Known for its pretty pastel doors, Notting Hill is one of London’s most romantic neighbourhoods. Its rosy appeal is tied to a rom-com of the same name. The locale’s famous blue door residence, which was the house Hugh Grant’s character resided in, draws in hundreds of tourists to the neighbourhood.
Notting Hill Pubs
Besides the soft hues and pop culture references, Notting Hill is known for being one of the city’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. Plush roads and cobble-stoned streets are lined with some of London’s most iconic cafes and markets. However, the locale’s pubs are noteworthy. In a country packed to capacity with pubs, Notting Hill holds the fascination of Britain’s seasoned pubbers and tourists. Read on to discover Notting Hill’s best pubs.
The Cow
The Cow is a quintessentially British pub, with its classic fare and dark ales. However, its expertise in premium meats and seafood makes the establishment unique in the game. The pub takes pride in imbuing the pub classics with Northern European influences and weaving in delectable small bites such as crab tagliolini and oysters. Their à la carte menu covers everything, from the basics like bangers and mash to sumptuous seafood platters. Additionally, there’s also a separate private dining menu.
Paul Slater’s art adorns the walls, reflecting quirky British humour by featuring twisted realities, with one of the paintings depicting men flying in the air on the backs of fish. The cosy space pops with its bright red floor, red leather seats, and a funky chandelier. The Guinness at The Cow(one cannot drink in the UK without trying this Irish wonder!) and oysters are signature offerings – an interesting pairing, but it has certainly stood the test of time.
The Pelican
A cornerstone in Notting Hill, the Pelican aims to be a fun-filled getaway in the city, filled with booze, live music, and movie nights. It is an elegant gastropub located at the edge of All Saints Street. As a socially invested establishment, The Pelican relies on local produce and is hyperfocused on sustainable sourcing to minimise their carbon footprint.
The pub’s menu is defined by mouth-watering stews, seafood, and meat. An elegant free house, its interiors have an elevated rustic charm, with brown leather couches, beige bar shelves, timber wine cabinets, and white fabric lamps adorning the pub. The ornate fireplace enhances the venue’s bucolic atmosphere. The Pelican hosts events such as drawing classes and group running sessions where all can enjoy a ribeye with a glass of Dom.
Duke of Wellington
The Duke of Wellington is located in the heart of Portobello Road and offers a gourmet seasonal British menu and premiere pints. Like a stereotypical British pub, it has heavy wooden furniture, tinted glass, and massive cushions on old couches. However, its dining experience and legacy make it an essential addition to your Notting Hill tour.
The Duke of Wellington takes pride in featuring Adele in the film Notting Hill, which was the musical sensation’s first big break. The pub sources local ingredients every day to create soulful British classics, such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and pies. Resident mixologists curate fresh cocktails. Needless to say, the beloved Sunday roast is an all favourite here.
The Churchill Arms
Built in 1750, the Churchill Arms is an institution in Notting Hill. Draped in vivacious spring flowers, the pub is a feast for the eyes. Its immodest floral arrangement earned it the winning title at the esteemed Chelsea Flower Show. Winston Churchil’s grandparents used to frequent this pub in the 1800s, which gave it its name after World War II. The establishment is a site of historic and cultural importance, filled with Churchill portraits and memorabilia.
The authentic Thai fare, rather atypical for a pub to serve, has impressed visitors for nearly 25 years. Their Pad Thai, fiery Pad Kee-Mao, and prawn rolls are highly popular. Among the libations, the wine list is particularly enticing.
The Walmer Castle
The Walmer Castle is a majestic hostelry, built in 1845. It was once the residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. The charming Victorian three-storey building is complemented by minimalist interiors and encompasses the main pub, an elegant dining area, and two rooms for private parties. With British cuisine, an expansive drinks menu, and live events, the Walmer Castle is the ideal evening out.
The Cornish cod and rack of lamb have received rave reviews. The venue also prides itself on its exclusive wine collection and award-winning range of draft beers.
The Sun in Splendour
As yellow and resplendent as the sun, the Sun in Splendour is one of London’s most distinguished watering holes. Its iconic curved frontage reads “Welcome” loudly and boldly, beckoning passersby. The interiors are contemporary and chic, defined by quirky little bits and bobs littered everywhere. The beer garden courtyard is a hidden gem, with white walls and lush greenery, while its outdoor heating facilities guarantee all-year barbecuing opportunities.
Their main menu features hearty meals such as chicken schnitzel and seafood linguine. The pub also has several premium buffet menus, all of which include plant-based options. While guests are assured excellent ales, lagers, wines, and ciders, the cocktail menu truly shines evidenced by their Bloody Mary, which is undoubtedly unparalleled.
The Princess Royal
A restaurant and a hotel, The Princess Royal is defined by regal atmosphere. Its massive establishment encompasses a main pub, a hotel with four rooms, and two private dining rooms. The horseshoe bar offers a quintessential British pub experience, but its crown jewel, however, is the light-filled and lush green conservatory, a brilliant hangout spot in London summers. The private dining halls are reminiscent of royal splendour, with gilded decor, a massive dining table, and velvet-red chairs. The raw bar features mouth-melting delights such as sea bass, tuna tartare, and cornish crab.
Pork chops, ribeye, and hot chicken are stars on their main menu. Like every posh pub, Princess Royal’s exclusive wine list boasts splendid whites, reds, and roses.
The Ladbroke Arms
Tucked away in an obscured corner of Notting Hill is the Ladbroke Arms. The award-winning pub prides itself on its premiere craft ales, creeper-feathered terrace, tranquil beer garden, and authentic British gastronomic experience, which earned it the ‘AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence’. Notably, the Ladbroke Arms is a dog-friendly establishment.
Sticky-glazed king oyster mushrooms, dry-aged rump cap Picanha, and beef bourguignon pie are some of the treasures on the main menu. On Sundays, special roasts such as roast pork belly and roast 28-day-aged rump cap Picanha draw in throngs of locals. Their wine list includes bottles sourced from different parts of the world, including bona fide Prosecco and some exclusive vintages.
Pub-hopping in Notting Hill is an unforgettable experience, as one can enjoy a slice of British community culture in one of the United Kingdom’s most picturesque neighbourhoods. An exploration of Notting Hill’s pubs is certainly an essential on any London tour itinerary.
