The weather in London has turned rather glorious over the last few days, with warm temperatures and especially sunny days. I always say that there’s no better place than London in the summer (if we do get a proper summer, that is) so let’s hope that this year proves much better than the previous few summers we’ve had!
I’ve decided to compile a brief guide to some of the best pubs in Notting Hill to head to for some outdoor drinking – sure, everyone else will have the same idea, but that will only add to the happy atmosphere!
The Metropolitan
60 Great Western Road, W11 1AB
60 Great Western Road, W11 1AB
Website: www.themetropolitanw11.co.uk
Large pub with its interior laid out around a central bar, The Metropolitan has a ground floor garden as well as a first floor roof terrace. Very tasty food on offer from its pretty extensive menu which is a great compliment to the drinks on offer. The weekends tend to be rather crowded with customers even spilling out to the pavement at the front, which provides for another opportunity for some outdoor drinking!
Large pub with its interior laid out around a central bar, The Metropolitan has a ground floor garden as well as a first floor roof terrace. Very tasty food on offer from its pretty extensive menu which is a great compliment to the drinks on offer. The weekends tend to be rather crowded with customers even spilling out to the pavement at the front, which provides for another opportunity for some outdoor drinking!
Earl of Lonsdale
277-281 Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA
One of the best beer gardens in Notting Hill, this Samuel Smith’s pub has the usual selection of drinks from the brewery at slightly lower prices than other local establishments – bonus! The wonderful garden is located behind high walls separating it from the street, so it’s almost like you’re in another world.
277-281 Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA
One of the best beer gardens in Notting Hill, this Samuel Smith’s pub has the usual selection of drinks from the brewery at slightly lower prices than other local establishments – bonus! The wonderful garden is located behind high walls separating it from the street, so it’s almost like you’re in another world.
The Champion
1 Wellington Terrace, W2 4LW
Website: www.thechampionpub.co.uk
There’s something very alluring about the The Champion – I absolutely love the dark interior, which makes meet-ups here very cosy. This pub has what it calls a “secret garden” towards the back, which is perfect for your outdoor drinking needs. Though you could even stay indoors – they tend to open up the large front-facing windows during good weather, so you get a nice alfresco vibe even when you’re inside. They’re currently running a “ciderfest” with over 20 different ciders on offer, so be sure to get down to The Champion it that’s your choice of tipple.
1 Wellington Terrace, W2 4LW
Website: www.thechampionpub.co.uk
There’s something very alluring about the The Champion – I absolutely love the dark interior, which makes meet-ups here very cosy. This pub has what it calls a “secret garden” towards the back, which is perfect for your outdoor drinking needs. Though you could even stay indoors – they tend to open up the large front-facing windows during good weather, so you get a nice alfresco vibe even when you’re inside. They’re currently running a “ciderfest” with over 20 different ciders on offer, so be sure to get down to The Champion it that’s your choice of tipple.
Prince Albert
11 Pembridge Road, W11 3HQ
Website: the-prince-albert.co.uk
11 Pembridge Road, W11 3HQ
Website: the-prince-albert.co.uk
As I’ve written on the Pubs & Bars page, you really can’t get a better located pub. And by that, I mean that it’s ridiculously close to public transport (Notting Hill Gate tube is 3 minutes away – if you’re a very slow walker, and there’s a bus stop right outside), which is perfect if you happen to be meeting chums from outside the area. One of the trendy pubs where the beautiful people like to meet – which may either put you off or draw you in – there’s a great selection of drinks and the food’s pretty good too. But it’s the small beer garden at the back of the pub that will attract you on these warm, sunny days.
Westbourne Tavern
101 Westbourne Park Villas, W2 5ED
Website: thewestbourne.com
Website: thewestbourne.com
For something a little different, how about a beer garden at the front of the pub? The Westbourne has a small private area by the road, though as it’s on a quiet street you won’t be annoyed by fumes and loud cars – maybe just the occasional jealous passerby, staring longingly at your seat in the garden. Can get very busy here, so if you’re after a seat outside and weather’s nice, make sure you get here early in the day! Good food too.
Local Parks!
Holland Park & Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park
Alternatively, with all the expansive parkland near to Notting Hill, you might not need a beer garden at all! Simply stock up on drinks (with some accompanying nibbles which makes things a bit more sensible) – there’s supermarkets along Notting Hill Gate, or Kensington High Street if you’re coming from the south side of either of these parks – and then head to their open grass spaces. Sure, the parks can get quite busy when the weather’s good, but you’ll still be able to enjoy your own little picnic area. Just remember to bring a bottle/wine opener, and keep an eye out for where the loos are (for you’re bound to need them at some point) – the ones in Holland Park are just by the kids’ playground.
Holland Park & Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park
Alternatively, with all the expansive parkland near to Notting Hill, you might not need a beer garden at all! Simply stock up on drinks (with some accompanying nibbles which makes things a bit more sensible) – there’s supermarkets along Notting Hill Gate, or Kensington High Street if you’re coming from the south side of either of these parks – and then head to their open grass spaces. Sure, the parks can get quite busy when the weather’s good, but you’ll still be able to enjoy your own little picnic area. Just remember to bring a bottle/wine opener, and keep an eye out for where the loos are (for you’re bound to need them at some point) – the ones in Holland Park are just by the kids’ playground.
