Notting Hill is cool, especially over the weekend. A few weeks ago, we stayed at The Lost Poet, a beautiful new boutique hotel that had hit the radar of Mr & Mrs Smith, who certainly know a thing of two about small boutique hotels.
The Lost Poet only has four rooms. I was welcomed by a delightful concierge who said he would be at my service at all times via text… and he was! The modern way of boutique chic.
Design at The Lost Poet
Each room has its own colour palette. I was in The Muse at the top of the townhouse which was decorated in gorgeous tones of grey and blue, with House of Hackney wallpaper and modern art to match.
The Muse has its own internal staircase that leads up from the bedroom / bath into a snug room and onto a beautiful little roof terrace through sliding glass doors that blend with the outside.
The ochre palette was clearly inspired by the sunset I was lucky enough to enjoy, with views over the hustle and bustle of Portobello and the Rising Sun pub.
The Lost Poet in Notting Hill
The location of The Lost Poet is perfect. You are 2 minutes from Kensington Church Street, 2 minutes from pretty coloured houses and 2 minutes from the beating heart of Notting Hill.
Eating in and around Notting Hill
Breakfast is included and there is a Nespresso machine with GRIND coffee capsules – a game changer for me in any hotel. Your breakfast choice is naughty (pastries from Ole & Steen and Gail’s) or nice (a yogurt chia pot from the Sloe Kitchen). Both were delicious and enjoyed as we watched the sun rise over the terrace.
There are a multitude of really good restaurants and bars, and delis if you prefer to take something back to the room to indulge yourself on the terrace.
One of the things I have enjoyed most with my London staycations is that it has allowed me the time to relax and wander. Something I don’t often do. I discovered shops I’d heard about and fell in love with new products.
I discovered restaurants where I wanted to return , and mostly the bonus of getting up to enjoy the hustle bustle of Portobello Market on a Saturday morning without the stress of getting there
Three perfect shops you need to know about in Notting Hill
Portobello Market is probably London’s most famous weekend market. Antiques a plenty, knick knacks, vintage clothing, you name it you will find it somewhere. Aimlessly wandering was so much fun, and have earmarked a few stall holders I will return to for gifts.
I want to highlight a few independent shops worth visiting;
Ila Apothecary |I love organic beauty, and shops like this tick all my boxes. I was lucky enough to meet Christina who owns and runs the store who took me round and explained the different products and their benefits.
I came home with the 101Balm which I now use religiously on my lower back and knee and a wonderful serum for my face. The scented winner though was the stress buster mist; a mist lightly sprayed at the end of the day to reboot.
All have become firm staples in my daily routine. This shop is now one of my Seven Secret London Shops I Love.
Ila Apothecary : 99 Kensington Church St. W8 7LN
The Jacksons | I had no idea it was there but so glad I stumbled across it. Full of beautiful original pieces.
Fun clothing and quirky place mats – I left with the most beautiful coloured cashmere sweater that I will wear all winter long and beyond. Definitely one for my Seven Secret London Shops I love.
The Jacksons : 5 All Saints Road. W11 1HA
Notting Hill is a foodie paradise, so my third choice is actually the deli’s. Notting Hill is full of great ones. My favourites would have to be: Sally Clarke, Ottolenghi, the new Spring To Go, by Skye Gyngell and Melt if you are a chocolate lover.
Eating out in Notting Hill
We went to eat at Gold Notting Hill on Portobello, one of my favourite restaurants in London. Great food with a fabulous vibe. Booking essential. One I long to try is the new Los Mochis, Mexican/Asian fusion – hopefully is tastes as good as it looks! The Town House has great recommendations, I felt it was experienced local advice, as opposed to what is ‘meant to be the best’.
Verdict | The Lost Poet
The Lost Poet is a chic guesthouse, I loved the charm, I loved the location, and if I hadn’t had to go home, I could have happily stayed much longer.
Little London Whispers was a guest of The Lost Poet at 6 Portobello Road, W11 3DG