Okay, the name may be difficult to recall (or even say for that matter), but the little Italian wine bar on the corner of Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road, in Notting Hill, is definitely worth remembering.
Negozio Classica stands out with its inviting red exterior. From the road, you can see the warm wine bar full of young couples and groups, caught up in romantic and intense conversations around tables full of wine and small plates. They are relaxed and cozy, as if they’re in their own homes, solving the world’s problems over nice bottles of red and plates of cheese. The place actually feels like a living room. There’s even a floor lamp for lighting, which I cannot recall ever seeing in any restaurant before. That lamp illuminates a framed map and some bookshelves, making the line between a public restaurant and a friend’s house very fuzzy.
The wine menu had a nice variety of types and prices. My husband enjoyed £17.00 glasses of Brunello and I got very drunk on £7.oo dry whites. That sentence basically sums us right up. But, anyway, the food menu was a little confusing at first. We were not sure if everything was to be considered small, sharing plates, or if there were in fact proper entrees. We chose to go the starter and separate entrees route, which worked just fine, but you could definitely go either way. The gorgonzola bruschetta was absolutely delicious. Whipped into a mousse with truffles and then swirled onto fresh bread, the dish was divine. We were worried that we didn’t order enough food, but ended up not finishing our steak salad and pasta dish. Which was unfortunate because they were both really fresh with outstanding flavors.
Amazing gorgonzola bruschetta at Negozio Classica, Notting Hill
Overall, we had a great night at Negozio Classica. We will definitely head back for more wine, an impromptu lunch, or another weeknight dinner. I don’t know if it is where we would head for a full Saturday night dinner, since the menu is pretty limited and the atmosphere is casual, but by all means try it. The friendly staff will be ready to welcome you.
Negozio Classica
Steak dinner at Negozio Classica, London
283 Westbourne Grove
London W11 2QA
A hair salon with a cocktail menu, how can that be anything but a Do?! My experience at Taylor Taylor was too much fun. And I needed that after all of the horrible Aveda experiences that I have previously shared with you.
An amazing mural outside Taylor Taylor, West London
Taylor Taylor is located on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. Since I was so over Aveda, and had friends recommend this place, I decided to check it out for myself. I went to their website and booked a £64 (cheaper than Aveda) cut/blow dry appointment online. I love 2016 and online bookings. I never want to use the telephone for anything but non-telephone related activities ever again. Their website is easy and I got a time slot right away. And that’s not for a lack of clients. They always seem to have a regular, healthy flow of customers when I walk by and peek in their large windows.
Inside Taylor Taylor, West London
The decor at Taylor Taylor is not exactly my taste, but I did really like the gold basement shampoo room. The sink and chairs were comfortable and allowed for me to lay back with my feet up and stare at the gold gilded ceiling and a pretty cool peacock painting. In the gold room, I received a nice little scalp massage with my wash. Then, I headed back upstairs walking by some pretty cool wallpaper.
Upstairs, I had one of their signature bellinis waiting for me. It was delicious and made the whole experience extra decadent and fun. Everyone seemed friendly and I enjoyed chatting with the stylist as I got more and more drunk. At the end, the cut looked great! I was afraid I had Bellini goggles, but even the next day I was still in awe of my new ‘do. It even passed my test of looking great after my unprofessional hands tried to style it! That’s what I call a success. Therefore, I’m definitely going to head back to Taylor Taylor. A do for my do!
The Westbourne is where the cool kids like to go. The “sceney” pub is a summer hotspot right in the heart of Notting Hill. Instead of your typical corner pub that circles around a bar, The Westbourne is just a big open space filled with a hodgepodge of minimalist and antique tables. These tables are rammed together and full of drinkers and diners. The tables are first come first serve and make for a great place to just chill.
The real draw to The Westbourne, though, is their equally open and spacious outside seating. There are not too many places with outside, sun-facing tables. At The Westbourne, a 100 people can squeeze into the squared off front and enjoy the sun right up until it sets. The outside gets packed with a mix of young money, dressed up in designer streetwear, and hip Notting Hill parents that down pints as their kids wander around. It’s such a cool mix of people and the vibe on a sunny day is like you’re on a beach holiday. No cares, just relaxed, drinking in the sunshine.
The food at The Westbourne is pretty good, too. I sat with friends and had pints and then wine while we shared the hummus and cheese plate. I also had their baked goat cheese salad with sweet potato. Both dishes were amazing, and I left full and drunk for under £30.00. Can’t beat that!
The Westbourne is just a fun place to have a low-key weeknight dinner or to stop in to get your Saturday night rolling. Pregame in the sunshine outside, or get cozy inside during the winter months. Regardless, of when you go, there will be a nice little crowd and it will be worth the trip.
The Westbourne
101 Westbourne Park Villas
London w2 5ED
With the slogan “The most authentic diner this side of the Brooklyn Bridge,” I knew Lucky 7 in Notting Hill was going to fill a huge void for me. The void being the empty part of my stomach that has longed for an amazing cheeseburger since I moved to London.
Cheeseburgers and fries are as American as it can get. They’re what turned McDonald’s into a multi-BILLION dollar brand and the United States into the most obese country in the world. If you google what is the most American food, you get pictures of cheeseburgers and then some pretty incredible variations that include cheesy patties sandwiched between donuts or breasts of fried chicken. #Merica!
Ahh, the cheeseburger. The perfect late-night snack, hangover cure, picnic must-have, crowd-pleaser. Cheeseburgers for everyone all the time! And then I moved to England. Where the meat is not fatty and full of flavor and the patties are too thick and dry. Where there is a mild cheddar barely melted on top instead of a salty, gooey slice of American cheese. Where the bun is just blah and the only thing you can say to comfort yourself is “it’s much healthier here.” Now, English people may not get this obsession, and love their own burgers, which is fine. To each their own. But for me, being brought up in America, I need each bite to be an explosion of flavor in my mouth.
So with every hangover in London, I found myself depressed that I hadn’t yet found my cheeseburger cure. That was until I found Lucky 7! An American-themed diner that would join my list of places to combat homesickness, located on Westbourne Park Road in West London. The place is set up like a true diner with large booths, soda pop decor, and peg letter menu boards. They have everything you could want at a diner! Chili cheese fries, milkshakes, burgers, even pancakes! And everything tastes AMAZING! My only complaint is the pickle. I still have yet to find a good, salty pickle in London. Every time I get a pickle alongside my meal, it’s always sweet. But I’m asking for too much, I know. Its just that there’s always something that reminds you you’re not in America with these themed places. But that’s okay! I had found my cheeseburger!!!
I’m a little too excited right now, I know, but it’s almost lunchtime and this burger picture is making me giddy. Please, if you are an expat missing America, or from another country and want to understand what Americans make a fuss over, go check out Lucky 7. You won’t regret it. (Until you have to run twice as long at the gym the next day.) Enjoy!
The double-cheeseburger at Lucky 7, LondonMenu boards at Lucky 7, West London
This is a lifestyle blog. Yes, it would be easy to review restaurant after restaurant, but my goal is to bring you something that reviews all aspects of London life. Whether planning an itinerary for guests, or figuring out what to do with your weekend, I want to tick all of the boxes that create a well-rounded existence. Physical fitness is a big part of that for me. It’s what makes all of my eating and drinking possible, after all! So today, I bring to you one of my favorite places, the Westway Sports Centre. More specifically, their climbing gym.
Rock climbing is fun. It’s physical and mental, appropriate for all ages, genders, and body types, and is extremely social. I’ve climbed indoors and gone on outdoor climbing excursions and have always had a great time. Climbing with large groups is great for laughs and friendly competition, and having little climbing dates with my husband is good for our relationship and even brings us closer together. Climbing is a true trust building exercise and one of the few where you are actually putting your life into someone else’s hands. Couples who climb together, stay together. I have no idea if that’s true, but I definitely see the positive affects of climbing on my relationship. And not to mention my body! It’s a workout. You build muscle and break a sweat. You also give your mind a workout, too. Some routes can be very challenging, and you really need to use your brain to solve the puzzle of how to get to the top of the wall. It’s really quite cool.
So, now that I’ve sold you on climbing, you need a place to go. And that’s where the Westway Sports Centre comes in. Located in West London, the Westway is a giant fitness center that offers tennis, climbing, and has some outdoor sports fields. For £10.00 a day, non-members can utilize the climbing gym under the supervision of someone with a Westway membership or a trainer that is on staff. Personal climbing trainers or coaches are a great way to start, so you learn how to climb the right way and know the basics in climbing safety. Once you feel comfortable to go on your own, you can take the membership test. The 10 minute test on the fundamentals of rock climbing proves your competency on the wall and helps insure you are not a safety risk to yourself or others. Then it’s happy climbing to you for only £10.00 per visit or £53.00 per month for an unlimited climbing membership.
The colorful walls of the Westway Sports Centre, London
The climbing gym has around 350 routes for all levels. There are 4 auto-belay machines to assist you in climbing solo. There are enough bouldering walls and top-rope and lead climbing routes to ensure that there is never a wait and there’s always something to climb. Sure, there are definitely hours that can be a little congested (especially with cute but very loud and annoying children’s lessons), but overall, it’s a roomy gym. The energy in the gym is great. It’s a colorful place with relaxed, happy people.
And if you’re all climbed out, or just need to take a break, the Westway has a Crussh Cafe to grab a coffee or food, and have a proper visit with friends. You could also check out Urban Rock, the equipment and clothing store within the facility. There, you can actually rent the harness and shoes needed for climbing. This is a great option if you’re just starting out and not yet sure if climbing is for you. I’m sure you’ll decide it is and have your own kit in no time! So, next time you’re looking for a social and healthy activity, be sure to head to the Westway Sports Centre.
A climbing wall at the Westway Sports Centre, London
Westway Sports Centre
1 Crowthorne Road
London W10 6RP
The Shed is a small plates restaurant situated on a quiet side street behind Notting Hill Gate. When you walk up to the restaurant, if almost feels like stumbling upon a secret. The entrance leads you through a little garden that has rustic outdoor seating. The cozy area is illuminated by string lights threaded through vine-covered trellises. You are immediately transported out of London and back to the country or a hot summer night in the U.S. where fireflies circle around you all night long. It is just beautiful. The beautiful entrance to The Shed, West London
Outdoor seating at The Shed, West London
Through the garden is the entrance to the restaurant. A quirky shed, with a boathouse feel. We were immediately greeted by one of the flannel-clad staff members and led to our table through the busy bar and dining areas. Reservations are required here. I had called many days in advance and had to go back and forth via email to negotiate a booking at a reasonable time. They’re not on OpenTable or have any other type of online booking available which is not super convenient. They also call to confirm the reservation that required multiple calls to get in the first place. Let’s just say they make you work for it. However, it’s worth the effort.
Having been to their sister restaurant, Rabbit, we knew the drill. They recommend about 5 small plates for a couple. The ever-changing small plates menu has everything from single bite teasers to slow-cooked hearty portions. They also have a daily specialty cocktail they refer to as their “loosener.”
Cocktail menu at The Shed, West London
The menu is a little bit confusing. The descriptions are so abstract, that you don’t really know what you’re going to end up with. But you don’t really need to, since everything will be delicious. We indulged in a nacho-like dish of ground chorizo, cured bresaola with mushroom ketchup (which sounds a little gross but was actually like a truffle whipped cream), a delicious garlicky grilled scallop, the beef cigars (the only item I wish had either a little more sauce or something wet inside to cut the dryness), the pan-fried goat cheese (omg!), the amazing bread and salty butter, and the not-too-sweet blueberry doughnuts. We left so full and so happy.
Fan favorite, goat cheese at The Shed, West London The almost savory, blueberry doughnuts at The Shed, West London
And the price is extremely reasonable. We had all of those dishes and like 6 drinks for only about £100.00! Not bad for a Saturday night date in pricy London. We will definitely find ourselves at The Shed again. It is such a cool little place, with a really attentive staff and inventive dishes that change enough so there is always something new to try. I look forward to bringing out-of-town guests here because it really does feel special. There is something magical about this little shed that seems to pop up out of nowhere.
Clever presenting at The Shed
The Shed
122 Palace Gardens Terrace
London W8 4RT
I find yoga to be the best start to the weekend. A Saturday morning class puts my day on the right path. I free myself of any stress or negativity leftover from the work week and begin the weekend with a sense of freedom, relaxation, and positivity. I also feel great about getting a workout in and tend to make healthier food choices throughout the day, before going out to a big dinner and/or night of drinking.
Entrance of Sangyé Yoga, Kensal Road, London
Sangyé Yoga School is a laid-back yoga studio on West London’s Kensal Road (just a short walk from the Westbourne Park tube station). Formerly known as Jivamukti Yoga London, Sangyé still practices using the Jivamukti method. Jivamukti is an international yoga company that started in the 1980s with a method that incorporates their own five tenets into each open class. These main principles include scripture, devotion, kindness, music, and meditation. So be prepared, that while a lot of yoga classes are about an hour and focus mainly on the positioning of your body and connections to the earth and your breath, this yoga may feel much more spiritual and a lot more educational. Every class at Sangyé is slightly different, but they usually include learning the meaning and technique behind Oms, a lesson on the different types of breathing, or even a full 20 minute chanting singalong. The class is an hour and a half long, so there is definitely still time to break into a full sweat, don’t worry. I just need to give full disclosure so you know what you’re in for.
The music is different, too. I was used to practicing just to the voice of the teacher, but these classes have a pretty unique soundtrack. The class is set to a mix of trance, spoken word, ragas, and even some pop. This I find really cool.
The last difference, compared to my prior yoga experiences, is their use of China Gel. The herbal therapeutic pain relieving gel is massaged onto your neck or lower back at some point during the practice by the instructor. I am not sure if this is necessary to the practice, or if they just use it to advertise their product they have for sale in the lobby, but either way, I love it. It’s like an all-natural Icy Hot that awakens your senses and helps ease your body into some deeper stretches.
But, the reason I love Sangyé Yoga isn’t because of these Jivamukti method differences or the China Gel. It’s just an easy place to go. Their drop-in price is only £16.00 for an hour and a half. You never seem to have to book ahead. I’ve been able to get into every class, weekends and weekdays at all different times. And the classes are for everyone. All different levels coming together for the open class, taught by extremely passionate teachers. It’s a no-pressure environment where you can do something good for yourself without feeling guilty about the price. And that is why I love Sangyé. So, namaste and have a great weekend.
A peaceful nook at Sangyé Yoga, West LondonA door worth opening
Marylebone High Street is one of my favorite places to wander around and shop for clothing and housewares. It has more choices than say Westbourne Grove, but is just as cute. It also has a lot more variety and is friendly to all price points, housing everything from a Theory to The White Company to a J.Crew. (I’m American so you basically have me at “J.Crew.”)
So, if you too love the High St. and find yourself there around lunchtime, Natural Kitchen is a great option for food or coffee. When I’m with a friend, I usually opt for a restaurant, like The Cavendish, but this is usually my pick for when I’m having a solo day out. The sun-facing cafe tables outside and the bar seats against the window inside make for people watching.
The exterior of Natural Kitchen, Marylebone
Natural Kitchen, similar to a Daylesford, is an organic specialty store with some groceries, a butcher shop, a full cafe, and a prepared food bar.
I last stopped in to grab an organic, quick lunch and ended up with harissa chicken, a zucchini salad with feta, and some quinoa. The helpful staff member went down the food line, piling my requests onto a tray which she then slid down to me cafeteria style. I added a cappuccino at the end, before heading outside with my colorful tray. The food was delicious and I was lucky to be enjoying it outside on one of the sunniest days so far this spring. I worked on my tan–I can’t even call it that yet. I worked on the removal of my pasty white skin–while writing my blog and savoring my meal. Another friendly staff member came outside and cleared my tray as I continued to drink my coffee and write. It was a pleasant experience and day that only cost about £11.00.
Lunch at Natural Kitchen in Marylebone
So, next time you want to break the bank shopping instead of eating, head to Marylebone High Street’s Natural Kitchen. You’ll have a great meal at a great price.
Natural Kitchen
77/78 Marylebone High Street
London W1U 5JX
A pub on the list is long overdue. I mean, we are talking about England, after all! Situated in picturesque Notting Hill, on a quiet light and bright side street is where you will find one of my favorites, The Cock & Bottle.
Commanding attention with its bustling crowd and bright red paint and awnings, like a cock’s wattle, you can’t miss the place. Any night of the week, it’s hard to find a seat! I have been for dinner and drinks on weeknights and for a traditional Sunday roast. They also have Tuesday night trivia and TVs to watch all of the big games. The crowd is always lively and the price is right. You can get drunk and very full on a nice dinner for under £30. The laid-back attitude and kind staff makes it a true English pub that you definitely should try!
The bar at The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hill The menu at The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hill
One of the hardest parts about moving to a new city is that you no longer have your trusted go-to places and people for all of the different services and errands in your life. It takes a long time to trial, review, and determine which places will be your places. I was so settled in the states. I had my dry cleaner and tailor (Ju), my jeweler (Kurt), my facialist (Lisa), my hairdresser (Jesse), my nail girl (Mia), my housecleaner (Linda)…and I’m not going to even get into my trusted healthcare team. The point is, it took a lot of time to piece together the group of people that I could trust with my belongings and my body, but also connect with enough on a personal level to be able to endure a long-term relationship. The idea of doing it all over again scared the shit out of me.
But, sometimes in life you have to. So here I am again, finding my new places. It’s exhausting, but still fun (just as long as I don’t end up with green hair or high-water pants). And thank goodness now, a year and a half later, I can check finding a new facial place off my list.
That one was a tough one for me. Partially because I had such a great relationship with Lisa. She became my friend. I trusted her, she relaxed and soothed me on bad days, and even went to my bridal shower. She was such a beautiful and therapeutic person that I couldn’t imagine replacing her. And maybe even felt a little guilty trying to. But after the stress and hormones of moving, combined with the dirty, diesel-filled London air, I knew I had to. I tried a few places, but have settled on Jivita Ayurveda in Kensal Rise.
Jivita Ayurveda was not that difficult for me to find. I knew I wanted an Ayurvedic spa, which can be hard to come by. I googled Ayurvedic spas in West London, and they were pretty much the only option. Ayurvedic medicine is a type of alternative medicine found in India. You can get really deep into the concepts, figuring out your doshas and how to balance them with food and treatments, or, be like me, and just want to stop putting chemicals into or onto your body. I find the whole practice fascinating and love listening to the Jivita therapist or the great Deepak Chopra talk about how you can take care of yourself with what the earth has to offer. But, I know myself enough to realize that I will use coconut oil year-round to shave my legs. I will not be able to remember that Vatas should use sesame oil in the spring but return to coconut oil in the winter only after adding sunflower oil for the month of September. It’s not just like that, but you get the idea that I wouldn’t be able to keep track. So, whatever version of Ayurvedic supporter you are, you have a place at Jivita.
The people at Jivita Ayurveda are friendly, peaceful, and soothing. It almost feels unnatural for the spa to be located on Chamberlayne Road. The main road leading up to and through Kensal Rise is so congested with traffic, people, and construction. There are people spilling out of the tube station, waiting for buses, pushing designer strollers, just scrambling everywhere, that it’s not exactly the most zen part of London. It’s nice to be able to step off of that street and into such a calming environment.
The spa is small. The front acts as a little organic grocery store. There aren’t too many options for organic foods and vitamins in this country, with the selections at the large grocery stores being non-existent, so every little shop helps. I also love Pai, the all-natural skincare range they sell.
Organic groceries for sale at Jivita Ayurveda
But in the back of the establishment is where you want to be. In the back, there’s a small, cozy treatment room where I enjoy a facial once or twice a month. During that time, Anu, the therapist/owner, provides expert nutrition and skincare advice while delivering a top-notch facial complete with extractions and an amazing(!) massage. The entire experience is relaxing and I always leave there feeling great.
After having searched for some time in both countries, I find it is so much better to support someone’s passion by choosing to frequent a small business. You usually get a higher quality, more personalized experience than you would at a chain spa, that has, perhaps, higher turnover and less enthusiasm. Jivita Ayurveda is that personalized, quality experience. On top of that, it has reasonable prices that really are worth every penny. It is definitely worth a try, especially if you are like I was, on the hunt for your place in your new city. Ayurvedic spa, Jivita Ayurveda, Kensal Rise
Jivita Ayurveda
89 Chamberlayne Road
London NW10 3ND
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