Notting Hill by Alexia Hentsch

Alexia Hentsch, designer of the elegant menswear brand HENTSCH MAN, lives in Notting Hill and absolutely loves it!

Why do you live in Notting Hill?

It’s sweet, it feels like a village. It’s got everything, but not in a massive supermarket kind of way… Just little bits and bobs everywhere. The people are getting yuppier, but there are still some fun ones around! I like the restaurants, the cinemas, the market, the boutiques, the aesthetic… And the closeness to the parks!

Favorite restaurants?

Assaggi for the great food. Taqueria as my cantina. Portobello Pizza for post movie on a Sunday. Ulli for something Oriental. Osteria Basilico and Mediterraneo for easy Italians.

Favorite bar or pub?

The Globe – fun rasta watching.

Favorite coffee shops?

Tom’s and Raouhl’s. They are both great for brunch on weekends.

Favorite shops?

The Portobello market on Sundays (under the bridge) for fun finds.

All of Goldburne Road for antiques. Especially Les Couilles du Chien. Great furniture and other bits.

Rellik has great vintage. Aimé has a very good selection of French brands. One of a Kind is also a good vintage place and has a very cool staff.

Video City is the best movie rental place. They keep all their records on paper cards, never charge for late returns, have staff who actually love and watch films and have the best collection of old and foreign films.

Lidgates is the most expensive, but nicest butcher in town. Michanicou Bros sells fruits and veggies. They have the freshest products in town and they are the friendliest!

A secret place?

Then it wouldn’t be secret anymore…

Any funny anecdote?

I’m blanking, though I’m sure there are hundreds!

Assaggi: 39 Chepstow Place. Tel: 020 7792 5501

Taqueria: 139 Westbourne Grove. Tel: 020 7229 4734

Portobello Ristorante Pizzeria:
7 Ladbroke Road. Tel: 020 7221 1373

Ulli: 16 All Saints Road: 020 7727 7511

Osteria Basilico. 29 Kensington Park Rd. Tel: 020 7727 9372

Mediterraneo: 37 Kensington Park Rd. Tel: 020 7792 3131

The Globe: 103 Talbot Road.

Tom’s: 226 Westbourne Grove
 Tel: 020 7221 8818

Raoul’s Café: 105-107 Talbot Road. Tel: 020 7229 2400

Les couilles du chien: 65, Golborne Road. Tel: 0 208 968 0099

Rellik: 8 Golborne Road.
Tel: 020 8962 0089

Aimé: 32-34 Ledbury Road. Tel:020 7221 7070

One of a Kind: 253 Portobello Road.
Tel: 020 7792 5853

Video City: 117 Notting Hill Gate.
Tel: 020 7221 7029

Lidgate: 110 Holland Park Avenue.
Tel: 020 7727 8243

Michanicou Brothers: 2 Clarendon Road.
Tel: 020 7727 5191