Brondesbury Area Guide

Panorama 2025... A historic night of steelpan excellence! Get ready for an unforgettable evening of steelpan as the UK National Panorama Steelband Competition returns on Saturday 23rd August 2025 For the first time in history,Junior Panorama will take place on the same stage and same night as the main competition, uniting generations of pan players in one powerful celebration. Audiences will witness the UKs finest youth steelbands showcase their skill and passion before the countrys top adult orchestras take to the stage in a masterful display of musical excellence, all competing for the title of Panorama Champions 2025. 5pm Junior Panorama 8pm Panorama Winners for both Junior Panorama and Panorama will be announced on the night. This is more than a show its the beating heart of Notting Hill Carnivals musical tradition and the biggest night of steelpan in the UK. Support the Arts Proceeds from ticket sales will be distributed among the performing bands. NHCL is dedicated to supporting and promoting Carnival Arts, and we encourage you to join us in this effort. By purchasing a ticket, you are helping the bands to practice year-round and showing your appreciation for the arts. To contribute further to our fundraising efforts, please visit our website for more information.

TownsendTheatre Productions presents WEARETHELIONS, MR MANAGER! -thestory of Jayaben DesaiandtheGrunwick Strike Written by Neil Gore Directed by Louise Townsend "We Are The Lions, Mr Manager!" is the story of the Great Grunwick Film Processing Factory Strike of 1976-8, and the inspirational strike-leader Jayaben Desai, one of many newly arrived Gujarati women workers from East Africa. Grunwick wasnt a strike about wages it was about something much more important than that: it was about dignity. Dignity at work.And, forthesmall band of Asian women strikers, who bravedthesun, rain,andsnow month-inandmonth-out onthepicket lines, from August 1976 to July 1978, rights intheworkplaceandpride at workwere far more important than any amount of money. Night after nightthepublic watched dramatic television footage of clashes onthepicket lines, between snatch squadsandregimented police lines, ontheone side,andwave after wave of trade union members, picketsandprotesters, ontheother. Each morningthestrikers, a group of predominantly Asian women, colourful saris often hidden beneath heavy woollen coats, would take uptheir posts onthepicket lines, unbowedandunbroken intheface of intimidation,thethreat of arrestandthesting ofthecold. They had been employed by Grunwick, a photographic processing factory in north-west London, inthebelief thatthey would be easy to handle, to browbeatandto exploit. Yet,they foundtheir own distinctive voice inthecourse ofthestruggle to securetheir rights. Even duringthehardest of times, Jayaben Desai hadtheuncanny ability to evoke a mood or sum up a situation with a perfectlyweighted turn of phrase. In this way, she hadthemeasure ofthemost brutishandcharmless of her managers, when she toldthem: What youarerunning here is not a factory, it is a zoo. But in a zootherearemany types of animals. Somearemonkeys who dance on your fingertips, othersarelionswho can bite your head off.Wearethelions, Mr. Manager! Ranged againstthese lions ofthetrade union movement was, however, a new type of employer ruthlessandimplacable in defence of his right to makethemaximum amount of profit, regardless ofthehuman cost,andbehind him a new, highly ideological breed of hard right-wing politicians, fanatically devoted to neoliberalismandthedestruction ofthehard-won freedoms of working people. Jayaben Desai: ...my English not good. Yet she talkedthelanguage of Ghandi, withtheburning sense of injustice of La Passionara. Indeed, at times she was almost Shakespearean. She had a way with words that capturedthevery essence ofthehuman spirit. Grunwick truly did make history.Thestrike sawthebiggest mobilisation in labour movement history around a local dispute, with 20,000 descending on Chapter Road in Willesden on 11 July 1977. Grunwick saw one ofthemost remarkable acts of solidarity in labour movement history withthebrave stand taken bytheCricklewood post office workers. Grunwick put centre-stagetheissue oftheexploitation of immigrant workers, nailingthemyth that Asian workerswere passiveandunorganisable. Grunwick was a defining moment in the trade union and political lives of tens of thousands, who came to the streets of Brent to back the Grunwick workers. 'The story of Jayaben Desai... makes you laugh, feel and think... a powerful story, powerfully told.' Clare Brennan Read the full review "Magnificent Play" Peter Frost. The Morning Star (Front Page) Read the full review 'This production is an absolute winner.' Chris Omaweng. @LondonTheatre1 Read the full review

Available in Spanish, English Dive into the sweet world of chocolate making in the vibrant heart of Notting Hill! Only a stone's throw from the iconic Portobello Road, this experience offers you a unique peek behind the scenes. Watch our world-class chocolatiers in action, ask all your burning questions, and see firsthand how your favorite treats are crafted. It's the perfect blend of fun and chocolatey education. Get your tickets for Make Your Own Amazing Chocolate in Notting Hill! Watch world-class chocolatiers at work in an open room setting. Stroll around the beautiful environment of Notting Hill, just minutes from Portobello Road. Create your own amazing chocolates and take them home! Bottled water to keep you hydrated throughout the workshop. Linen Apron provided to keep your clothes clean. Take home all the chocolates you craft during the session. Wheelchair users will find accessibility throughout, as all areas and surfaces are designed to be wheelchair friendly, including transportation options. For families, infants and small children can either ride in a pram or stroller or are required to sit on an adult’s lap. For those opting for public transport, options are readily available nearby, ensuring easy access to and from the location. Experience supplied by Melt Chocolates Notting Hill

Enjoy a two or three course lunch or indulge in the full three-course experience at Smith's Bar and Grill, featuring a variety of mouthwatering dishes to suit all tastes. Start with a comforting seasonal soup or creamy burrata, then savor mains like the succulent flat iron steak or tender baby chicken. With a welcoming atmosphere, impeccable service, and the finest ingredients, it's the perfect spot to elevate your lunch.

Frances is a neuroscientist on the brink of a breakthrough. Along with her research partner, Grace, she has the opportunity to get a multi-million pound grant to take their research into treatment for stroke victims to the next level. At this moment, Harry re-enters her life. Harry is a retired rugby player whose career has left his brain with severe damage. His personality is changing, he has been violent towards his family, and all other doctors have failed to help him. He comes to Francis as his last hope and she is faced with a terrible decision: leave one man to suffer alone, or risk her research, career and the treatment she and Grace have pioneered to give Harry a chance of salvation. With brain injury a major issue in sport and advances in biotech creating dilemmas for medics and patients alike, George Almond’s new play crackles with relevance, intelligence, wit and tragedy - and asks questions of us all.

Smith's Bar & Grill invites you to an evening with its 8 course tasting menu, expertly created to highlight the best seasonal ingredients. Enjoy optional wine pairings expertly selected to enhance each dish. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, this is an evening of exceptional flavours and ambiance. Perfect for date nights or gatherings with friends, Smith's offers an experience that combines fine dining with a lively atmosphere.