West
THE PRINCE BONAPARTE
Well away from the crowds of Portobello, The Prince Bonaparte is a favourite hangout of well-heeled locals. You will likely see lots of people wearing sunglasses inside at any time of year and perhaps even the odd famous face. It’s not hard to see why it attracts such a crowd however, this place is bloody gorgeous with1920s art deco interiors.
THE COW
Given the plush Notting Hill neighbourhood it’s located in, The Cow is pleasingly ramshackle once you’re inside. Supposedly the name comes from a previous landlady who was a bit of a cow, though now most of the cows are just pictures on the wall. They do a cracking pint of Guinness as well as oysters and some pretty posh seafood – this is still Notting Hill after all.
THE WHITE HORSE
Also known as the Sloaney Pony thanks to its popularity amongst rahs, the White Horse actually has a lot going on to tempt non-locals down to SW6. Their range of beers, both on draught and in bottles, is strong and they host regular beer festivals too. It’s nice and spacious inside with plenty of sofas to lounge on, but if the weather’s good, you’ll want a spot in the beer garden out front.
THE ELGIN
When the market gets a bit too much and you want to sit in the sun in Notting Hill on a weekend, this is the place. It’s round the corner from Ladbroke Grove underground and the outdoor space is right on the street across two sides of the pub which makes for great people watching. Usual suspects at the bar and a few craft ales. Grab a beer and take a seat. It’s that easy.
DEFECTORS WELD
The proximity to the Shepherd’s Bush Empire means this pub is always pretty busy pre-gig. If you’re not heading to a show (and once those who are have cleared out) you’ve got a load of seating to choose from, or you could perch at the island bar. It’s run by Young’s so you’ve always got a reliable selection of brews to choose from too, although they make a real effort to stock some interesting craft numbers.
TIME OUT 50 | 50 YEARS, 50 COVERS
Time Out is turning 50 and to celebrate, the mag is showing off fifty covers from their archive at the Museum of Brands. The exhibition will chart how London has changed from 1968 to now, as well as how magazine design itself has evolved over the years. As well as the first ever cover featuring an Andy Warhol soup can design, the 1974 cover marking Winston Churchill’s 100th anniversary, and covers designed by Banksy, Jamie Hewlett and David LaChapelle will be on display.