Why I love Notting Hill
Rudolph Diesel is an interior designer whose work is in much demand in London. Here he describes one of his favourite spots in the capital.
Love to look at
There's something about Notting Hill that just makes me smile. The area has a cool, bohemian, culturally diverse vibe you won’t find anywhere else in London (it is, after all, the home of the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival and yes, that film starring Hugh Grant). The architecture here is similarly diverse: grand terraces and idyllic garden squares contrast with tiny, Victorian cottages painted in vibrant colours. The classical façade of St Peter’s Church, surrounded by majestic, white stucco townhouses, is just a short stroll away from the edgy urban street art found on Portobello Road.
Love to shop
When I’m creating luxury design interiors there’s no better place to look for unique pieces than Portobello Market. I also adore the range of bespoke embroidered fabrics you can find at independent home design store Baker & Gray. Of course, no trip to W11 is complete without a visit to the iconic Rough Trade record store in Talbot Road, where they have been selling great music since 1976.
Love to eat
It might not be immediately obvious, but with a little digging, you’ll find Notting Hill has dining options for every occasion and style of cuisine, from bistro pub food and international flavours to quirky pop ups and fine dining.
The Shed is a particular favourite of mine, with a seasonal, local and wild menu complemented by some very good English wines. For a novel twist on Greek classic food, Mazi on Hillgate Street never disappoints. I’ve also been spotted enjoying a rum cocktail at Trailer Happiness, a glamorous award-winning Tiki-style bar in Portobello Road.
I find that interior design clients in Notting Hill have an eye for quality, detail and the unusual . Whether my team and I are working on an ultra-modern house interior design for a developer, or a classically elegant luxury interior for a private homeowner, I always enjoy spending time in this exciting and cosmopolitan part of town.