Notting Hill
Playground of artists, musicians and busy creative types, Notting Hill has long been associated with a bohemian way of life. Its leafy avenues and Georgian streets have made it a desirable place to live in the capital with exclusive shops to match along Ledbury Road and Westbourne Grove that rival those in Bond Street and Knightsbridge.
Portobello Road still has its vegetarian food stalls, delicious delis and vintage clothes shops and famous market. Saturdays may be the market’s busiest day, but those searching for clothes and accessories to perfect the boho look should visit on Friday.
Recent additions to the local area within walking distance of The Abbey Court are Itsu, conveyor belt style sushi bar, Valentina's Deli, and opening soon in 2012, a brand new Jaime Oliver restaurant, literally, just around the corner from The Abbey Court Notting Hill.
Admiral Vernon Antiques Market – 141-149 Portobello Road W11. 020 7727 5242.
In the heart of Portobello Road’s antique district, the Admiral Vernon indoor market has over 200 private dealers specialising in antique goods that include costume jewellery, art deco items, hats, clothing, Edwardian Baby dresses and tribal art.
Books for Cooks – 4 Bleinheim Crescent W11. 020 7221 1992.
This real gem of a shop is, as the name suggests, a store entirely dedicated to cookery. At the back of the shop is a small café where the kitchen staff cook a scrumptious lunch every day using one of the many cookbooks in stock.
Coco Ribbon – 21 Kensington Park Road, W11. 020 7229 4904.
A fantastic shop for girly gifts, Coco Ribbon’s stocks include gorgeous Venetian glass jewellery boxes, Matthew Williamson bags, lingerie from Love Kylie, Elle MacPherson and Willow, stilettos from Franscesca Giobbi, plus jewellery from Precious Pieces and Damselfly.
Dinny Hall – 200 Westbourne Grove, W11. 020 7792 3913.
Dinny Hall opened her first shop in Westbourne Grove 14 years ago selling classic, contemporary jewellery. There’s something for all budgets, with a pair of silver stud earrings costing around £12, and for those who want their rocks large and sparkly there are some stunning pieces for £20,000.
Graham & Green – 4 & 10 Elgin Crescent W11. 020 7727 4594.
There are two shops on Elgin Crescent. No 4 stocks bohemian-inspired clothing, home and fashion accessories and a few doors along at No 10, you’ll find furniture and homeware that has a real retro vibe about it.
Heidi Klein – 174 Westbourne Grove, W11. 020 7243 5665.
As soon as you walk into Heidi Grosman and Penny Klein’s boutique you immediately feel as though you are already on holiday. The shop’s interior resembles an up-market, bespoke beach hut and inside you’ll find everything you need for a classy sunny holiday. The boutique also has a salon so you can prepare and pamper yourself as well as you wardrobe.
J&M Davidson – 42 Ledbury Road W11. 020 7313 9532.
One of the best stores in west London for quality bags and accessories, John and Monique Davidson combine classic and modern design principals to create their luxurious collection, which also includes some very attractive-looking clothing and homeware.
Matches – 85 Ledbury Rd W11. 60-64 Ledbury Rd W11. 020 7221 0255.
There are two branches of this popular designer clothing retailer. Both on Ledbury Road, the small of the two, No 85, carries diffusion lines that include Marc by Marc Jacobs and House of Jazz. While at No 60-64 you will find Gharani Stok, Prada and Marni.
Record shopping
Intoxica (020 7229 8010 www.intoxica.co.uk) at 231 Portobello Road specialises in vinyl from the 50s to the present day. Indie lovers go to Rough Trade (020 7229 8541 www.roughtrade.com) at 130 Talbot Road – a shop and a record label. As is Honest Jons (020 8969 9822) at 278 Portobello Road. It specialises in jazz, soul and world music. The label releases world music and is a collaboration with Damon Albarn from Blur. Dub Vendor (020 8969 3375 www.dubvendor.co.uk) at 150 Ladbroke Grove stocks great Jamaican music. You can’t miss the colourful mural.
Rellik – 8 Golborne Road, W10. 020 8962 0089
West London’s favourite vintage clothing store, Rellik is popular with celebrities, stylists and models. Specialising in style icons Vivienne Westwood, Ossie Clark and Zandra Rhodes, there’s also a general collection of outfits from the 1930s to 1980s. Price range from £30 to £500.
Scorah Pattullo – 193 Westbourne Grove, W11. 020 7792 0100.
This upmarket and inspired shoe shop stocks Miu Miu, Yves Saint Laurent, Barbara Bui, Sigerson Morrison and Gucci. Frances Scorah and Johnnie Pattullo also sell their own well-made and fashionable footwear.
Temperley – 6-10 Colville Mews, Londsdale Road W11. 020 7229 795.
Since she launched her label in 2000, Alice Temperley has quickly developed a huge celebrity following. Particularly well known for its sexy, feminine evening and party dresses, Temperley’s clothing often includes hands beading and embroidery.
The Travel Bookshop – 13-15 Blenheim Crescent W11. 020 7229 5260. www.thetravelbookshop.com
This was the inspiration for the bookshop run by Hugh Grant in the film Notting Hill. It has a charming atmosphere and is worth visiting for its excellent selection of travel books and maps.
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