Kiwi Roaming

I met a friend for coffee at one of the many Portuguese bakeries just off the top of the Portobello Road, we enjoyed a pastel de nata and a hot drink sitting out on the footpath. As I walked through Notting Hill to meet Steve on the Portobello Road I encountered my first celebrity of this trip, Taron Egerton out for a run. I also passed another dozen Portuguese bakeries who claim to have the best Pastel de nata available.

I think this is #13 on my Free London list.

The Notting Hill market is a daily one and stretches a couple of kilometres down the Portobello Road. Behind the stalls the permanent shops – including the famous bookstore – are also buzzing with tourists who flock here on a daily basis.

When we were in Paris last year I became jealous of a woman’s Notting Hill tote bag, every other stall has a version of these and they got cheaper as we walked further down the road. The vibe and buzz here is interesting, so many tourists but equally many cute stalls and shops.

I had on my list of things to do finding the secret sandwich shop just off the market street. We located it and procured the most expensive sandwich we’ve ever had. We shared the sandwich and a coke in a local green – it was yum but compared with our supermarket meal deals this was a rip off, viral or not.

Back on the Portobello Road we wandered until we reached Notting Hill Gate then down into Kensington until we reached the Churchill Arms. I had this on my list because it’s adorned with hanging flower baskets but once inside we loved the ceiling covered in old chamber pots and other memorabilia. The best thing about this pub however is, walk through the main bar to the courtyard at the back and it turns into an asian restaurant. This is apparently very common for pubs these days to sublease their kitchens to a restaurant.

I’ve never lived in Kensington but do love this suburb.

and final images from Notting Hill.