Notting Hill offers the opportunity to experience everything best about the city of London, all in one prestigious postcode. You can easily spend an entire day strolling through Notting Hill’s peaceful residential streets, stop to relish the beauty of one of its many gardens or go antiquing on Portobello Road, and you would still not tire of the neighbourhood's charm.
Originally a largely rural area, made up of small villages and farmland, in the 1960s and 1970s, Notting Hill began to gentrify. As a result of relatively low rents and cultural diversity, artists, musicians, and bohemians were drawn to the area and their influence is still felt to this day, even as the neighbourhood has become something of a wealthy enclave. Today, the area is simply a must-visit, a riot of colour, with beautiful painted houses, cobbled streets just waiting to be explored, and the world-famous treasure hunters’ paradise of the market on Portobello. The neighbourhood is now also known for its trendy cafes and upscale restaurants, its lush communal gardens, Victorian townhouses, and its historic community arts centre, The Tabernacle.
To improve your trip we have listed some of the best shopping in Notting Hill below.
L'appartement Sézane, Westbourne Grove
This luxury and chic retailer was founded in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory and has been known ever since as the height of French-girl style. They specialise in knitwear, beautiful printed blouses, and, of course, trench coats. The London store is the first representative of the brand on British soil and houses not only the line's much coveted clothing (at one point their Barry cardigan – a bestseller – had 10,000 customers piling into a waitlist in the hopes of getting one), they also sell accessories, fragrance, and homeware so you can complete the French look in and outside your home. The shop also offers complimentary calligraphy and embroidery ateliers every weekend so you can personalise your items and gifts.
Reformation, Westbourne Grove
Reformation is an eco-friendly Californian brand worn by celebrities the world over, from Emily Ratajowski to Kendall Jenner. They are known for their gorgeous dresses, often with drop shoulders and full skirts. They also offer sustainable cashmere and denim, as well as swimwear and lingerie. Reformation is really a one-stop shop for all your luxury clothing needs. The store is even high-tech – you order your style and size on an iPad and it then appears, seamlessly, in your changing room.
Caramel, Ledbury Road
Caramel is an independent boutique on the lovely Ledbury Road. The store is split over two outposts and specialises in vintage-inspired clothing and homeware. In one of its locations, you will find luxury women's clothing, woven baskets, knitted blankets, crockery, candles, and sleepwear. In the other, you'll find the most gorgeous baby and childrenswear, including wonderful toys, books, and nursery decor. These shops are the perfect place to go to find a gift for someone special in your life or to add a touch of beauty and luxury to your own.
Jessie Western, Portobello Road
If you are a lover of all things Western then this is the place to be. Run by two sisters, Jess and Vicky, the shop is a treasure trove of Native American and Western crafts, from clothing and footwear to jewellery. The sisters are passionate about ethical luxury and prioritise expert hand craftsmanship when they source their wares. Jess, who studied at Central Saint Martins, even produces fine diamond and gemstone jewellery onsite. The shop is packed with fringed jackets, ponchos, and denim, and is lined with cabinets full of silver and turquoise jewellery.
Erno Deco Specialists in Vintage Furniture, Portobello Road
For those interested in dressing their homes in absolute style, Notting Hill hosts the fabulous Erno Deco, who stock a spectacular array of vintage 20th-century furniture, objects or art, handmade textiles, and rugs and cushions. The shop is home to one-off pieces and reclaimed items given a luxury touch by expert interior designers and international furniture dealers. The shop is also more affordable than some of its neighbours and the owners make clear that doing the environmentally friendly thing and shopping small, local, and vintage shouldn't cost the earth. They are also available for prop hire, for those in the creative industries.
Superga, Pembridge Road
This well-loved shoe brand has been around for over one hundred years, making high quality shoes under the guidance of Walter Martiny. In 1911, the Superga shoe factory began manufacturing vulcanised rubber soles. Following closure during the war, the Superga factory reopened and began supplying the people of Italy with stylish and durable shoes. There are shoes fit for any occasion in this charming little shop, whose stock could take you from a shopping street to a hillside hike, to the beach, and back to town.
The Notting Hill Bookshop
Movie lovers will be keen to know where they can get a taste of the 1999 film, Notting Hill. The Notting Hill Bookshop was once the Travel Bookshop, which served as the inspiration for the bookshop run by Hugh Grant's character in the film. Sadly, the original Travel Bookshop closed in 2011 but its replacement is a charming and well-serviced general bookshop and there is even a plaque on the wall outside commemorating its predecessor.
If you find yourself charmed by any such stories, why not pay a visit to the Notting Hill Bookshop Followed by a trip to Erno and Deco to pick up some home decor? Or, if you are seduced by Notting Hill’s fashionable residents, pop into one of the many beautiful clothing shops the area has to offer and pick out something for the new season. Whatever your desire, don't miss Notting Hill on your next visit to London.
