Notting Hill will never stop delivering with its cultural diversity, carnival, market and shops, and great bars and restaurants, says local resident Lara Martin
Notting Hill is an amazing place, as anyone who is lucky enough to spend time there will probably agree. It consists of an interesting dichotomy – a place where grand houses of the rich meet the flats of the “not so wealthy” with ease. An area of London, though famous in its own right, has been assured a place in history thanks to Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It was not always this way though. Before the 19th century, Notting Hill was an area of green rolling farmland and a few scattered settlements that serviced the City of London, bordering up to the edge of the Kensington Estate.
By the beginning of the 19th century, many Londoners were moving to the countryside and building large houses. This watershed led to the 1820’s open development of the area owned by the Ladbroke family. The capital then edged westwards from Bayswater with large houses built at the same time as large housing estates. Notting Hill was officially born. This development continues in frenzied London fashion today but part of its charm is its cultural diversity.
In the 1950s, immigrants from the West Indies added to the cultural mix of the area. Though not seen as a benefit at the time with racial tensions exploding into the race riots of 1958, the influx of Caribbean culture, food, and music has forever made Notting Hill one of the most sought-after hot spots in West London. However, there is only one event that brings all of Notting Hill together every single year. The Notting Hill Carnival is an annual celebration of West Indians in Notting Hill and though things can get dicey in spots, millions of people still celebrate openly on the streets of Westbourne Grove, Portobello Road, and all throughout the area during this time.
Speaking of Portobello Road, what would Notting Hill be without the market? The antiques, clothes, knick-knacks, and food found on Portobello is something that anyone, especially the residents can appreciate. In fact, Portobello Road is famous enough for its own media reference (Sorry, Julia and Hugh.) In ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks,’ starring Angela Lansbury, there is a song entitled “There’s Only One Place To Get It’ in which the characters sing, ‘Portobello Road, Portobello Road, street where the riches of ages are stowed, anything and everything a chap can unload is sold off the barrow in Portobello Road, you’ll find what you want in the Portobello Road.” I definitely echo those sentiments as shopping on Portobello Road and the ultra trendy shops on Westbourne Grove make shopping a pleasure, even a habit.
Going out in Notting Hill can also become something of a habit. Despite tons of venue choices for a great night out, for me there are three places in Notting Hill that can suit any of my tastes, the first is the Notting Hill Arts Club. Located at 21 Notting Hill Gate this underground bar and music venue can hit the spot for a cocktail or danceable music. With a mix of cool clubbers and hot indie kids, you cannot go wrong but do check online events listings to see if it is your cup of tea.
Another venue I enjoy is the Elbow Room located at 103 Westbourne Grove. This bar has American pool tables, good food and a good selection of music. I cannot say the drinks are cheap, but with great deals on playing pool, it is worth it to bring a whole lot of your friends for a fun time. The last, and my favorite being from the US South and all, is Harlem located on 78 Westbourne Grove. This restaurant and acclaimed club downstairs is the best of what Harlem in NYC is all about. The “soul food” menu is so delicious and reminiscent of my own mother’s cooking that it has gotten me through many a US holiday away from family. The owner, a former ‘el jefe’ in the music industry, has many connections in the industry still. So, do not be surprised if while sipping cocktails and listening to music in the downstairs club celebrities such as Jodie Kidd or any number of famous DJs are livening up the place. I have it on the record that even Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, comes to Harlem when on this side of the ocean. Seriously though, come with a laid back attitude, a bit of cash, and the desire to experience something new… you will not miss out here.
Overall, Notting Hill is the most amazing place I have ever lived. With this much going on everyday, you should stop on by and see what Notting Hill has on offer for you tonight.
Photograph: Richard Jones
