Tag Archives: Notting Hill

The Shed, Notting Hill

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The Shed is a family affair, run by brothers Oliver (chef) and Richard (Maître d’) Gladwin, with meat provided by their younger brother (a farmer) and wine from their mother’s vineyard. The skill and expertise clearly inherited from their father’s successful catering company.

These passionate and enthusiastic boys have created a restaurant that is an extension of their rural lifestyle back in Nutbourne, West Sussex. “Growing, foraging, great cooking and great company have always been the order of the day and this ethos has been brought to life at The Shed.”

I went along for lunch last week, kindly hosted by my grandparents who had heard about this new local eatery from Giles Coren’s Times column. Hidden round the back of Notting Hill Gate, it is moments from the tube station and easily reached from Portobello. Cosy and quirky, the unusually long room suits the restaurant layout with an open plan kitchen at the rear with a private Butcher’s Table for personalised dining. Tractor parts, old signs and vintage anecdotes give the place character and charm.

The menu is made up of small tapas style plates, priced around £9… guests are advised to order two each. Needless to say the three of us ordered seven plus bread between us. We regretted it and didn’t need it all – each dish is surprisingly filling. Lamb chips quickly became a firm favourite with Shed regulars, deliciously tender lamb coated in a thick crunchy coating and served with sensational spicy tomato harissa sauce. We also enjoyed the broccoli (with chestnut mushrooms, chilli, black sesame and tahini) and the wholesome Cider and herb sausages with addictively good homemade mustard.

The menu changes daily to ensure variety, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Oliver is a firm believer in nose to tail cooking, using the whole animal to create inventive and exciting dishes. His pride and passion is evident throughout the food, and particularly when he presented “my Magnum Vienetta Parfait.” This pudding is a real must – we had to fight over the final mouthful of the second portion! Lovingly made by Oliver, it is the perfect combination of creamy vanilla ice-cream, bitter shards of dark chocolate and sweet oozing butterscotch sauce.

As I may soon be moving to this area, I am excited to have The Shed on my doorstep… the perfect place to pop in for a modest lunch or for a longer satisfying supper, it is certainly the most special Shed I have ever visited.

www.theshed-restaurant.com

POP, Notting Hill

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I will admit, I’ve never been much of a popcorn fan… I have always associated it with cinema snacking and compulsive mouth stuffing as the film flashes in front of me. I didn’t particularly like the taste, and found the ongoing sweet vs. salty dilemma painfully frustrating. Recently however popcorn has undergone a bit of a makeover with several trendy little companies developing a snack that is both healthy and tasty, satisfying and flavoursome.

There is something instantly attractive and tempting about POP, Europe’s first popcorn boutique. This new concept store is the brainchild of London-based couple Matt Guarente (a former magazine editor) and Catherine May, a public affairs director. Priding itself on being the first of its kind, POP produces coated and dusted popcorn freshly made every day, in unusual and indulgent flavours.

Customers can choose in-store flavours or create their own bespoke popcorn for parties and events. We sampled each recipe from the current menu. I was amazed by how much I enjoyed eating this delicious snack… intensely flavoured, wonderfully fresh and pleasingly crunchy, it is the ideal grazing food, perfect for stylish cocktail parties or event openings.

The owners’ passion for food is obvious… each flavour has been carefully developed – innovative and creative components combined to make addictively good combinations. English Toffee and Sea Salt is the most popular and was definitely my favourite, a thick caramelly coating on the corn. My team of tasters preferred the luxurious Raspberry Dark and White Chocolate (a pretty pink variety with thick drippings of chocolate) and Sweetcrisp (a simple but scrumptious version of classic sweet popcorn). Of the savoury choices, I loved the Bloody Mary flavour.

POP also sells a number of cult drinks from America, strikingly bright vintage cans sit in a fridge waiting to quench your thirst after your popcorn!

I know it sounds corny but you too will be dancing for joy when you taste the latest pop sensation, I can’t get enough of it.

(POP has just launched delivery by post – Pop at Home – meaning their great corn is available across the UK, and they plan to be at a festival near you this summer.)

Visit the website for more information: www.popthewebsite.com

Hot on the Highstreet Week 137

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I did not intend to visit the Village Bicycle, but when I spotted the sparkling multicoloured window display it was hard to resist. This fashion-focused shop in Notting Hill is designed to encapsulate energy and vibrant creativity from London and around the World.

The lifestyle boutique sells a wide range of products from Women’s Wear Apparel (including lingerie, shoes and accessories) to art, furniture and music. On offer are Autumn/Winter, Spring/Summer, Cruise and also collections from emerging designers, along with collaborations with celebrities and designer endorsed products throughout the year.

The shop is filled with intrigue, a wonderful emporium beautifully arranged to entice customers in. It is the perfect place to find an original gift. Every item I looked at seemed to tell a story, unique and quirky pieces from artists and designers wishing to inspire with their humorous and pretty ideas. Bright, vibrant and witty, this shop is addictive, and once you pick up one thing you’ll feel you want it all, I definitely did.

More information here: http://www.imavillagebicycle.com/

Golborne Place, Notting Hill

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Golborne Road, though initially tricky to find… is a treasure-filled street, with characterful cafes, quirky fashionable shops and a rowdy market scene. I was delighted to be visiting Golborne Place, a little venue which describes itself as an ‘urban escape’ providing classes and treatments to inspire body and mind, encouraging a happier and healthier lifestyle for all.

Director Monica Zamora opened Golborne Place as a centre for healing and relaxing.  She is a former principal dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet but retired when she broke her foot. It was a devastating injury but Monica discovered Gyrotonic, a holistic form of exercise that enhances health and fitness. Golborne Place offers one-on-one Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis classes and lessons.

There are also a wide variety of therapists available offering specialist techniques to ensure you receive a treatment that will improve your health and fitness. I received a heavenly holistic massage with Amy Moffat. After a full tour of the building I went through to the small treatment room upstairs. Amy chatted to me briefly about my needs and strains understanding how she could remedy my aches and pains.

I felt completely relaxed almost immediately when lying down on the massage bed and soon fell into a light doze. Amy released tension in my upper back systematically kneading the knots and balancing the body. Amy’s massaging aims to help all of the body systems to work at their optimum level, giving particular attention to areas that show physical and emotional strain. After the hour I felt totally peaceful but re-energised.

Golborne Place is a calming sanctuary away from the hubbub and chatter of the Portobello excitement. I’m hoping to return soon to try out a ballet class, though I am tempted by everything they offer!

More information here: http://www.golborneplace.com/

Cafe 202, Westbourne Grove

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Café 202 has always been a trendy meeting point for Westbourne Grove shoppers and celebs. During the time I worked at a gallery here, I often wandered past spotting familiar faces and envying the appealing plates of food. Recently I’ve heard so many reports of the fabulous brunches here, that I couldn’t resist suggesting it as a meeting place for a catch up with a friend last week.

202 brings fashion, retail and modern eating together. Sitting in the centre of West London’s most stylish shopping street, 202 serves a blend of world food, modern bistro essentials and diner classics. Open from breakfast to dinner, the kitchen’s emphasis is on simplicity, quality produce and flavour – one of London’s destination eateries for modern brunch.

We sauntered in passing by (and drooling at) the gorgeous accessories and shoes to a table towards the back. The restaurant is bright and airy and there is the constant murmur of gossip being exchanged between diners. I was only intending to have a drink but the menu was so enticing, I convinced myself that brunch at 6pm is totally okay. I chose Buttermilk & Ricotta Pancakes with Fruit Compote and Crème Fraiche (£8) and my friend ordered Scrambled Eggs on Toast (£9.50). The food arrived quickly but seemed rather overpriced, especially for my pancakes which were pathetically small. The scrambled eggs looked divinely yellow but my friend wasn’t overly impressed. The pancakes tasted good, with a generous dollop of crème fraiche a dish of rather bitter and gloopy fruit compote. The orange juice was very sweet and fresh, so no complaints there, but the food definitely doesn’t receive top marks.

Café 202 is a lovely place to hang out, especially if you bag one of the hot seats outside, but the food was disappointing and there are certainly much better brunches available in London.

http://www.202london.com/

STRIP, Wax Bar, Notting Hill

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When it comes to waxing, girls across London swear by one beauty salon… I’d heard whispers about STRIP from girls at work, friends from school and pals from university. Finally it was time for me to break a lifetime habit (I have always visited an uber cheap place in South Ken) and venture into this pretty posh waxing parlour.

As this sexy brand grows in popularity the branches are multiplying. Notting Hill’s boutiquey venue is located conveniently near to Portobello and Westbourne Grove. I was stunned immediately by the rainbow lace display of alluring lingerie… the Hanky Panky and Mary Green ranges are particularly tempting… I found myself justifying a spend of £70 for matching bra and knickers.

I was so encouraged by the exemplary pre-wax care and attention that I even braved a Brazilian. My gorgeous smiley beautician Emily looked after me, talking me through every step… explaining the process so I could leave hairfree and educated by the experience.

Aside from feeling totally relaxed in the warm and comfy room, a tv plays background music videos, the perfect distraction. Strip have a variety of their own products, of which I tried the Chocolate and then the Lavender Hot Waxes. The use of hot wax is much less painful than strip waxing, much healthier and more effective. As a relatively inexperienced waxee, I wasn’t sure what to ask for – luckily Emily took control when I faltered! The wax was surprisingly fun, almost relaxing! The thick smooth wax smelt and felt divine, and gave amazing results, removing even the shortest hairs and leaving the skin barely red.

Emily recommended various products to improve my bikini line for future waxes… South Seas Bora Bora Body Polish for exfoliation and a very easy to use Ingrown-X-IT Solution spray to prevent ingrown hairs.

Hands down the best wax I’ve ever had, I’m hooked and am already planning my next Strip visit.

Visit the STRIP website here for more information and to book.

http://www.stripwaxbar.com/default.aspx

Ayanna Spa, Holland Park

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The Ayanna Spa fits into smart Holland Park perfectly. This boutique venue offers luxurious treatments in comforting surroundings. The spa was set up three months ago with a clear vision to provide customers with a relaxing place to be pampered, refreshed and rejuvenated.

I tried the Prescriptive Facial, which can be either a 60 or 90 minute treatment. It is a highly personalised facial to meet the needs of your skin following an initial skin analysis. Depending on what the skin requires, prescriptive facials provide deep cleansing and decongesting benefits, refreshing hydration, renewal, radiance and improved suppleness. I felt it was just what I needed.

The treatment room possessed a calming atmosphere. Getting into the warm soft bed, I almost fell asleep. My therapist talked me through the facial and explained my skin’s current needs and the products she would be using. Ayanna Spa has fully researched products and techniques that are going to serve their clients best. The brand used on my skin felt incredibly natural and soothing and left it smooth and moisturised but not overly greasy. My therapist used steam to fully cleanse my skin, she performed deep extraction so my skin was left poreless and soft. Usually this leaves my face red and blotchy but at Ayanna the therapist expertly managed to leave my skin in perfect condition, removing the imperfections immaculately. Hot cloths and delicious smelling creams were applied, simple products that smooth and calm the skin.

When your treatment is finished there are lovely rooms to relax in, hydrate with water and enjoy the smart stylish venue. After my Ayanna facial, I felt like my skin was still glowing even days later… not only an enjoyable treatment but one where the results are very noticeable and beneficial.

Placed in the ideal location, I think the Ayanna Spa will be a hit with the locals.

Visit the website to book here.

Kell Skott salon, Lambton Place

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Hidden behind the stylish shops on Westbourne Grove is one of the loveliest salons I have visited, and if you read my blog regularly you’ll know I have been to a lot! This family run business has a lovely atmosphere; the family are genuine and kind. Kell Skott first opened in Golborne Road in 2002 and, following the small team’s success, opened a second salon on Lambton Place. They are now firmly established as one of West London’s favourite and most highly regarded hairdressers, and if you visit you will see why.

I went along for a treatment and blow dry, replenishing my over dyed tresses. I was welcomed into the bright and airy salon and seated with a drink. A lovely girl talked me through the Phyto Express Smoothing Mask treatment I would be trying that day. This brand new luxurious treatment controls frizz for up to 72 hours.

The treatment is applied to wet hair so I was taken over to have my hair washed. It is a fact that this salon has the best chairs, comfortable and soft – for once having my hair washed at the hairdresser was a relaxing and extremely sleep inducing process, rather than having a cold sink jabbing into my neck! After the mask was thoroughly applied to my hair, I was put under a fan to ensure the treatment soaked into the hair follicles as deeply and fully as possible.

Kell himself came over to wash out the sticky cream and blow dry my hair to absolute perfection adding a lovely curl. I could feel the added silkiness and shine from the treatment immediately. Chatting to Kell about the salon and the natural Phyto products he uses so frequently, I was impressed with his passionate and relaxed attitude towards hairdressing.

I left the Lambton Place salon with gorgeous hair after a lovely treatment and hair makeover. The Kell Skott Salon is an absolutely top place to spend the afternoon, I can’t wait to return soon.

Visit the salon website here.

An Evening of Opera and the Classics, Notting Hill

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photography by Edward Lloyd Owen

Opera is supposedly my area of expertise and yet I forget how glorious an evening of opera can be. There is something overpoweringly emotional about hearing opera sung well, it has an almost healing quality for both listeners and performers.

Last week at Saint Peter’s Church in Notting Hill, guests gathered for an evening of Opera and the Classics. Despite the appalling rain and dropping temperatures, the audience turned up in their hundreds to watch and listen to a group of talented young musicians present an evening of musical artistry.

With a familiar Mozart Divertimento performed by the Artio String Quartet, the evening was off to a jolly start.  Next the two stunning stars of the night, Cecelia de Lisle and Charlotte Forde brought a new appreciation to the all too familiar British Airways theme, the Flower Duet by Delibes. Having sung the song myself, I know its difficulties and these girls handled it beautifully, judging the speed and intonation of the harmonised runs carefully to ensure the performance was spine-tingling, exquisite and perfectly together at all times.

There were violin interludes from Taro Visser who played three popular Romantic pieces. My favourite was Brahms’ Hungarian Dance, a frivolous composition which he brought to life with his light bowing and rich tone. It was lovely see a musician who clearly really enjoyed playing.

Providing us with some hearty Puccini was enthusiastic tenor, James Heath. And though I found his acting a little eccentric, his experience and talent was obvious in his rendition of the virtuosic ‘E Lucevan le Stelle’ from my favourite opera, Tosca. A heartbreaking aria to which Heath truly did justice.

Bass Philip Kay sang beautifully too, his rich, silky voice suited the Marriage of Figaro aria, where he portrayed the scheming Count with cunning glee.

The highlights, for me, came from the two girls, Cecelia and Charlotte, who were composed and utterly captivating throughout, visually and vocally. Cecelia’s ‘Vado ma Dove’ was sung elegantly and expertly from the piano and Charlotte’s ‘Casta Diva’ was devastatingly sublime, her top notes sending shivers through the whole church.

This group of talented musicians and singers ensured most of the guests left with tear-stained faces, uplifted by this sensational programme of timeless classics.

Concert in association with Vimba, supported by VWA Associates.

The Mall Tavern, Notting Hill

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Our visit to the Mall Tavern in Notting Hill began with a chaotic misunderstanding… it was a shame because I was instantly encouraged by the jolly atmosphere of this quirky, characterful pub. On a Thursday night the place was crowded and buzzing with punters enjoying an after work drink. The restaurant round the back was less full although lovers and friends soon filled the wooden benches.

This restaurant certainly breaks the conventions of the standard English local, offering dynamic, diverse dishes with a daring experimental twist. There was many a surprise during our visit. I had heard about the chef’s taster menu from a friend who raved about the genius of the recipes… and apparently this is what we would be receiving, there was no choice in the matter.

After some simple, strong and scrummy fruit martinis, it was time for the procession of food to begin… waiter after waitress after waiter arrived each with a tiny offering to add to our growing collection of dishes.

Starters reigned supreme… the best course by far. An array of eccentric little pots and plates each filled with a flavoursome treat… these included the finest ‘PGT Village’ smoked salmon, Funky beetroot, whipped goats’ cheese & hazelnut salad, Mushroom & Chestnut pate, Pierre’s Plethora of Posh Potted Pates & Pickles, fresh warm soda bread, Taramasalata, and Chicken liver mousse with pickled onions.

It was fireworks for the palate, my favourites being the pretty and punchy beetroot with creamy goats cheese and the delish Mushroom and Chestnut pate… I don’t even like mushrooms much but this was very good. The salmon and the chicken liver mousse also impressed us with healthy soda bread to dip and soak up the juices.

The retro menu is filled with familiar childhood classics like Chicken Kyiv and Macaroni cheese… comforting dishes that will please the public but also challenge their tastebuds. For main we were given the Kyiv and the Crispy duck egg, savoury bread pudding, radishes, turnips & tops. Perhaps not the dishes we would have chosen from the list, but nonetheless intriguing. I really enjoyed my Kyiv, though the portion was huge… a giant crispy ball of breadcrumbed chicken immaculately constructed and filled with hot garlicky butter, that I managed to squirt across the table, how predictable. Presented on a bed of crunchy vegetables and a potato hash brown it was a yummy meal. The duck egg was disappointing, very stodgy and less appealing visually too.

The puddings sounded exquisite but didn’t quite live up to the fancy names: we were given the Lemon meringue mess and the Arctic rolls. The Meringue dish was, as it stated on the menu, a mess… which was a shame as it was tasty, but the presentation was quite off-putting. The Arctic Rolls were incredibly imaginative, three flavours (vanilla, Fisherman’s Friend and pea) of homemade sponge and ice-cream. They were made with care and attention, but I just didn’t like the bizarre tastes, especially the pea. Glum faced, the manager asked if he could get us anything else, I jumped at the chance to try the hot Marshmallow pudding and he promptly retrieved one from the kitchen. This was much more promising, an array of chocolate, nuts and baby dollops of meringue (blow-torched at our table). Very sweet and very naughty but also great fun to share at the end of your meal.

The Mall Tavern gets top marks for invention and creativity… if you can, try to book the chef’s table in the kitchen. After meeting the mad head chef Jesse Dunford Wood (a Willy Wonka like character behind the stove), I am convinced the interactive dining experience in his kitchen would be exciting and delicious.

Visit the Mall Tavern website here for more information and to book.