Emily Morton talks to Stuart Bennett (left) and Jon Reynolds (right), Sales and Lettings Managers from Notting Hill. Here's what they have to say on their area...
HI! THANKS FOR HAVING ME TO YOUR OFFICE IN NOTTING HILL. WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MARKET IN YOUR AREA? WHAT'S HOT RIGHT NOW?Stuart: 'Hi Emily, Welcome to Notting Hill! Well, the new developments at the top of Ladbroke Grove and behind Golborne Road are very exciting for local residents and new buyers, and are definitely boosting the area at the moment.'
Jon: 'And, there are rumours that London's first shopping centre, Whiteleys, has recently been acquired along with other surrounding properties along Queensway. Bayswater and Paddington have some interesting developments in the pipeline too. Watch this space!'
ANY UP AND COMING SHOPS, BARS OR RESTAURANTS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?Stuart: 'The amazing Venetian restaurant, Polpo, which is a big hit in Soho, has recently opened in Notting Hill Gate.'
Jon: 'Also, Stuart and I are spoilt for choice this summer for trendy swimming trunks, as Vilbrequin opened on Ledbury Road, competing with Orlebar Brown on Westbourne Grove.'
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE HIDEOUTS?Jon: 'Breakfast at Bluebells on the top of Portobello Road is a weekend habit I can't seem to kick.'
Stuart: 'I reckon you can't beat Pizza East for an amazing Sunday brunch, buzzing atmosphere and a bit of celeb spotting. It's definitely the trendiest hangout spot for locals.'
AND IF MONEY IS NO OBJECT, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?Jon: 'Notting Hill is full of galleries, antique shops and art centres where you can pick up incredible vintage finds along Portobello Road. I think I'd invest in something contemporary from one of the trendy galleries in the area which can then take pride of place at home!'
Stuart: 'That's an easy one; I'd go for a slap up meal at The Ledbury followed by some serious spending in the boutiques along Westbourne Grove.'
SOUNDS GOOD! HOW ABOUT FOR FREE?Stuart: 'Despite having lived in Notting Hill for 18 years, I've just got a dog and discovered the joy of escaping for a little peace and quiet in one of the many hidden parks in and around the area. Some of these are reserved for residents, but Holland Park and Little Wormwood Scrubs are open to all and are particularly beautiful.'
TELL US SOMETHING OTHERS WOULDN'T KNOW'Jon: 'In the early 19th century, a racetrack set to rival Ascot and Epsom and known as the 'Kensington Hippodrome' was built on the meadows of Notting Hill. This wasn't a success, but the streets including Blenheim Crescent, Elgin Crescent and Lansdowne Crescent are all located on the original site and clearly show the curve of the track.'
THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR TIME AND FOR SHARING SOME OF YOUR INSIDE KNOWLEDGE ON NOTTING HILL.Contact Foxtons Notting Hill or ask Stuart or Jon to value your home.
View current properties for sale or to rent in Notting Hill.
