According to a central London estate agent, until 1800, the extended area was still mainly farmland. Some of it was given up for the Kensal Green Cemetery, but a much larger plot was leased for the development of a race track to rival Epsom — the entrance to which would have been where Pembridge Road now joins Kensington Park Road. The track soon closed, but it was the subsequent sale of this land for building, which resulted in the first wave of the superb crescents and terraces we see today.

LOCATION, LOCATION
According to the council, Notting Hill is bordered by the Westway to the north, Holland Park Avenue to the south, Ledbury Road to the east and St. Ann’s Road to the west. But this doesn’t represent a formal definition in any way.

Neighbourhood view
This is a relatively relaxed, fashionable, multi-cultural area, which is characterised by its sweeping rows of beautiful, stucco-fronted houses, pillared porches and smart garden squares. The imposing Victorian villas are punctuated here and there by elegant streets of vibrantly coloured terraces, along with the welcome intrusion of some quirky cafés and contemporary galleries. Yes, there really is a travel bookshop. And yes, famous people do sometimes drop by.

FAMOUS RESIDENTS
The hugely successful film, Notting Hill, may have accentuated the media focus on the area, but it is rare to walk the streets here and not spot at least one A-list celeb. Popular showbiz types to have reportedly lived in Notting Hill during recent years include Madonna, Bjork, Claudia Schiffer, Damon Albarn, Robbie Williams, Elle Macpherson and, of course — ol’ blue door himself — Richard Curtis

SHOPPING IN STYLE
A truly glamorous shopping destination, Notting Hill is a delight for those lucky enough to enjoy easy access to it. Home to the world-famous Portobello Road market, it also offers a stunning selection of independent fashion houses such as Blue Poppy Couture (171 Westbourne Grove), plus a sprinkling of high-quality, multi-faceted boutiques, including that renowned den of deliciousness, The Cross (141 Portland Road) and the seductive Sera Of London (3 Lonsdale Road). The best accessory stores are also here, such as Emma Hope Shoes (207 Westbourne Grove), as well as all the essential day-to-day shops and chains.

Shopping
Blue Poppy Couture: 020 7792 9667
The Cross: 020 7727 6760
Sera Of London: 020 7467 0799

ON THE TOWN
When the shops close, you’ll still find lots to do in Notting Hill. There is a superb selection of traditional-style pubs, such as The Ladbroke Arms (54 Ladbroke Grove), plus a wide choice of trendy bars, including Westbourne Studios (242 Acklam Road). The area also hosts some of London’s best cinemas, like the Electric (191 Portobello Road), the Coronet (103 Notting Hill Gate) and the Gate (87 Notting Hill Gate), as well as some of its most satisfying restaurants. For fine French dining choose The Ledbury (127 Ledbury Road) or, for relaxed country-style British, visit Bumpkin (209 Westbourne Park Road). And for the very best fish and chip restaurant outside Southend-On-Sea, go straight to Geales (2 Farmer Street). It’s a hidden gem!

Restaurants & Bars
Westbourne Studios: 020 7575 3123
The Ledbury: 020 7792 9090
Bumpkin: 020 7243 9818
Geales: 020 7727 7528

PARKING SOLUTIONS
020 7361 3004