There are a number of secrets hidden within the neighbourhood of Notting Hill.
How to get the keys of Ladbroke Square Garden, the largest garden square in London?
As part of the Kensington Improvement Act of 1851, the Arundel and Ladbroke Gardens were adopted as a private garden in 1953. In the Act, it was stipulated that the communal gardens would be accessible to houses within “the line of the square”. “The line of the square” refers to only the houses that back directly onto the gardens at Arundel and Ladbroke Gardens. It is considered that properties in the two side roads opposite the gardens lie outside the “square line”. Residents who don’t have direct access to the gardens or those in houses that don’t face the gardens cannot access the gardens because of this. You can visit the gardens on Open Garden Squares Days and as guests of residents (subject to Bye-laws).
Where are Notting Hill’s most desirable properties?
Notting Hill’s most desirable properties are terraced homes with communal gardens. In the area, Pembridge Villas has some of the largest semi-detached and detached homes, while Westbourne Gardens and St Luke’s Road have some of the most beautiful flats built in modern buildings.
A family story: The Ladbroke family
Many of the lands in Notting Hill were owned by the Ladbroke family in the 19th century. Due to the wealthy family’s influence, several streets and locations in the district were named after them. These include Ladbroke Terrace, Ladbroke Crescent, Ladbroke Road, Ladbroke Mews, Ladbroke Grove, Ladbroke Hall, Ladbroke Walk and Ladbroke Square Garden.
Theatre with a unique heritage; The Tabernacle
A former church now houses a theatre, café, and arts space. In addition to organised events, the Tabernacle often hosts community events. In addition to admiring the unusual artwork in the courtyard, you can also enjoy a drink there.
A caribean heritage and gentrification due to a movie
In the post-war era, the neighbourhood was a poorer one for Caribbean immigrants, but has since become affluent due to gentrification.
Notting Hill is portrayed both as cool and warm, stylish and homely, in a 1999 film starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. According to Savills, prices in the area have risen by 66% since 2000, twice the growth rate elsewhere in the city.
An iconic door at 280 Westbourne Grove
A house occupied by Hugh Grant’s character in Notting Hill was scriptwriter Richard Curtis’s own. In the aftermath of the film’s success, he sold the house to a woman who later sold the iconic door at auction because she was tired of tourists showing up at her door. However, this hasn’t stopped the knocking as people assume it’s still the original door with a fresh coat of paint.
The Notting Hill was filmed in The Coronet Cinema
A funny fact is that William watched the sci-fi movie ‘Helix’ that starred Anna Scott at The Coronet Cinema, which can be found at 103 Notting Hill Gate. Another one, Anna and William broke into private gardens at Rosmead Gardens. You can’t go inside, but you can see the entrance and recreate the funny whoops-a-daisy scene. They are still private and locked, so you can’t go inside. If you want to discover more locations, you can find the Notting Hill film location list here.
What was the Architect Thomas Allason grand project?
As part of his grand vision for Notting Hill, architect Thomas Allason designed the concentric circles of streets around Ladbroke Grove.
The crescents were originally… The Kensington Hippodrome
Despite Thomas Allason’s grand project, a racecourse was constructed around the hill on Ladbroke Grove in 1837 and gave the area its name, but the event proved short-lived. Blenheim, Elgin, Stanley, and Lansdowne Crescents were built on the circular tracks after the final race in 1842.
A world’s most famous street market: Portobello Market
On weekdays, most of the stalls sell fresh produce, while on weekends they sell vintage, souvenirs, and bric-a-brac. There is a bustling atmosphere and regular live entertainment at the Acklam Village Market on Portobello Road at weekends. The Notting Hill Farmers Market (9am-1pm Saturday) sells organic produce, dairy, baked goods, and seafood, and is located in an unassuming parking lot near the tube station. The market attracts millions of visitors every year.
The largest street festival in Europe
Held annually since 1965, the Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe.
The most beautiful pub’s exterior in London!
There is probably no better pub facade in London than The Churchill Arms, adorned with flowers covering its façade. The display varies with the seasons; it’s a must-see during the Chelsea Flower Show and around Christmas!
Originally built in 1750, this pub is one of London’s oldest. This pub got its name from Winston Churchill’s grandparents coming here frequently in the 1800s. The pub features lots of Churchill memorabilia.
