Image by Peter Hoffer

Despite its relative small size compared to the more famous Hyde Park or Richmond Park, the area of Holland Park boasts many draws, including a playing field for pick-up games of football or cricket, an ecology centre, rugged woods for brisk jogs, and a hostel. The park even hosts opera performances in the summer!

My favourite part of the park is the peaceful Kyoto Garden, which is like a tiny pocket of Japan inside and English park. When I first moved to London, my apartment was only minutes away. I would often spend time here to get away from the cramped space of my flat and the noise from my busy street.

The garden was opened in 1991 as a gift from Kyoto to commemorate the long friendship between Japan and Great Britain. The garden is carefully designed to reflect key traits of Japanese gardens, including stone lanterns, tiered waterfalls and plenty of fish. The crashing water is occasionally mixed with the squawks of peacocks who wander around the park. Despite these occasional birdcalls, a few minutes in the Kyoto Garden will have a restorative effect to your spirit.

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Kyoto Garden | Relaxing | Free
Ilchester Place W8 | West
07.30 until 30 minutes before dusk daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals London

Image by Pizza East, Portobello

Soho House Group’s newest sensation Pizza East, has opened on Portobello Road, Notting Hill – and just like its sister restaurant in East London, the authentic Italian food and rustic country dining area is beautifully executed.

Taking over from the Old Fat Badger pub, Pizza East has retained some of the pub’s original Victorian features; the high and distressed ceilings and large open windows creates a light and welcoming space.  While the old bar has been replaced with a tapas style eating area; adorned with hanging cuts of Italy’s finest legs of meat.

If you want to make an afternoon of it, get in early to secure a table (they don’t take bookings) and start with a selection of dishes from the antipasti menu, such as the beef crudo with rocket and parmigiano reggiano or the langoustines with chilli and monk’s beard. With palates teased, move onto one of their famous thin based pizzas;  after one bite it becomes evident the products have been sourced further afield than the local Tesco! Wash it down with a watermelon martini …or a bottle of prosecco, and you’ll be mentally planning your next trip to Italy…or at the very least, your next visit to Pizza East.

As for the atmosphere, everytime I’ve visited, whether it be for brunch or a leisurely afternoon, the place is always buzzing. Being Notting Hill, you get a mix of the weird, wonderful and downright eccentric, so you’re never short of a people watching opportunity either. Buon Appetito!

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Pizza East Portobello | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Italian) | Pizzas from £ 7.00
310 Portobello Road, W10 5TA | West | +442089694500
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 23:30, Fri – Sat 08:00 – 00:00, Sun 08:00 – 22:30

Copyrights Spotted by Locals London

Image by Jivamukti Yoga London

Like many, you’ve sweated it out in Bikram after being enticed by one of the introductory offers circulating town. Although, after 90 minutes of gruelling poses in Delhi-like temperatures, you discovered the combination of trying to maintain consciousness and not slide off your mat was an upward battle you weren’t going to win. Rest assured dear yogi – there is an alternative.

Jivamukti Yoga, located in Westbourne Park, offers an equally challenging workout except without the 40 degree heat and the threat of your neighbours sweat flicking in your face.

Founded in New York, it is a form of Hatha Yoga performed to chill out music, while inked-up highly spiritual instructors effortlessly take you through the sequence while stopping to give a privileged few massages (and no, noises of appreciation are not acceptable!).

A little warning for those downward-dog sceptics out there – it does rate quite high on the hippy thermometer – as the class opens and closes with chanting. Fortunately, there are no solo performances, and the awkwardness of this will fade, providing you don’t fall into a total euphoric state and shout an extra ‘OM’ once the class has clearly stopped. Happy chanting.

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Jivamukti Yoga London | Relaxing | 10 days (introduction) £ 10
300 Kensal Road | West | +442089603999
Mon & Wed 07:00 – 20:45, Tue & Thu 10:00 – 21:00, Fri 07:00 – 20:30, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 18:30

Copyrights Spotted by Locals London

Image by Deanna Romano

With the steady invasion of coffee chains it can be a struggle to find independent coffee shops in London. However bypass some of the usual suspects which line Portobello Road, then turn into Elgin Crescent where you’ll find Kitchen and Pantry. Furnished with big brown comfy sofas and wooden kitchen tables – it is buzzing with chatter, the grinding of coffee and the hum of soulful music.

On the weekend, there’s a mixture of 20-somethings lounging on the sofas, young families having a snack, and people tapping away at their laptops. So if you’re flying solo, it’s a great place to do some work as there are many places to plug in your laptop and take advantage of the wireless and hot drink specials. And speaking of drinks, there’s a large selection of tea, coffee and fresh juices to accompany the tempting biscuits and cakes lining the large kitchen style counters.

If you’re after something more substantial, there’s an all-day-breakfast menu and a variety of light snacks for around £5 or less. Kitchen and Pantry has a laid back and cosy atmosphere – making you feel like you are in a large country house kitchen!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kitchen and Pantry | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Drinks & snacks around £ 5.00
14 Elgin Crescent | West | +442077278888
Mon – Fri 07:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 08:00 – 20:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals London

Image by Hyde Park Stables

Nestled in the centre of London lies Hyde Park – an oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Therefore, horse riding through the nation’s landmark park is undoubtedly such a special way to experience the park, and a more traditional way of experiencing London.

The Rotten Row, the bridleways around Hyde Park, have been famous throughout England for over 300 years. Therefore, to continue this grand tradition, the Hyde Park Stables offer lessons and horse rides through the park all year round.

Located just a few streets back from the park and down a cobblestone mews, the stables offer one-hour lessons which cost up to £59, in addition to 10-week courses and private classes.

Beginners are welcome and can rest assured that the friendly staff are on hand to help, ensuring that the well tempered horses remain safely within the park at all times.

Bookings are required in advance and gift vouchers are also available.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Hyde Park Stables | Relaxing | Group lesson £ 64.00
63 Bathurst Mews | West | +442077232813
Daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals London

Image by Deanna Romano

Jane Bourvis is a small and unassuming shop positioned among the many charismatic antique stores which line Notting Hill’s Golborne Road. Upon entering the store, you are met with antique tutu’s, Victorian fairytale dresses and delicate fabrics draping from the ceilings and walls – sending an image of Sarah Jessica Parker twirling round to the sound of the cello and the flutter of fairies.

The beautiful lace fabrics and dainty dresses will have you wondering whether you could get away with wearing a beaded corset or ballerina dress to your next party. After some serious consideration, if the answer is still no, there is a unique jewellery collection and cute little homeware items which might be on the slightly more practical side.

However on a grander scale, if you’re planning a wedding and waltzing down the aisle in antique laces has always been your dream, Jane Bourvis specialises in designing vintage couture wedding dresses in addition to headpieces and bridal corsetry. The individually handcrafted dresses and attention to detail will no doubt leave you in possession of a truly individual and special piece -hopefully the groom is of equal calibre!

And despite not being in need of a wedding dress or a pink tutu, I make a point of entering the fairytale world that is Jane Bourvis every time I’m in the area.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Jane Bourvis | Shopping | Small gifts £ 10.00
89 Golborne Road | West | +442089645603
Tue – Sat 11:00 – 18:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals London

Image by Steve Cadman on Flickr

Cue music. Cue Prince William stretching in the gardens of Kensington Palace after a hard afternoon of mowing. The ladies-who-tea gather about admiring his royal physique as they sip their tea and bite into their cucumber sandwiches whilst letting out a lusty sigh. Mmmm… what time is it? It’s tea time at The Orangery!

Of course, the scenario above is a fantasy. Prince William does not cut the grass in the palace gardens. Nor does he hang about in quite a ‘public’ area. What is real is that The Orangery is the perfect place for afternoon tea, which is traditionally around 16:00… and the fact that ladies do swoon over Prince William. (I’m sure his wife wouldn’t mind!)

Afternoon tea is not religiously practiced anymore but should you fancy having a go, then The Orangery is highly recommended for an authentic feel. It is located within the grounds of the Kensington Palace, Princess Diana’s former home. They serve the traditional afternoon tea trimmings of sandwiches in those lovely tiered trays along with scones, clotted cream and jam. For the sweet toothed, prepare for an avalanche of cakes and tarts. And if you happen to have missed lunch, then you can also order some light pasta and salad dishes. There is no facility to book tables so you have to be there early enough for the tea experience although they do serve them from 3pm giving you more time to stalk, err, enjoy.

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The Orangery | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Cakes from £ 2.50
Kensington Palace, Gardens | West | +442073760239
10:00 – 17:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals London

Image by Deanna Romano

It’s a constant dilemma. London has so many fantastic pubs and clubs, however often it’s so hard to find a bar where you can go dancing which doesn’t close when the clock strikes twelve. However the Ruby & Sequoia restaurant bar, which is located near the fabulous Portobello Road, offers just that.

The main bar is a great place to stand around with a cocktail and catch up with friends, while the small downstairs area plays a mixture of dance and funk, which incidentally will have you dancing until the wee hours of the night.

The only downside about this place is that it has recently turned into a members bar, which means non-members need to call ahead to get their names at the door. However entry is still free.

The restaurant is also open for brunch and offers the perfect hangover cure for £10 – any main course, a Bloody Mary, the morning papers and of course coffee and juice. Therefore, with Portobello Road less than a one minute walk away, Ruby & Sequoia restaurant bar is a great place to either start or end a day out in the area.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Ruby & Sequoia | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks, Restaurants (European)
6-8 All Saints Road | West | +442072436363
Mon – Thu 18:00 – 00:30, Fri 18:00 – 02:00, Sat 11:00 – 02:00, Sun 11:00 – 00:30

Copyrights Spotted by Locals London