Summer has arrived in west London — and if you're planning a short stay in Kensington or Notting Hill this season, you're in for something really lovely. These two neighbourhoods come alive in the warmer months, and there's genuinely nowhere quite like them.
Whether you're planning a city break, visiting friends or family, or just in need of a few days somewhere that feels special, here's what's waiting for you.
🗺️ What to do this summer
Summer in this part of London has a rhythm all of its own. Here are some of the things we'd point you towards right now.
Portobello Road Market
Saturday is the big one. Antiques, vintage clothing, street food, and live music all spill down the street from early morning. Go before 10am for the best finds, and don't rush — the Golborne Road end, near the Portuguese cafés, is quieter and just as good. It's one of those mornings that turns into an afternoon without you noticing.
Holland Park
One of London's most peaceful green spaces, and it's right on your doorstep. The Japanese Kyoto Garden is genuinely beautiful — koi, a waterfall, peacocks wandering through. The outdoor opera season (Holland Park Opera) runs through June and July, and even if opera isn't usually your thing, an evening there with a glass of wine at golden hour is hard to beat.
Hyde Park & the Serpentine
Hyde Park in summer is everything you'd want it to be. Hire a pedalo, swim at the Lido, or simply find a patch of grass and stay there. The two Serpentine Galleries are free to enter and always have something interesting on — this summer's outdoor pavilion commission is worth looking out for.
The V&A and Natural History Museum
Both free, both world-class, and both a short walk from our apartments. The V&A is one of those places you can spend a whole morning in and still feel like you've only scratched the surface. Perfect if the weather turns (or even if it doesn't).
Notting Hill Carnival build-up
From mid-July onwards, the neighbourhood starts building towards August Bank Holiday Carnival. You'll hear steel pans, spot banners going up, and feel the energy shifting. It's one of the most alive times to be in this part of London — even before the main event.
Leighton House
A bit of a hidden gem. This Victorian artist's studio house on Holland Park Road has one of the most extraordinary interiors in London — the Arab Hall in particular is unlike anything else in the city. Newly restored and well worth an hour of your time.
Where to eat and drink
For breakfast or lunch, the Portobello Road food stalls on a Saturday are brilliant — jerk chicken, fresh juices, and one of the best grilled cheeses in London. For evenings, The Cow on Westbourne Park Road is a west London classic: Guinness and oysters, good food, and a reliably warm atmosphere. Ottolenghi on Ledbury Road is still excellent for lunch if you can get a table.
☕ Start the day at Pocket Coffee
Before heading out, our nearby coffee shop Pocket Coffee is the ideal first stop. It's become a proper neighbourhood spot — a good flat white, something to eat, and a relaxed start before a big day of exploring.
It works beautifully on Saturday mornings before Portobello gets busy, and it's just as good for a slower catch-up with someone you're meeting in the area. Ask at check-in and we'll point you straight to it.
🏠 Who stays with us
We welcome all kinds of guests — and we mean that genuinely.
Travelling solo? Our studios are private, comfortable spaces that are entirely yours. A proper bed, a kitchen if you want it, and a location that puts you within easy reach of everything. There's something quietly joyful about having your own pocket of London to come back to at the end of the day.
Here as a couple or for a weekend escape? Kensington and Notting Hill are made for slow, lovely days — good coffee, independent shops, leafy streets, and long summer evenings. Our studios are the perfect nest to return to.
Visiting friends or family? Having your own apartment makes the whole thing easier. You can come and go on your own schedule, have space to spread out, and stay somewhere that feels like a home rather than a hotel room.
Travelling with family? The V&A, Natural History Museum and Hyde Park are all within easy reach — and all free. It's a great part of London for families, and our studios give everyone room to breathe.
Whatever brings you here, we'll do our best to make it feel effortless.
🧳 Arriving early or heading home late?
We offer a bag drop service for guests arriving before check-in or leaving after check-out — and it genuinely makes a difference to your day.
If your flight lands at 7am but check-in isn't until the afternoon, drop your bags with us and head straight out to explore. If you've checked out but your train isn't until the evening, leave your luggage and spend a few more hours in the neighbourhood without hauling it around.
It's a small thing that makes the whole trip feel a bit lighter.
📍 A little about where you'll be staying
Our pocket-sized studios are based across two beautiful Victorian townhouses — one in Notting Hill, one in Kensington. Both have been thoughtfully renovated, with keyless entry, everything you need for a comfortable stay, and a location that really does make the difference.
You can book directly on our website or through Airbnb. If you have any questions before you arrive, we're always happy to help — just get in touch.
We'd love to have you this summer. ☀️
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