Sunny skies, coffee in hand, strolling down Portobello Road, bumping into Hugh Grant and being taken on a brunch date…. Absolute b-l-i-s-s. Hugh, if you’re reading this, you know what to do.
The number of times I’ve walked down Portobello Road and Notting Hill and I *still* haven’t bumped into Hugh Grant though. Maybe next time the odds will be in my favour? I guess I saw Jamie Liang strolling down Westbourne Grove recently. Maybe that’s the next best thing and I’ll have to settle?
Hugh Grant and Jamie Liang aside, Notting Hill’s other attractions include an enviable foodie scene. From the iconic Farm Girl cafe and wellness haven Bodyism, to new artisan coffee shops with some of the silkiest flat whites I’ve tried, Notting Hill is a hidden gem in the London foodie scene. Controversial point, I know. Indie foodies would argue Shoreditch is the foodie capital. But, Notting Hill is more my cup of tea (with Minor Figures Oat M!lk and no sugar).
Here are my favourite brunch spots…
FARM GIRL
A magical wysteria in the heart of Notting Hill, Farm Girl is a firm favourite! Avocado Toast, Matcha Latte, decadent pancakes and an Aussie vibe… adored by celebrities, bloggers & locals alike! If you manage to snag a spot at the iconic pink table, then you really have made it. Founded in 2015 by Rose Mann, this oasis has been expanding in recent months. Check out their South Ken location before taking a long stroll round Hyde Park.
Rumour has it that Executive Chef Benoit Marmoiton used to work as the Beckhams’ private chef in LA and London!
JUICE BABY
Sweet, thick smoothies and cooling açai bowls, Juice Baby brings a taste of Hawaii to London! Clean eating never tasted so good. Juice Baby have a multitude of cooling & refreshing smoothies to choose from & they’re made on-demand; they’re fresh, filling and, most importantly, don’t taste ‘artificial’ as many smoothies nowadays do.
My favourite is the “Berryoxidant”- a mix of banana, raspberries, blueberries, cashew butter and coconut nectar. It’s also packed with hemp seeds, vanilla powder and goji berries … ensuring that you will be energised for your afternoon workout. I like topping mine with coconut shavings for extra fibre and iron.
EGGBREAK
ICONIC. EGG-Cellent. Smashing. The Soho House Group brings EggBreak to the heart of Notting Hill. The interior and facade match Eggbreak’s ethos perfectly. A vibrant yellow facade matches the yolk of a perfectly poached egg, whilst the white exterior walls, make you fell as though you’re stepping right into an EGG-CELLENT cafe. The cute crockery adds a “brunching at Grandmas” feel to the cafe- think white plates with navy illustrations, white plates with lavender flowers, and warm beige plates with yellow flowers too … it’s an elegant bed for a yummy brunch!
Up for a challenge? Try their famous French Toast- it will leave you feeling sat-is-fied for DAYS (so I’ve heard)!
BODYISM
Anyone who knows me will know that Bodyism is SO MY SCENE. A wellness hotspot in the heart of Notting Hill, Bodyism also has an Aussie cafe open to non-members. They link the heart, mind, body & soul- the secret to a good life is exercise, self care & nourishing food. Bodyism also have a location in Hampshire & Abu Dhabi.
CONSCIOUS KITCHEN
Conscience Kitchen is “a 100% Ethical Zero Waste Restaurant”, with an Egyptian Heritage. This grocers-come-cafe also sell wholesome fresh fruit and veggies. They sell fresh produce from melons, dates and grapes, to cauliflower, and exotic veggies. They also have pantry supplies including Montezuma’s Chocolate and Rude Health milks!
CABLE CO
West Hampstead’s Wired Co brings the Kensal Rise and Notting Hill communities Cable Co coffee. I cannot wait to try Wired Co too. Friendly baristas, delicious coffee, moments from Portobello … perfect!
NOTTING HILL COFFEE PROJECT
Social enterprise coffee made with Assmebly’s delicious beans. Social Enterprise is at the heart of the NHCP. For every hot drink sold, 25p will be donated to Centre Point, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity. As well as great coffee, NHCP have a selection of delicious pastries on counter – think cinnamon swirls, pastel del nata and crispy croissants! Delicious!
AMORET
Wacky paintings, fragrant coffee, Amoret has a Alice In Wonderland -esque Vibe which would do the Mad Hatter proud! Amoret also roast their beans on site – you may even be able to take a peak of the insane Geisen W6 in the back. AND you certainly will smell the gorgeous scent of coffee as soon as you take your first step into this Coffee Heaven.
THE GOOD PLOT
A calming oasis in the heart of Notting Hill, The Good Plot brings positive energy to the brunch scene. “We think beyond food” – Mandy Lieu, the Founder of Good Plot says, and this is evident as soon as you step through the wooden door into this wholesome countryside-eqsque paradise. Ethical produce is hand-selected, with ethical values at heart.
JUSU BROTHERS
“Take care of your body.. It’s the only place your soul has to live in” is Jusu Brothers’ mantra… and their wholesome dishes and minimalist interior truly embodies this vision. The minimalist Japanese interior is white, crisp and creates a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere … it’s easy to see why it’s a celebrity and blogger zen cocoon! Located in the heat of Notting Hill, Jusu Brothers is the perfect brunch location pre- walking around the beautiful coloured & iconic houses & popping into cute designer boutiques!
Jusu have a range of speciality drinks – think juices such as Ishiban (blueberries, raspberries & apple), shakes (such as their COFFEE SHAKE) & Golden Milk!
On my Brunch bucket list
- Eggslut
- Granger and Co (I’ve been to the Pavillion Road branch, but the Notting Hill cafe is on my list)
- 202 Westbourne Grove
- Chucs
- The Tin Shed
On my coffee bucket list
- Coffee Plant
Enjoy your avocado toasts, matcha lattes & acai bowls! Let me know if you do bump into Hugh Grant, and your top recommendations for me to try next.
Lots of love, Jo xoxo
