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Notting Hill is an eclectic neighbourhood synonymous with chic boutiques, bohemian vibes, and a lively cultural scene. Among its colourful streets and historic charm lies a treasure trove of cocktail bars, each offering a unique blend of ambience, creativity, and exquisite drinks.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor seeking a night out, the best cocktail bars in Notting Hill promise an experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Here, we introduce some of the must-visit venues in the neighbourhood, where luxury meets the art of mixology most delightfully.
The Little Yellow Door
Step into The Little Yellow Door, and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a whimsical, upscale flatshare. This Notting Hill gem, located just off Portobello Road, epitomises quirky charm and eclectic elegance. The venue is designed to resemble a stylish flat. It has 70s-esque crushed velvet sofas, sea blue walls, and a kitchen counter that doubles as a bar. It’s like attending a fabulously curated house party where every detail is planned for your enjoyment.
The cocktail menu combines inventive concoctions in teacups, disco balls, and other quirky vessels. Must-tries include the “Thelma + Louise,” a bold blend of tequila, Campari, and grapefruit juice. Another one is the “Crimes of Passion,” a modern twist on the Pornstar Martini with strawberries and cream-infused vodka and passionfruit. The menu offers international delights like pork belly bao buns and a cheeseburger topped with truffle mayonnaise and Swiss cheese for those looking for a hearty bite.
The ambience is lively, with the upstairs area offering an intimate setting perfect for date nights or casual gatherings. Meanwhile, the basement, known as The Flatmates’ Den, transforms into a retro playground. It has a DJ booth, games tables, and a dance floor that keeps the party going until the early hours.
From the themed cocktail nights to the bottomless brunches with Prosecco or Rum Punch, The Little Yellow Door ensures that every visit is memorable. It’s a place to let your hair down, enjoy fantastic drinks, and revel in the playful atmosphere without worrying about tidying up afterwards.
Website: The Little Yellow Door
Address: 6-8 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HH
Trailer Happiness
Descending into Trailer Happiness is like stepping into a tropical oasis. This famous basement tiki bar on Portobello Road celebrates all things rum. It offers a unique blend of mid-century style and Polynesian flair. The decor is kitsch, with bright green palm print wallpaper, retro furnishings, and many tiki-themed paraphernalia. They will all transport you straight to a Hawaiian beach party.
The cocktail menu is a rum lover’s dream, featuring classics and house creations. Highlights include the “Nuclear Citrus Swizzle,” a potent mix of Bombay Sapphire and navy strength gin with citrus and Chartreuse, and the “Breakfast in Tijuana,” a sweet and tangy tequila-based cocktail with marmalade, Vermouth, and Elderflower. The Zombie Sharer cocktail is a must-try for groups, while the Trailer Colada offers a dairy-free, coconut rum twist on the classic piña colada.
Trailer Happiness isn’t just about great drinks; it also hosts cocktail masterclasses where you can learn the art of mixology from expert bartenders. Its 90s soul and hip-hop soundtrack enhance the venue’s lively atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for intimate date nights and rowdy gatherings.
Website: Trailer Happiness
Address: 177 Portobello Rd, London W11 2DY
Naked & Famous Bar
Hidden beneath the Greek restaurant Zephyr, Naked & Famous Bar is a stylish, late-night destination in Notting Hill that promises a unique, immersive cocktail experience. This sophisticated, softly lit bar is reminiscent of a 70s-inspired lounge with its monochrome marigold decor and retro furnishings, creating a cosy atmosphere perfect for unwinding or celebrating special occasions.
The bar’s menu is dedicated to agave spirits, boasting an impressive selection of nearly 40 types of tequila and mezcal. Signature cocktails like the “Naked and Famous,” made with mezcal, Tequila Blanco, and herbal liqueur, showcase the bar’s commitment to innovative and sustainable mixology. Other standout drinks include the “Muscat Sour” and “Cocoa Nib Daiquiri,” which highlight the bar’s creative approach to classic cocktails.
Naked & Famous also regularly hosts live DJ sets. With a capacity of just 35 guests, it offers an exclusive and personalized experience, making it an ideal spot for private events or an unforgettable night out.
Website: Naked & Famous Bar
Address: 100 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QD
Archer Street Notting Hill
Archer Street Notting Hill is an immersive cocktail bar. This stylish venue is known for its high-energy atmosphere, featuring live performances from professional West End singers who provide top-notch entertainment throughout the evening. The bar’s design creates a ‘home away from home’ feel, making it an inviting spot for regular nights out and special celebrations.
The extensive cocktail menu offers various drinks catering to all tastes. Some highlights include their signature cocktails, which are perfect to sip on while enjoying the live music and performances. Additionally, Archer Street hosts themed events, such as their famous “Back to the 90s Bottomless Brunch” and “Cabaret Showstopper Brunch,” where guests can indulge in bottomless pizza, prosecco, or beer while entertained by performances.
The venue also offers private hire options, making it great for corporate events or larger parties. The bar is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with extended weekend hours accommodating late-night revellers.
Website: Archer Street Notting Hill
Address: 126-128 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3QG
Viajante87
Inside the basement of 87 Notting Hill Gate, Viajante87 is a sophisticated cocktail bar that combines the flavours and traditions of Tokyo and Tulum. This stylish venue uniquely blends Mexican and Japanese influences in its decor and menu. Designed by the famous Panos Kanatsoulis, the cocktail list celebrates creativity and sustainability, featuring a range of agave-based drinks and a zero-waste philosophy.
Signature cocktails include the “Frida,” a complex mix of La Familia tequila extra añejo, chamomile-oregano syrup, and champagne, and the “Cherry Blanco,” which combines tequila blanco with sour cherry marmalade and clarified coca-cola. The bar also offers the “Smoked Earth,” a unique cocktail using The Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadin and lacto-fermented kitchen vegetables, showcasing the bar’s commitment to using sustainable ingredients.
The bar snacks at Viajante87 are equally impressive, featuring dishes like crispy rice topped with spicy salmon, truffle guacamole, and habanero teriyaki duck. The venue is an aesthetic delight, with a design that includes velvet stools, hand-carved totems, and a striking 20-foot backlit bar made of recycled glass.
Viajante87’s dedication to sustainability and high-quality mixology makes it a standout destination in Notting Hill. It’s open Tuesday through Thursday from 6 PM to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 2:30 AM. It offers a nightlife experience complete with an extensive DJ program playing tribal house beats. This is one of the best cocktail bars in Notting Hill.
Website: Viajante87
Address: 87 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JZ
The Beachcomber – House of Agricole Rhum
The Beachcomber – House of Agricole Rhum is a delightful escape to a tropical paradise. This unique tiki bar stands out for its specialization in Rhum Agricole, a distinct style of rum made from fresh sugarcane juice, primarily from the French Caribbean. With the largest selection of Agricole in the UK, The Beachcomber is a haven for rum enthusiasts and cocktail lovers.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by an ambience reminiscent of an exotic island retreat. The decor is a vibrant mix of Polynesian motifs, with tiki mugs, bamboo accents, and colourful murals. The bartenders here are true mixologists, crafting Instagram-worthy cocktails that tease the taste buds. Signature drinks include the “Suffering Gringo,” a spicy twist on a classic, and “Maui’s Highlands,” a refreshing concoction that blends tropical flavours seamlessly.
For those looking to deepen their appreciation of rum, The Beachcomber offers rum-tasting sessions led by their in-house experts. These tastings provide an educational journey through the various types of Agricole, highlighting each company’s unique characteristics and production methods.
The Beachcomber is also a fantastic spot for hosting private events making it one of the best cocktail bars in Notting Hill. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a corporate gathering, or a casual night out with friends, the venue’s relaxed yet lively atmosphere ensures a memorable experience.
Website: The Beachcomber – House of Agricole Rhum
Address: 86 Queensway, London W2 3RR
Skylark Roof Garden
Standing atop 4 Kingdom Street in Paddington, Skylark Roof Garden offers a premier rooftop dining and drinking experience. It boasts stunning views over Notting Hill and Hyde Park.
The ambience at Skylark Roof Garden is one of relaxed elegance, featuring plenty of greenery, umbrellas, dining tables, and comfortable day beds. It’s the perfect spot for both daytime lounging and nighttime revelry. The venue often hosts themed events like “Skylark x Miami Beats,” which bring a lively party vibe with live DJs, sunshine beats, and various delicious food and drink options.
The menu at Skylark Roof Garden offers a mix of delicate dining dishes and casual bites. Guests can enjoy a range of offerings from grilled lamb and cheeseburger sliders to seasonal, flavour-packed dishes such as beetroot and gin-cured salmon gravlax and sautéed mussels with tiger prawns. For dessert, options like amaretto tiramisu and elderflower cheesecake add a sweet finish to your meal.
Drinks at Skylark Roof Garden are equally impressive, featuring quality wines, signature cocktails, and a selection of bubbles and beers. Popular events like “Margaritas in the Sky” and “Tacos & Tequila” offer guests the chance to enjoy classic margaritas, soft corn tacos, and more, all set to live music and a rooftop scene.
Website: Skylark Roof Garden
Address: 10th Floor, 4 Kingdom St, London W2 6BD
The Pelican
The Pelican is a beautifully refurbished pub that dates back to 1870 and combines the charm of a classic local boozer with the sophistication of a high-quality dining experience. This venue has been redesigned to serve as a cornerstone of the community, offering a cozy atmosphere with its understated decor, leather banquettes, and antique furniture.
The menu, crafted by head chef Owen Kenworthy, focuses on modern British cuisine with a commitment to sustainability and quality. Highlights include the flavorful mince on toast, a lobster and monkfish pie, and a perfectly cooked Tamworth pork chop served with parsley sauce and caramelized apple. The bar also features a selection of small plates like spider crab toast and Welsh rarebit, perfect for enjoying with one of their many British beers or classic cocktails.
The Pelican’s dining room, with its warm lighting and dried flower arrangements, can accommodate up to 48 guests, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. The pub also offers outdoor seating and a beer garden.
Website: The Pelican
Address: 45 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HE
The Princess Royal Pub & Boutique Hotel Notting Hill
The Princess Royal Pub & Boutique Hotel combines a traditional pub’s charm with a boutique hotel’s elegance. This restored Victorian establishment features a gastropub with a menu curated by acclaimed chef Ben Tish, emphasizing seasonal British produce with Mediterranean influences.
Here, you can find an array of dining experiences, from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to special events such as the bi-weekly Seafood Paella Night and the Champagne & Oysters evenings. The menu includes a variety of dishes, such as oysters, seafood paella, and a range of Mediterranean-inspired plates. The pub also hosts special promotions like £1 oysters on select weekdays, providing excellent value in a luxurious setting.
The Princess Royal also boasts several private and semi-private dining rooms, making it an ideal venue for events ranging from intimate gatherings to more significant celebrations like birthdays, weddings, and corporate events. The venue’s elegant decor, including a light-flooded conservatory and splendid terraces designed by Jinny Blom, enhances the dining experience.
The boutique hotel upstairs features four individually designed bedrooms, providing a perfect retreat for those wishing to extend their stay in Notting Hill. Each room combines modern amenities with classic design elements.
Website: The Princess Royal Pub & Boutique Hotel Notting Hill
Address: 47 Hereford Rd, London W2 5AH
The Hayden Pub & Rooms
The Hayden Pub & Rooms also blends traditional pub charm and modern boutique hotel comforts. Recently renovated, this venue features stylish interiors with soft grey walls, rustic oak flooring, and statement mirrors. The pub’s location on Westbourne Grove makes it a convenient spot, surrounded by chic shops and just a short stroll from the iconic Portobello Road.
The menu here showcases refined British classics alongside comfort food favourites. Highlights include deluxe beef burgers, slow-cooked BBQ ribs, and a seafood platter featuring popcorn shrimp, calamari, smoked salmon, and prawns. For mains, the short rib of beef with BBQ sauce glaze and the garlic butter-drenched whole lobster stand out as must-try dishes. The pub also offers a range of creative cocktails, including a mean Margarita and a smooth Negroni Andaluz.
Upstairs, The Hayden, one of the best cocktail bars in Notting Hill, offers eight luxury boutique bedrooms spread across three floors. These rooms are designed to be sanctuaries from the city’s hustle, featuring custom mirrors, vintage chandeliers, and opulent fabrics. Guests can enjoy modern amenities in a serene setting, making it an ideal choice for short stays and extended visits.
Website: The Hayden Pub & Rooms
Address: 65 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UJ
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