo sring roll, followed by the lemon sole with chips, when it’s on, or the grilled chump chop of lamb a la nicoise. The Sunday brunch has its local fan-based, and outside seating is a hit when the sun cooperates. Average price is £25 (€38).

Cafe Rouge

2 Lancer Square

Kensington Church Street

London, W8

If you are looking for a live music on Wednesdays, try this part of an established chain, where its large spacious bar features friendly and helpful staff. It has an extensive wine list is at hand, but not too much choice on beers. Families are welcome, and they also have a high chair for the really young and changing facilities for babies. The bar has the following opening times:

Mon - Sun 12 noon - 2.30pm (3pm on Sat), Mon - Sat 6.30pm - 11pm. Dinner Sun 6.30pm - 10.30pm

Dunes

20 Kensington Church Street
Kensington, London W8 4EP
UK

Also in the heart of Kensington, Dunes attracts a vibrant crowd from every corner of London who desire the best in terms of style, décor, music and clientele. Once you enter the intricately carved door and descend the marble staircase you find yourself in a warm, contemporary and sleek interior of cream leather, dark wood and low lighting.

The club has 3 distinct areas, two of which have bars. Due to its unique layout, the club can permit a small early private party to transpire in the Lounge Bar alongside the main body of members without being interfered. The Lounge Bar can be booked for up to 40 heads privately from 8-10:30pm. Private parties are booked via a minimum spend by 10:30pm.

Romano

32 Kensington Church Street
Notting Hill Gate
London W8 4HA
UK

Mr Silva (proprietor) creates a personal feel as he delightfully serves his clients with an excellent array of cuisine inside a very homey and friendly atmosphere. Because of this feel, the restaurant is very welcoming and is visited by many local celebs, MP’s and the local people who appreciate the fresh Italian cooking. Yes, they specialize in traditional Italian cooking such as calve’s liver ‘alla Veneziana’, pasta dishes and many varied fish dishes. The menu is typically Italian with an average price of £15 to £20 (€21 to €28)

Cuba

11 -13 Kensington High Street
London W8 5NP
UK

A great venue for party people - often packed to the rafters with groups of party goers enjoying a fab, easygoing tapas style menu. The kind of place where the slam of tequila shots on the wooden tables are always present but the cocktails are good too. Great for a small table of friends and ideal if you want to host a party in the main restaurant for a humdinger of 70. After having blissed out on tapas, diners are invited to party downstairs in the club for free and boogie the night away - but take precaution: it’s hot, hot, hot! There are salsa classes for beginners and more advanced classes for those of you who already know the basics. The club can also be rented exclusively and can accommodate for up to 150 hot heeled Latino-like groovers.

You will never go hungry with their calamares fritos, Cuban chicken fillet, chilli and lemon marinated tuna steak to name but a few and oh yes let’s not forget decadent desserts such as double chocolate torte, Jersey ice cream and Eli’s chocolate and pecan cheesecake.

The store opens at Lunch/Brunch: Mon - Sun 12pm - 5pmDinner: Mon - Thurs. 5pm - 2am, Fri - Sat 5pm - 2am, Sun 5pm - 10.30pm

Portobello Gold

95 / 97 Portobello Road
Notting Hill, London W11 2QB
UK

Still Notting Hill’s longest running bar/restaurant under the same management, Portobello Gold is located in Central London and provides not only food and drinks, but Internet service, live music, and function space as well.

The bar boasts an extensive wine list - 15 by the glass, 8 bottled and 8 Draught beers (including Hoegaarden wheat beer), classic cocktails, as many quality tequilas as are imported into the UK and an all day bar menu with modern British / MediterrAsian menu.

Internet amenities inside the cyber café is good with a relaxed atmosphere and is open 10am - 11pm with £1 per half an hour minimum charge.

The restaurant adjusts to the needs of its customers. Given that not everyone wants to see live music while they are eating, the mini stage is in the new area in the front bar. Music genres include world, progressive, fusion, blues and anything good with a great atmosphere.

Strada - Kensington

29 Kensington High Street
London, London W8 5NP
UK

The number of Strada restaurants in London turned double figures recently. It is no longer a surprise if more restaurants emerge, especially to those people who have already eaten there.

Strada’s popular status is deserving because of its consistent offering - simple, top quality Italian food at prices that don’t hurt the pocket. The ground floor of the Kensington branch is a cozy, smart den visited by journalists and business people by day; while tourists, foreign locals and Albert Hall visitors go there by night. Wood-fired oven-baked pizzas are large, thin crust and very tasty.

Bestsellers, however, are the most admired meat grills. New specials are introduced regularly to induced excitement to regular customers. A good, affordable all-Italian wine list and adorable staff complete the irresistible package.

Zaika

1 Kensington High Street
Kensington
London W8 5NP
UK

This remarkable Indian eaterie offers an odd style of cooking from the subcontinent - the word ‘zaika’ means ’sophisticated flavors’ anyway, and thats the essence of this genius place. Set in a former bank by Kensington Gardens, the soaring ceilings and spacious layout features a chic sophistication to match the yummy flavors of the menu. Don’t be easily put off, the ambiance is more relaxed than formal. Inspirations on an Indian theme is what’s cooking. Starters include a fantastic seafood platter, and spice-infused tandoori partridge breast and partridge shammi kebab with beetroot chutney, main courses of pan-roasted freshwater prawns and seared blue-fin tuna with white crabmeat risotto and spring onion and herb sauce, and a more-ish grilled chicken breast marinated in mustard with aubergine mash and asparagus tikki, and puds like chocolate samosas with chenna and roasted almonds, or the amazing pineapple marinated in fennel and saffron then cooked in the tandoori. Enjoy eating!

Store opens every Mon - Fri 12pm - 2.45pm & 6pm - 11pmSat 6pm- 11pmSun 12pm- 2.45pm, & 6.30pm-9.45pm.Closed Saturday lunch

De Amicis

Notting Hill
London, London W11 3JE
UK

Why go to Italy when what you love about Italy is here in Notting Hill? This storefront restaurant offers the warmth, charm, and friendliness of the Italians as well as their outsatnding cuisine in a dining area that is accommodating to all. The menu is classic Italian, with unsurpassed starters of prosciutto and melon, pizzas, pastas like traditional lasagne al forno, main of veal piccata in butter and lemon sauce, and pudding of zabaglione for two. Indulge in a bottle of wine or linger in their superb coffee. The decor is comfortable and low-key, and they won’t throw you off the table if you’re enjoying a long meal.

Beach Blanket Babylon

45 Ledbury Road
London W11 2AA
UK

Beach Blanket Babylon (BBB) is a premier restaurant and bar occupying an old Georgian House in the heart of Notting Hill. Eclectic decor of a French Country Chateau combined with Gaudiesque architecture set the scene for a truly unique and magical experience. Began in 1990, it has recently undergone extensive renovation to make it one of the most eclectic restaurants in London and a sure must-visit for the well-heeled socialite. Upon entering BBB through its large Louis XVI imposing doors you are instantly transported into a world where time stands still. Large fireplaces are the main features of the main room like the palaces of Versailles and the cathedrals of Spain. Statuary, columns, marble busts of emperors, urns and topiary trees bring the vintage gardens of Europe indoors. The restaurant is composed of various rooms interconnected by walkways, tunnels, bridges and staircases with names like The Chapel, Crypt and Scullery Gallery and garden aptly describing the richness of the past. Average price is £35-£44/€50-€63.

Store Opens every Lunch: Mon - Fri 12pm - 4:30pm.Bruch/Lunch: Sat & Sun 10:30am - 5pmDinner: Mon - Thur 6pm - 10:30pm, Fri - Sat 6pm - 11pm, Sun 6pm -10:30pm

Babylon, The Roof Gardens

99 Kensington High Street
Kensington, London W8 5SA
UK

If you’re looking for a fabulously glamorous night out, simply head to Kensington and glide into Babylon. This outstanding place is formerly the members only Kensington Rooftop Gardens and is the result of a Richard Branson multi-million pound spruce-up. Through the windows, London’s major landmarks are before your eyes - the London Eye, Crystal Palace, and Victoria Palace just to name a few. Not only are your eyes pleased but your taste buds will be thrilled and delighted too with dishes like Caramelised Pork Tenderloin, gingered sweet potatoes and five spice apple! Dining in the restaurant does not guarantee entry into the club. The restaurant dining area is a non smoking place, however there are smoking pockets in the lounge, on the terrace and in the Private Dining Room.

Store Opens every Mon - Sat 12pm - 3pm, 7pm - 11.15pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm.

Kensington Place

Kensington
London, London W8 7LX
UK

If you are a food-lover, then it is safe to assume that you are aware that Kensington Place is where the current food renaissance all began. This was the first place where food-lovers could enjoy seriously good food, sometimes light and simple, but with deft, complex touches, in what is essentially a very smart of-the-moment brasserie-style setting. Kensington Place taught us to expect fabulous space, madly buzzing ambiance, service, and food that made us enter into a state of hysterical rapture and ecstasy. And after years of popularity, it’s still fabulous, still has Rowley Leigh at the helm, and still is number-one choice for media and stage types, and lucky local denizens of Notting Hill. The modern decor is composed of enormous plate glass windows for the see-and-be-seen factor, a calm mural of a child’s ball on a pond, designer chairs and designer everything else, and an active and satisfying bar area where you can nibble a snack. But why deny yourself the full Kensington Place experience when you can start existing by trying the starter of chicken and goats cheese mousse, or griddle scallops with pea puree and mint vinaigrette.

Bellini

47 Kensington Court
London W8 5DA
UK

If you want to be ahead of the news, you better listen closely when you dine in Bellini’s - it’s something of a local favorite with the Daily Mail and Evening Standard hacks, and you never know, tomorrow’s news may be being leaked at the next table tonight. If you’re not an eavesdropper, and would just like to have a good dinner, then sit back and enjoy the warm welcome of the staff and the zesty flavors of the Mediterranean/Italian menu. They have many inventive dishes, like fettucine with artichokes and wild mushrooms sauteed in garlic, white wine and chilli, and mains like three-flavoured sausages with onion gravy and grain mustard mash. The pizzas are nice, and the two or three-course set menu is terrific value (until 7 pm - perfect for pre-Albert Hall).Average price is under £24 (€36)

In-House Bar: Bellini has a Happy Hour from 5pm until 8pm - bottle of house wine £6.95 and cocktails £4.75. Bar food can also be ordered from the restaurant menu.

Store opens every Mon - Sun 12pm - 11pm (10:30pm on Sat. and Sun.)

Thai Origin

W8 4BX
UK

When it comes to pleasing customers, you will definitely tick all the boxes after dining in this Thai restaurant. Located just off Ken High, it is perfect for Kensington brahmins and Notting Hillites, and the smart, modern decor is pleasant and welcoming. If you’re seeking casual dining, the upstairs dining room is the choice, while more traditional dining is offered downstairs. The long list of menu is a tradition, too. Feast yourself with mixed starters because it would have everything on your hit parade, followed by the red curry with duck breast or deep-fried tilapia fish, then Thai pancake with ice cream… yum!!

The Tenth at the Royal Garden Hotel

The Royal Garden Hotel
2/24 Kensington High Street
London W8 4PT
UK

The Tenth vaunts such a beautiful panoramic view over Kensington Garden and Hyde Park that the food has to be pretty stupendous to par with it. The food at The Tenth has got it sorted splendidly: an original modern European menu features seared scallops with lobster bisque, orange and vanilla oil and roast fillet of beef with a duo of artichoke, red onion chutney and jus. There’s a comprehensive wine list and you’ll probably want to linger over the view with a cognac and a cigar. Average price is £25 - £34 (€36 - €49)

Restaurant Opens every Mon - Fri 12pm - 2.30pm Mon - Sat 5.30-11pm. Closed Bank Holidays.

The Ark

122 Palace Gardens Terrace
Notting Hill
London W8 4RT
UK

A brief backgrounder: The Ark was once a Kensington institution and then part of Jean-Christophe Novelli’s empire. It has re-opened as as a schmick Italian restaurant. Although the interior space is quite cramped, smart design has made the dining area seem a lot larger with decent sized tables and comfortable seating. There is a bijou decked area which makes a delightful spot for al fresco eating. Expect more than competent cooking with super quality ingredients and beautiful presentation. It also has an in-house bar that has an impeccable and carefully chosen Italian wine list. Average price is £40 (€56)

Restaurant opens every Tues - Sat 12 noon - 3pm. Mon - Sat 6.30pm - 11pm.

Launceston Place

W8 5RL
UK

Maybe your in-laws are in town, you intend to impress your boss, perhaps a civilized meal with your beloved to bask in your togetherness, or you just fancy terrific cooking in a smart, unstuffy, grownup setting, then you might want to book Launceston Place right this minute. Set in a Kensington backwater, the restaurant is decorated very much like a country house (not the type of cottage you’re thinking, but the other kind of country house. Here, the walls are light and creamy, banquettes are chequered hunting pink, candles and silver and linen are dominate the place. The atmosphere is so peaceful and is bubbling with conversation and the pleasant sounds of people enjoying themselves. What’s cooking? The mainly modern British menu includes both stalwart country-house dishes as well as dishes influenced by the Med and the East. Don’t miss the starter of twice-baked goats cheese souffle with pineapple salsa, main course of chicken en croute with mushrooms and tarragon, and pud of two creme brulees with shortbread. The cooking is deft and assured, the service likewise as packaged with a reasonable price.

The Blagclub

First Floor
68 Notting Hill Gate
Notting Hill, London W11 3HT
UK

You feel like relaxing in a Hindu themed lounge room? Go to Blagclub, situated right by Notting Hill Gate tube, just find its front door, stride up the small staircase and discover an exotically serene setting

The blagclubs are tucked away from the non-discerning and foreign to the exotic bliss. Awareness is spread via word of mouth, through friends of friends and hosting parties. There is no specific dress code, but more so a ‘friendly code’ of conduct, so just smile your way in!

Number 10

10 Golborne Road
London, London W10 5PE
UK

Seriously, you would give this place a 10 rating for it is a venue like no other. Distributed in 3 floors, it hosts regular club nights & parties, serves the most delicious Sushi, Sashimi & Grill menu and some exceptional cocktails.

Number10’s chefs focus on fresh, quality ingredients and the results are some delectable dishes. Number 10 was a former three-storey pub, sitting in the shadow of West London’s concrete landmark: the Trellick Tower. As one enters he/she will be greeted by a welcome haven of original design hinting at 1950s style, Dada mags, Regency wallpaper.

Down the 1st floor is a Playroom that has a pool table, pinball, scalextric & retro games for a unique night out. Number 10 opens at 5pm weekdays and noon on weekends, closes at 1am on the ground and 1st floors, and 2am in the members bar. Dining tables can be reserved in the ground floor only from 6pm - 9pm. A place you will surely be delighted, so you might as well bring a friend there with you!

Twelfth House

35 Pembridge Road
Notting Hill
London W11 3HG
UK

How often can you make a claim that a place is particularly unique? Well, Twelfth House is such a rare place you can make that claim easily upon entering. This cafe and restaurant combines food, wine and socializing with astrology. Experts will read your tarot cards before you or chart your stars while you enjoy their food and drinks - a perfect place to bring lively friends and loved ones, or to find out where your first date will lead. Retro-fitted into a Notting Hill townhouse, the restaurant is intimate and warm with mirrors, white linen and candles in the evenings completing the astrological setting. Twelfth House’s kitchen cooks British cuisine, with starters such as potato pancake with mustard chicken livers and mains include cold poached salmon with warm fried new potatoes, rocket and lime dressing. Yummy desserts and cheeses with chutney. We predict a happy future. Average price is £25 plus 12.5%.

The main nightlife of Notting Hill is centered around the busiest streets in the
area, Notting Hill Gate, Portabello Road and Kensington Church Street. Simply
walking down these streets in the evening will reveal a host of bars and clubs. One
of the best known and most popular venues in the area is the Notting Hill Arts Club
on Notting Hill Gate, a bar and club popular with a mixed crowd of locals and
visitors. You can relax with a drink from the circular bar in one of the armchairs
in the bar area, or show off your moves on the dance floor in the next room, where a
mix of modern and retro music is played. Different styles of music are played on
different nights of the week, with firm favourites being Death Disco on Wednesdays,
and a  mix of soul, R&B and hip hop on Wednesday night’s YOYO night. Other high end
nightclub venues in the area include Harlem on Westbourne Grove, which has a
restaurant and bar on the ground floor and a club above. The venue is a great
celebrity spotting site,  popular with musicians like De La Soul. And because the
venue is cosily small, you’re likely to be literally rubbing shoulders with the
stars.

If you’re more into live music, Notting Hill still has a lot to offer. Head down to
The Pelican Pub on All Saints Road where their Thursday night “Dirty Roar” live
music events are popular. For the rest of the week there’s a free jukebox with a
great selection of music too, so it’s lively whenever you go. The Inn On The Green
on Portabello Green is another popular live venue, with a mixture of music, comedy
and other events such as lectures. The venue has a bar and an outdoor patio area
which is heated in winter.

The Portabello Road area of Notting Hill buzzes during market days, when it is
filled with stalls selling everything from vintage clothing and records to organic
food or handmade jewellery. But the area stays lively at night too, with a variety
of pubs and bars on offer. Favourite pubs with locals include The Duke of Wellington
and the Sun In Splendour, both traditional style English pubs, specialising in good
beer and comfy seating for a chat. The Portabello Star is another pub that offers a
straightforward good quality drinking experience, with some music thrown in.

If you’re after a laugh rather than a dance, several venues in the area hold comedy
evenings, including the William IV pub on Harrow Road, where comedian Kayla Forde
hosts an event showcasing guest comedians. The Inn On The Green’s Electric Mouse
comedy night is also popular, featuring sketches and improv at a hectic pace.

Fueling this criticism, is the perspective that the Carnival’s leadership, in place for almost 10 years, has failed to create tangible benefits for the local black community. “The Grove” in Notting Hill is a major underdeveloped social area with the largest concentrations of blacks in wealthy Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea borough. The borough’s social and racial divisions are so obvious. The southern section is wealthy. Many other districts are well off by socio-economic standards and have few black households. But in the northern Notting Hill , Africans and Caribbeans are up to 20 per cent of the population. Residents suffer from poor housing, low incomes, unemployment, and racism. There is a perennial threat of gentrification and displacement by misguided public and private renewal.

Amidst this racial plague, the good news is that the Carnival company is not the lone beacon for local advancement. Socially responsible business initiatives now exist in Notting Hill. The emergence of government-funded area regeneration planners promise sweeping changes. Commercial developers including British Gas and British Rail as the forerunners, have undertaken projects as well. Sympathy extensions are also coming from partnerships of housing associations, voluntary, religious and charitable groups. They help black families and succour the imprisoned, ill and afflicted.

However, the Carnival must assume a special role: It must get creative with “people power”. People are the most important assets in any business. This is especially the case for the Carnival leadership at the heart of what is in effect a growing human resources industry. So in this upcoming Notting Hill Carnival, let us hope that preparations will imbibe the thrust to better the conditions of the African Caribbean people and the local community.

by Bidz dela Cruz

The Carnival is Nearing!

By Bidz dela Cruz

August 24-25 will be the dates of Europe’s biggest street carnival: The Notting Hill Carnival. The busy streets of Notting Hill will once more be the hosts and witnesses to West London’s display of Caribbean street party. Ladbroke Grove, London W11, the center of the carnival, will erupt with the supercharged noise and colour of festivities with crowds in excess of 1 million.

Notting Hill Carnival has grown since 1964 from a minor celebration to become the much-awaited street carnival in Europe every year. As people walk the 5-kilometer stretch, They will be awestruck by the flamboyantly dressed participants dancing their way to the music of steel bands, reggae and the many licensed static sound systems playing a mix of jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk and drum and bass music. The carnival is segmented into four disciplines: costume masquerade, steel band, calypso and SOCA (Sounds of Caribbean and Africa, a distinctive fusion of musical styles). In previous years, the Carnival has matured beyond merely Caribbean traditions to include those of other countries in the Latin and developing world.

The Carnival is a family affair too, as The Bank Holiday Sunday is traditionally reserved as Children’s Day with the emphasis on family and young festival goers. Bands and performers that appear on this day have an age limit of 21 years old. Sites around the Carnival are reserved just for activities aimed at the younger generation.

Getting there via rail is easy, just drop off at the London Paddington Station then ride a bus or you can simply start walking. For underground users, please take note that due to the large numbers of people attending the Carnival, stations in the immediate festival area are closed to avoid large crowds on the platforms. For those traveling on foot, just simply follow the crowds.

If you are a climber visiting Notting Hill, it is best that you meet new people who shares the same obsession as you. Heathrow Hikers is an outdoor group for West London. For indoor rock climbing, they normally go to either the Brunel University Sports Centre Climbing Wall or Westway Climbing Wall. This group frequent the outdoors as well, so for some information on their outdoor activities, please visit their website: http://www.heathrowhikers.org/

If you are looking for an on-line community of London climbers, then this site is for you: http://rockclimbing.meetup.com/108/

It is always fun to climb with new friends.