Notting Hill
With the recent Julia Roberts/Hugh Grant hit and the upcoming events in this area, I think it appropriate to focus this month on the London region of Notting Hill.

Notting Hill is located just northwest of Hyde Park and is easily accessible by public transport. The main tube stop is Notting Hill Gate. Although it is now one of the trendiest areas in London to live, not very long ago it was a poor run down area. It is now a vibrant mix of everything with many trendy cafes and independent designer's shops.

This Month
Notting Hill Carnival
The August bank holiday features the Notting Hill Carnival. Sunday the 29th is children's day, and the main party is on Monday the 30th. The carnival began in 1965 in response to the race riots the year before and has grown into the largest carnival outside of Rio. The main features are the elaborate costumes and Caribbean music. Be warned, during this period most tube stations in the area are closed (a method of crowd control) and police like to emphasize the petty theft. One excellent feature of the festival is the seeming lack of crowd control, which means spectators are free to join the parades.

Great Eats
Beach Blanket Babylon - 45 Ledbury Road, 0171 229 2907.
Excellent as a restaurant or bar, this place creates an atmosphere like no other in the city. It's some strange cross between medieval dungeons and gothic "eerie romance". Unfortunately it closes at 11pm.

To See & Do
Notting Hill (the movie) - NottingHilltv.co.uk features a map of the film's sights as well as information at the area, although it seems to be geared mainly at residents.

Shopping
Portobello Road Market - With colourful houses, this is the most scenic market in London and was featured in the film Notting Hill. Apparently the largest Antique Market in the world, it has much more than just antiques. Funky shops, clothes of all kinds, mainstream shops like The Body Shop, food stalls like you wouldn't believe, and of course tacky souvenirs. This is my favorite of all London markets and I strongly recommend a visit. This web-site features an interactive walk through the market.