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LYDIA ZACHARIS' NOTTING HILL GUIDE

DINE

It’s Bagels - the quintessential New York bagel now in Notting Hill too and very close to the YSSO pop up. The bagels are crispy and chewy, with an array of classic toppings such as poppy seed, sesame and rainbow (latter on weekends only) and schmears.

Notting Hill Fish Shop just off Portobello Road and its sibling Supermarket of Dreams in Holland Park - a retro-feel take on the deli supermarket experience, with metallic interiors and a pink neon sign for the latter, selling fresh seafood and gourmet produce from the best UK suppliers. Also known for their exceptional sushi residencies, currently “URCHIN: The Dreams Residency”.

Canteen - the latest restaurant from the Pelican and Hero team, on the corner of Portobello and Golborne Road, with an Italian-inspired menu led by ex-River Café chef Jessica Filbey.

Gold - a cosy three-storey neighbourhood restaurant and late-night bar with lots of tasty, chargrilled options on the menu. The facade’s mural is the work of Portuguese graffiti artist Vhils called “Eye Contact”, as a close-up of a soulful face. Get a table on the ground floor’s plant-filled conservatory.

Dorian - a bistrot-like open space restaurant on Talbot Road combining an industrial setting with white-clothed candle lit tables. Definitely order their bite size röstis with toppings such as crab and yellow tomato or caviar.

SUMI - elegant yet casual Japanese restaurant by renowned Sushi Master Endo Kazutoshi, with a Muji-feel minimal aesthetic and focused menu of good sushi. Leave space for the matcha mille crepe.

Akub - a Palestinian restaurant, named after a seasonal flowering thistle, in a converted townhouse tucked behind Notting Hill Gate. Expect very flavoursome sharing dishes blending traditional local recipes with British seasonal produce.

Ottolenghi - the original outpost of chef Yotam Ottolenghi who has created a renowned empire of restaurants, delis and cook books. The most delicious counter of salads, cakes and pastries.

Mazi (which means “together” in Greek) and Suzi Tros - neighbour Greek siblings by the same owners, both in a rustic setting and with modern twists on Greek classics. Highlights include a selection of jar-served dips at the former and a honey-drizzled roasted aubergine at the latter.

Jaïs x Casa Cruz - the acclaimed Parisian outpost has taken over Notting Hill’s iconic Casa Cruz until the 20th of December, with modern French cuisine. The creamy linguine with sea trout is delicious. Rumor has it that they will look for a permanent space too.

Holy Carrot - a recently opened all-veggie, natural wine spot with an innovative, seasonal menu of mainly sharing dishes at the very heart of Portobello Road.

Barbary - a recently opened outpost of its namesake Covent Garden Neal’s Yard location with elements from the cuisines of Barbary Coast countries ie. from Southern Europe to Northern Africa. Its bar seats are still the best.

Secret Sandwich Shop - a tiny, often overlooked door next to the Globe which leads you to the most indulgent, comforting sandwiches. Go for the now signature “Secret Sandwich”.

LOUNGE

Layla Bakery - a true neighbourhood bakery with some of the best coffee and pastries in the area. Also a popular hangout spot on weekend mornings.

Klear Labs - a modern Scandinavian bakery with a selection of organic, gluten and sugar-free treats. The menu is designed to reduce inflammation and includes matcha teas, Collagen and Organic Almond Butter Cookies amongst an array of healthy breads - think of Super Seeder, Keto Rye and Cauliflower.

Jusu Brothers - a pan-Asian airy café with calming white wood interiors, organic bites and juices. Great spot for a multi-vitamin smoothie and ideal to bring a book or laptop with.

Foreign Exchange News - well I am cheating here, this is actually in Bayswater but a short walking distance from Notting Hill. A hybrid coffee shop, newsagent and yes, Foreign Exchange Bureau too.

The many gastropubs which become a magnet for people during both winter and summer months - the Walmer Castle, Pelican, Ladbroke Arms, Cow and the Oak to name a few, go for a late-night drink in their upstairs bar at the latter.

Electric Cinema - one of London’s oldest film theatres, and Britain’s first black-owned cinema. Its Edwardian Baroque aesthetic and big, plush red velvet seats make it my favourite place to watch a movie in.

EXPLORE

Whilst there is by now a large number of well known international brands populating Westbourne Grove - from Parisian Sézane and Australian Aesop, to French Eres and Italian Max Mara’s Weekend line, it is still the mismatched market shops and stands that create the most exhilaration in the hopes of finding a gem.

Vintage shopping is an asset in the area, with some of the best stores including Retro Woman, Lovers Lane London, One of A Kind Fashion Archive, Karen Vintage Boutique, Oliver Vintage and Rellik.

The Notting Hill Bookshop - with interiors copied from the legendary 1999 Notting Hill movie with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, where the now iconic quote was shared "I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”

Pop-ups - always many great ones in the area, including from YSSO and Re-Collection, who source the most tasteful mix of pre-loved fashion and interior pieces.