DO YOU KNOW YOUR LOCAL HISTORY? A LOOK INTO NOTTING HILL'S COLOURFUL PAST.
I snapped some shots of St Johns Church for our Instagram page. The sun was setting, radiating its beaming rays across the church steeple and gracing the trees with a last few rays of light.
On my daily travels around the area, I often pause to capture a moment in the life of Notting Hill. From front doors to churches or flowers, depending on the time of day, or how the sun falls, the streets lined with grand houses painted bright white, greys and shades of pastel colours, take on their own mood.
Back at the office, showing the photos to Nigel, Owner and Director at Homesite, he gave me a bit of background history about the church and its surroundings.
Did you know that it used to be a racecourse?' said Nigel
Oh wow, I said, I didn't know". I love horses, and I have lived in Notting Hill for over two decades. So I did a little more digging.
It turns out that the Ladbroke Estate has a rich history which explains this beautifully shaped crescent that forms Lansdowne Crescent and surrounding private green spaces. The land belonged to James Weller Ladbroke. It was, and still is part of the Ladbroke Estate, spanning over 140 acres of sloping land towards Notting Hill, and across Westbourne Grove, lay soft green fields.
In 1837, Ladbroke leased the land to James Whyte, a businessman whose ambitions it was to turn the space into the 'Kensington Hippodrome,' a racecourse for London. Racetracks were at a popular pass time, and Whyte thought that this racecourse would serve London better than other hippodromes such as Epsom Downs and Ascot, which were much further away.
The race course ran from Lansdowne crescent, across Ladbroke Grove and over to Stanley Crescent forming the landscape of the track. The grassy hill upon which St Johns Church sits once served as a fantastic public viewing point, offering a prime position to watch the race that took place in the gentle slopes below.
The new venue received mixed opinions from the British press, whilst The Times criticised its Prime London location, the Sporting publication described it as 'the most perfect racecourse.' As well as attracting London's aristocracy, it was also widely attended by poorer members of the community, the farmers of the "Potteries and Piggeries" of Pottery Lane. The racecourse was built, much to Whyte's frustration, across a right of way which affected the farmers of Notting Dale, causing much contention through the racecourses lifespan. These visitors were not welcome on the land, and the ongoing clashes gave the place a less favourable reputation. Over a few years, the venue faded in popularity and started to run into financial difficulty, even after changing its name to 'Victoria Park- Bayswater,' the racecourse was failing. In 1842, James Whyte handed the land back to its owner and previous plans resumed to build property. The Victorian houses now standing on these near perfect semi-circles crescents maintain the shape of the former racecourse and the earlier designs of 1820 loosely revived, shaping the streets into the rows of period houses we see today.
Lansdowne Crescent is a mix of architecture as it has evolved through time. Consisting of a unique gothic Tudor double-fronted dwelling to the eastern side, which, in 1846, was the first property to be registered, to the stucco fronted townhouses constructed slightly later by William Reynolds, a builder turned property developer. To the western side, somewhat newer Victorian style architecture built in the 1860s' can be found in an array of pastel colours. In 1944 designed Joshua Higgs, St John's Church was built. Now a grade II listed building, this place of worship was constructed from Kentish Ragstone, which was a popular construction material for churches at the time. Then known as 'St John in the Hayfields' due to its rural location, it was the highpoint of the racecourse and centre-place of the Ladbroke estate.
Nowadays, one can walk the ring of the racecourse to find some of Notting Hill's most luxurious homes, grand architecture spanning across the 19th & 20th century, and a peek into some the greenest private spaces remaining in London. Remnants of the Estate's history still mark the land.
Some of Notting Hill’s history can be spotted on a local stroll through the streets of Ladbroke Estate. St Johns Church sign displays information about the land’s horsey past. A walk around the crescent and its grand buildings bares a few signs of their age, and the last remaining pottery stands on Pottery Lane on further exploration of the streets of Notting Dale
Read more about the different period architectures on Lansdowne Crescent:
http://www.ladbrokeassociation.info/LANSDOWNECRESCENT.htm
Read the history of the "Potteries and Piggeries" of Pottery Lane:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery_Lane
For more information about the Ladbroke Estate and its history:
http://www.ladbrokeassociation.info/HISTORYOFTHELADBROKEAREA.htm
LUXURY LIVING IN LONDON. A LOOK AT NOTTING HILL'S CURRENT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
The Television Centre- W12
The iconic Television Centre built to house the British Broadcasting Corporation (The BBC) located on Wood Lane, London W12, was first inaugurated by Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elisabeth, in 1961. Since then, the BBC has seen an impressive array of British and International celebrities walk through its doors and into its grand lobby. Shows such as Doctor Who, Top of the Pops and in more recent times the Graham Norton show, have all been produced here. The BBC has since relocated its operations, and the Television Centre is currently undergoing redevelopment which will contain around 1000 new homes, several retail units, offices, and eateries.
The first phase of the new development is now complete and boasts 432 luxury apartments across two buildings, Helios and Crescent. The apartments are designed in a thoughtful and stylish manner, catered to high spec, luxury city living. In case this isn’t luxury enough for an urbanite, the ‘Architects’ Series’ offers a range of premium apartments and penthouses consciously designed by the most prominent architects for truly optimal and decadent living. Phase two, which is planned to begin work in the coming months, will see the construction of a further 500 high-end homes.
Through the communal areas of the development, the attention to detail and decadence flows seamlessly. The renowned main lobby that welcomed countless famous faces over the years has been restored to its original splendour including the grade II listed mosaic by British artist, John Piper. Residents can now enjoy this lounge space to relax and watch the world go by. This new high-end development will also benefit from a 24-hour concierge service and access to a private gym, swimming pool and spa. It also houses a Cinema complex, a 45-bedroom hotel, shops, and some great names in food such as Bluebird café, made famous by ‘Made in Chelsea’ and Patty&Bun. Complete with a private members’ including a roof terrace with views over the Television’s Centre forecourt, this is city slicker style at its best in the heart of West London.
With all amenities at one’s fingertips, The Television Centre is ideally located, with very convenient access to the central line from White City tube station, and minutes’ walk to Westfield shopping centre. It’s a vibrant piece of London property in a great location, whether to live or as an investment. This is city living at its most stylish, and where better in London than the iconic British Broadcasting Corporation?
To find out more about apartments to rent or buy in this development, please give us a call or pop us an email.
For more information about the development here.
Whiteleys Development
Whiteleys Shopping Centre closed its doors at the end of 2018 for a total overhaul. The development will contain 85 new homes including a mix of apartments and townhouses along Redan Place to the rear of the building, and is due for completion in 2022/2023. This new mixed-use development is not just about creating new homes, as well as residential units, the redevelopment of the former shopping centre is set to offer an enhanced shopping and dining experience. There will be a variety of restaurants, retail units, a courtyard to one side and an extended pedestrian area along Queensway, allowing a more leisurely environment. This project is set to bring new business into the area and regenerate one of London’s architectural landmarks.
First opened in 1863 as a ‘fancy goods’ store by entrepreneur William Whiteley, Whiteleys became one of the first ‘modern department stores,’ one massive shop where you could buy almost anything. It was a vibrant and successful business serving surrounding residents and providing employment to over 5000 people in its hay day.
Remodelled in 1911, Whiteley’s became the grade II listed building we see today. With its sculpted columns, elegant long windows, and grand entrances, the building is characterised by bronze balconies and glass domes. Its signature central staircase which spirals to the 3rd floor whilst light beams down from to the glass dome above sets the tone for this building's style. At Christmas time, Whiteley’s shopping centre was truly delightful, housing one of the tallest Christmas trees and Santa’s grotto in its main hall, this atmosphere was symbolic of this shopping centre’s character.
The charm of this building has not gone unnoticed in its refurbishment. Its grade II listed structures including its windows, wrought ironwork, glass domes, and the decadent staircase will be preserved through the reconstruction work, and it will be interesting to see how the design will incorporate this building’s features. The residential units will comprise 1, 2, 3 and four bedroom apartments and at the premium end, there will be several duplexes, corner units, and penthouses. These will be designed like no other residence in London due to the unique features of this building. Complete with retail and eateries on its doorstep, a gym, swimming pool and spa available to residents, this will be an undeniably stylish development.
Westminster council has had significant involvement in the proposed redevelopment of Queensway & will extend the pavement to create a larger pedestrianised area. This project has been a long time coming and is now underway. This development, worth over £1billion, will have a significant impact on values to property in the area, as well as a providing a new space for retail and dining within a stone's throw of Hyde Park and Notting Hill.
For more information, you can visit the project website.
Basing Street Development- The SARM Studios
Much to the sadness of many music lovers who have fond memories of great bands attending this famous recording studio. The former Basing Street Studio is undergoing a reconfiguration into mixed residential and commercial use. It has housed both SARM and Island Records, and over time, has seen a host of world-famous musical artists including the likes of the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley & The Wailers came here to work on the Exodus album. George Michaels recorded Careless Whispers here. Other artists who have recorded here include some of the best-known pop songs, such as Alicia Keys, Genesis, The Who, Roxy Music, John Martyn, The Pet Shop Boys, Jethro Tull, Squeeze and Madonna, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ by Led Zeppelin and Queen’s ‘We Are the Champions.’ Kylie Minogue, Take That and Rihanna are some of the few who have been known to record at Basing Street Studios. The most famous memory for many was the recording of the original Band Aid charity single “Do they know it’s Christmas’ in 1984.
Even before its days of music and rhythm, the former chapel has a rich and intriguing history. Originally built as a church, it was later deconsecrated and used as a storeroom and workshop for one of London’s famous Madame Tussauds. The old church then began its life as a studio in 1969, and over the years has been known as Basing Street Studios.
This 17th century chapel with its funky and colourful history will comprise nine swanky London pads in total. This prime London real estate is a very cool London address in Notting Hill W11. The redeveloped building will also continue its musical legacy by including a high-tech office space alongside a recording studio.
What a fantastic way to own an iconic piece of music history of our time! This is the perfect London pad for a creative who wants their own slice of urban rhythm.
You can read more about its planning stages here
THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN NOTTING HILL
As Estate Agents Notting Hill based, we don’t just know about property, we know about transport links, local schools, parks, shopping and most importantly good places to eat. We’ve put together a selection of eateries, some hidden gems known only to local residents and some favorite hotspots that bring people to Notting Hill to experience:
Ottolenghi: a deli-style eatery on trendy Ledbury road. They prepare a healthy and appealing selection of salads with a Mediterranean touch, topped with pomegranates or their signature tahini dressing which is delicious. Their choice of inspired cakes, pastries, and huge meringues, served with a pot of tea are a welcome break from a busy shopping day on Westbourne Grove or Portobello Road. Find them at 63 Ledbury Rd- W11 2AD
The Granger: Owned by Australian chef Bill Granger, who has a small selection of restaurants worldwide. He is also known as a food writer for recipes and cookbooks as well as writing for newspapers and magazines. Popular for its breakfasts and buzzing atmosphere, the Notting Hill restaurant has a walk-in policy and attracts a queue of hungry food lovers waiting to be seated. It has a very international feel, and the pancakes are delicious. Find them at 175 Westbourne Grove- London W11 2SB
Kensington Park Gardens Road offers a nice selection of Italian restaurants and cocktail bars. There are lots of good places to eat, and it has a very Notting Hill feel. It houses restaurants such as Osteria Basilico which serves typical Italian food, antipasti, oven-baked pizza, and other traditional dishes as well as good wines. Other restaurants and cocktail bars include E&O, situated on the corner which serves delicious Pan-Asian food and a wide range of drinks. There is plenty to choose from, and they all carry a touch of local atmosphere. Find them at 29 Kensington Park Gardens- W11 2EU
Spanish square: It’s a busy square with a Spanish feel, there are a couple of restaurants, La Plaza is the most well-known, but they all serve Spanish style cuisine. There is lots of seating outside in the square and a range of tapas and wine on offer. It’s a little meetup hub for friends to socialise over food, and it’s always busy due to its central Portobello location. You can watch the colours of Portobello road while having nibbles of tapas. Find them at LaPlaza74 Tavistock Rd- W11 1AN
Pizza East: Spending a day meandering Portobello Market? If you make it to the very end, you will arrive at Pizza East. It has a rustic atmosphere, family orientated, although on Saturdays it does get busy. They offer an Italian style menu with antipasti, pizza and pasta dishes as well as a selection of wines and cocktails. Go there on a weekday, and you will find local families having lunch. A quiet and relaxed feel and space for little ones too. Outside seating on the pavement is available, and it’s a nice place to sit and watch the world go by. Find them at 310 Portobello Rd- W10 5TA
Taqueria: This local gem serves Mexican food and is widely known for its amazing tacos. Their roots are grounded in Portobello where they first traded in the market before moving to their current location where they have now been for over 12 years. The restaurant is a favorite among local residents both due to its delicious flavours and friendly service. Lunch or dinner, tacos at the Taqueria is a good idea. Find them at 141- 143 Westbourne Grove- W11 2RS
The Fish Shop on Notting hill gate. This Italian run fish and chip shop makes, in my humble opinion, the best batter, it’s light, it’s crispy, and it’s not oily. It’s not the only fish and chip shop in the area, and I could not go on without mentioning the Chipping Sodbury on All Saints road for a peaceful and equally delicious evening meal. The Fish Shop is always busy. You can also order a takeaway- either way; it’s delicious! Tip: If you still have a little spot left for dessert, you can go to the shop next door to have fantastic ice cream, I mean gelato! Find them at 29 Pembridge Rd- W11 3HG
The Farmacy: Set in a decadent airy décor, the Farmacy offers a plant-based menu. Colourful brunches, healthy takes on a number of traditional meals and their earth bowl selection of world dishes recreated in a healthy heart-warming bowl of goodness. They emphasis activated ingredients giving you optimal nutrition. They offer a great variety of beverages from fresh and healthy juices and hot drinks from cacao hot chocolate, matcha latte, and artisan coffees. Find them at 74- 76 Westbourne Grove- W11 5SH
Redemption: If you are looking for vegan options, you can head to Redemption. This plant-based café/restaurant has a wide selection of healthy juices, hot drinks. Their menu is creative vegan take on a number of well-known dishes and includes brunch bowls, lunch dishes such as pulled jack fruit burger, zucchini, and risotto. Their drinks selection includes healthy options such as turmeric latte, rich hot cacao with lashings of coconut cream and topped with edible flowers. Eating at Redemption is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Find them at 6 Chepstow Rd- W2 5BH
Rum Kitchen: This Caribbean themed eatery offers you a tropical vibe the moment you walk through the door. As you look around, everyone is sipping an elaborate cocktail of some kind and chatting over the beat of the reggae music. The menu has a mouth-watering choice of Caribbean inspired dishes, served with chips, sweet potato or plantain fries. It’s a nice place to have a bite to eat and get a feel for some of the cultural diversity of Notting Hill. Find them at 6-8 All Saints Rd- W11 1HH.
Maggie Jones: This is our wild card! This rustic French style dining is not the average dining experience. Maggie Jones offer a slightly alternative and seasonal menu with dishes including seasonal game. Their delightful dishes are rustic, real and the atmosphere is of food lovers’ excitement. It’s a must try if you enjoy a menu with hardy dishes with a touch of French flair. Find them at 6 Old Court Place- W8 4PL
The Ledbury: A fine dining experience in the heart of Notting Hill. Tucked away behind manicured hedges, The Ledbury, a relatively demure yet sleek restaurant, boasts 2 Michelin stars and is well known among London foodies. The Ledbury has a long reputation for its food, wines, and atmosphere. You need a reservation here as they can get booked weeks in advance. It’s a must fine dining experience if you are a real food lover. Find them at 127 Ledbury Road- W11 2AQ
WHERE IS THE BLUE DOOR FROM THE FILM NOTTING HILL?
Notting Hill attracts thousands of visitors each year; it is home to Portobello Market, one of the most renowned markets in the world. Famous for appearing in films such as Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Paddington Bear and most famously, Hugh Grant’s Notting Hill featuring Julia Roberts. Visitors come to Portobello Road to see this colourful market as well as explore the streets in search of the famous blue door.
The world famous Notting Hill blue door is the second door on Westbourne Park Road, number 280. As you stroll through Portobello Road, you will reach what is now a Starbucks on the corner of Westbourne park road and Portobello Road. The second door, a large blue door with tall white columns on each side is the famous door from the film. You will surely find other visitors congregating on the corner, map in hand, looking for it so that they can snap that signature shot standing in front of the door. Once you have seen it and recalled that scene from the film, you can head around the corner to find the film’s other popular landmarks.
Well, the bookshop is another matter. Many people take photos outside the blue travel bookshop on Blenheim Crescent. However, this is not the book shop from the film. It’s an easy mistake to make as it fits the description and is a very pretty little bookshop which has a traditional and quaint feel. The book shop from the film no longer exists, if ever it was a bookshop, this is why so many people pass it by. The location of the shop featured in the film is number 142 Portobello Road. It has a sign above the name of the shop, and one on the side wall with the title: ‘The Travel Bookshop.’ From the front, it is now a souvenir shop and resembles little from the décor in the actual film. It’s just a nice little fact to know, so grab a photo with the sign and head down the road to the Notting Hill bookshop for a real book shop selfie. And if in doubt, ask a local, a market trader or a Notting Hill estate agent to point you in the right direction!
As I stand on Portobello road, waiting for my 2.30 appointment to arrive, I observe the steady flow of excited faces as they finally find the right door. As local estate agents, we spend a fair amount of time walking to and from properties, and it seems to be a frequent question asked in many different accents:
“Where is the blue door from the film Notting Hill?”
“Do you know where to find the book shop from the film Notting Hill? “
Pointing them in the right direction, they hurry excitedly in the direction of the Notting Hill Film landmarks. Thoughts trail off to city breaks where that has been me, running eagerly towards a sight of my interests. I smile as I fumble around in my bag for the keys to the next property, a smart two-bedroom flat for rent, in a prime Notting Hill location.
Once you have had your photo fill, Portobello has a wide range of foods, depending on the day you choose to visit, Friday and Saturday markets offer a colourful choice of street foods. Portobello caters to all tastes, from Italian to Caribbean, and Spanish tapas. If you have a sweet tooth, you can enjoy a gorgeous cupcake from Hummingbird, famous for its amazing red velvet cupcake. Notting Hill has a vast range of cafes to choose from, where you can watch the world go by and soak up some the atmosphere that is portrayed in so many movies. You can find a selection of great places to eat in Notting Hill here