Notting Hill comes alive during August. Not only is it one of the most famous neighbourhoods in the capital – recognisable as the backdrop for the eponymous 1999 rom-com starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts; popular for its pretty pastel houses; and home to one of the world’s best antique markets at Portobello – but because people flock from all over the world for the vibrant annual celebrations which take over the late summer bank holiday weekend: Notting Hill Carnival. A street festival rooted in Caribbean carnival traditions, and the resilience of the community against 1950s racial discrimination and violence in London, it is not a weekend you want to miss in W11. 

Looking to visit this summer? No trip to Notting Hill would be complete without a pitstop at its most famous pubs. Bookmark this page for the best to book now. 

The Pelican

The inaugural outpost of the Public House Group – which now has a portfolio of posh pubs across London and beyond, including The Hart in Marylebone, The Hero in Maida Vale, and The Bull in Charlbury – The Pelican opened in 2022 as founders James Gummer, Phil Winser and Olivier van Themsche’s take on a modern pub. Its almost immediate success has become the blueprint for the brand’s signature spin on a classic pub, which blends pared-back but Instagrammable interiors with seriously good food. 

Occupying a building that has flanked All Saints Road for more than 150 years, expect perfectly-poured pints at the ground-floor bar and ingredient-led dining upstairs. Fringed by dark banquette seating and dotted with rustic, candlelit tables, menus feature homegrown produce from Paddock Farm and Whittington Lodge Farm, as well as the Public House Group’s very own Market Garden at Bruern Farms. The result? Minimalist menu descriptions such as ‘courgette, pea’, ‘onion tart, watercress’, ‘pork collar, cabbage’. Leave it up to the chefs and you won’t be disappointed. 

45 All Saints Road, W11 1HE, thepelicanw11.com 

Walmer Castle

Walmer Castle

Having reopened in 2023 after careful restoration and redesign by interior guru Isabella Worsley, Walmer Castle is a classic English tavern with a modern twist, blending history, charming interiors and great food. Honouring the building’s storied history, which dates back to 1845, and its enviable location on Ledbury Road, the independent pub unfolds across three dog-friendly floors, home to a characterful bar, a restaurant and private dining room. 

Adorning the walls at every turn are historical maps and local art, alongside antiques sourced from markets and dealers at nearby Portobello Market and Golborne Road. The kitchen is helmed by chef Ondrej Hula, who has created a menu that is wonderfully simple but satisfying, sourcing produce from London butcher, The Ginger Pig, and Cornish seafood purveyor, Flying Fish. As a result, the menu celebrates pub classics, alongside some interesting additions, all with a focus on provenance. Think Cornish lamb chops with romesco and summer greens, Suffolk bavette steak with chimichurri, and County Wexford beef carpaccio in a mustard dressing. 

58 Ledbury Road, W11 2AJ, visit walmercastle-nottinghill.co.uk 

The Fat Badger

The Fat Badger

The second Notting Hill act from the aforementioned Public House Group, The Fat Badger is situated behind an unassuming door where Golborne and Portobello Roads meet. If it feels like you’re walking into a kitchen, you’re in the right place; follow the stairs (and your nose) to the first-floor pub and lunch-only dining space, before ascending to another floor for the prim-and-proper restaurant. 

Much like its sister pubs, interiors are simple and effortlessly cool, featuring mirrors, blackboards detailing daily specials, and huge windows that drench the spaces in natural light. Priced at £69 per person, and available Friday-Sunday, the set lunch menu is definitely worth a punt, offering seasonal dishes of sweetbread tacos, and fennel and artichoke salad, followed by a choice of mains and dessert (the chocolate mousse is one of the best in London). For an all-out affair, book the upstairs counter seats for an uninterrupted view of the open kitchen, which serves a daily-changing menu of three snacks, starter, main and dessert for £105pp. With sample dishes including scallop and lardo toast, duck with rhubarb and leaves, and apple pie with rice pudding ice cream, we suggest you book sooner rather than later. 

310 Portobello Road, W10 5TA, visit thefatbadgerw10.com 

The Princess Royal

Overseen by the Cubitt House group – which also looks after The Barley Mow in Mayfair, and Belgravia’s storied Alfred Tennyson pub – you can expect great things from The Princess Royal. It has been a watering hole since the 19^th century, and chopped and changed hands and names until it reopened in 2022 restored to its original name, The Princess Royal, after renovations uncovered its namesake porch stone. 

Four individually-designed rooms sit atop a ground-floor bar and pub, which is joined by a seasonal terrace in the summer months. All are serviced by an extensive bar menu including draughts from across Europe, international wines and a house cocktail list (our top pick is the Notting Hill negroni). Food is under the direction of head chef Ben Tish, who blends classic pub fare, such as steak burgers and pie of the day, with upmarket dishes of Dorset crab tagliolini, smoked trout Scotch eggs, and venison tartare with pickled walnut. 

47 Hereford Road, W2 5AH, visit cubitthouse.co.uk 

The Churchill Arms

Image: Shutterstock/Andrew the Kerr

Image: Shutterstock/BBA Photography

You’ll spot the Churchill Arms long before you arrive, especially in winter. Festooned with flowers and fairy lights throughout the year, this pub’s Christmas decorations are something to behold and crowds flock to this corner of Kensington Church Street every November for the switch-on. It is not just famous for its decor, though; it was built in 1750 and, during the 19^th century, was a regular haunt of Winston Churchill’s grandparents – hence the name and the overwhelming amount of wartime and Churchill memorabilia you’ll find adorning its walls. 

It’s a Fuller’s pub so expect all the usual suspects behind the bar, but linger a little longer to try the exclusively Thai menu which has been served here for more than 35 years. Dishes are divided into noodles, stir fries, rice and curry – we recommend ordering a smorgasbord of spring rolls, pad thai, and jungle curry for a real feast. 

119 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN, visit churchillarmskensington.co.uk 

The Sun in Splendour

It’s hard to miss the Sun in Splendour. Rendered in a bright sunshine yellow hue, and located at the top of Portobello Road, just minutes from Notting Hill Gate station, it is the last watering hole en route to the world-famous market. In fact, the pub’s unique curved frontage, which dates back to 1852, literally invites patrons to grab a pint and pick from its streetside space, indoor tables or courtyard to indulge in its food and drink menu. 

The draught selection rotates regularly, but you can expect craft mainstays from London breweries such as Gipsy Hill, Sambrook’s and Beavertown. On the food front, pick from an evening set menu, burger specials or a la carte, which includes miso chicken skewers, Cumberland sausage and mash, and steak sirloin sandwiches.  

7 Portobello Road, W11 3DA, visit suninsplendourpub.co.uk

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