Blink and you could miss it, but head under the arches in Shepherd’s Bush Market and look for Delina, an authentic Ethiopian & Eritrean restaurant. Run by Nazareth and her welcoming team, come here for freshly roasted Ethiopian coffee (try their coffee ceremony) and a variety of perfectly spiced, flavourful dishes from Ethiopia; they cater well for plant-based, vegan and vegetarian, too. And as it’s in the bustling market with indoor/outdoor seating, the atmosphere is great, and it couldn’t be more local. They also do private parties, cooking classes, you can order from Uber eats and buy coffee beans to take away.

We love Next Door Records. Launched by three friends a little over two years ago, they’ve taken a small space on Uxbridge Road and created magic inside. A record shop, café, bar and bottle shop, here they sell handpicked natural wines and a variety of different vinyl, including contemporary, jazz, broken beat, dub, reggae, house, techno and garage. In the evening, they often have different food collaborations (pizza, noodles) and serve great cocktails and wines by the glass. They also host regular live gigs, DJs and pop-up events; there’s always something going on.

We interview Alfie from Next Door Records and find out a few of his favourite local things.

Coming to Notting Hill this spring is Empire Empire from the owner of the Gunpowder restaurants. Located on the buzzy All Saints Road, the menu will be inspired by the northwestern cuisines across the Punjab Empire. Music will be at the heart of the restaurant, with a jukebox to dance the night away in the ‘70s Indian disco-inspired venue. 

Close by in Holland Park, The Holland (previously The Princess Victoria), a recently opened pub and intimate dining room that’s receiving great reviews, is just off the high street, and perfect for a local, cosy Sunday lunch. 

In Kensal, the chef-owner from Parlour and the much-loved Six Portland Road is opening a third restaurant, Harvest, on Chamberlayne Road in Kensal Rise. With 40 covers inside, a heated garden, a front terrace and an all-day menu, it already sounds like another hit.

This is one of those ideas where you think: how had no one thought of this before? Well, maybe they have, but it’s the first time we’ve seen it. The Library of Things allows you to borrow things that you likely don’t want to actually own, or have space for. Choose from items like a circular saw or pressure washer for house projects, a projector or PA system for parties, or waffle and ice cream makers for try-before-you-buy appliances. They have locations in Kilburn and Hammersmith (beside IKEA), and the best part is, the rental fees are affordable too.

Currently parked in Little Venice, The Puppet Theatre Barge, a registered charity, has been showing magical puppet shows for over 30 years. Held on a converted boat, guests walk up the gangplank, climb aboard, and watch a puppet show that is usually under one hour. On now is ‘The Blue Pool of Questions’, a tale about a man who asks too many questions, which was inspired by two Palestinian short stories and features live music, puppetry, and storytelling.  Suitable for 3+ years, check their schedule for the complete summer programme.

As LFW has just passed through our fair town, we’re taking a look back at the Burberry A/W 2020 show at Olympia London. The show’s raised carbon-neutral runway highlighted the brand’s commitment to being more sustainable, and the mirrored catwalk design showed off the beautiful industrial structure of Olympia London’s Victorian building.

Is there any better way to spend a weekend than at a farmers’ market? In West London, the Notting Hill Farmers’ Market in the Kensington Church Street Car Park is on every Saturday, with fresh pasta and pestos, flowers, fish and donuts. The Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market is on Salusbury Road every Sunday and has pizzas, kombucha, and smoked sausages. In Kensington, South Kensington has their farmers’ market every Saturday on Bute Street, with seasonal game and free range sausage sandwiches; High Street Kensington has their market on Phillimore Walk on Sundays, with fresh fish and shellfish, preserves and organic eggs; and West Kensington has the Brook Green FARMA certified Market every Saturday with over 40 traders, music and entertainment. Marylebone has a flagship farmers’ market located on Aybrook, St Vincent and the top of Moxton Street, and the focus is seasonal and organic.

Most markets are open from 10am-2pm, but check times, and also if they accept cards or only cash before you go.

The Felix Green Scheme enables volunteers to bring food at the end of the day from cafés, restaurants and delis to charities in the local area by driving one of their electric vans, walking or cycling. So if you have time and can walk, bike, or drive, this could be for you.

Cold plunge has long been known to have health benefits. Want to take a plunge locally? The Porchester Spa in Bayswater, often referred to as the oldest spa in London, has had a recent £800,000 refurbishment, upgrading its facilities while also keeping the Grade II-listed building true to its 1920s roots. They have steam rooms, Turkish baths, a sauna, plunge pool, relaxation lounge, treatment rooms, and café. Check the entrance schedule before you visit as Sunday is the only mixed male/female spa day.

In 2002, Leo, a West London resident, set up the legendary YOYO club – an event that became a true Thursday night institution – at the Notting Hill Arts Club with his friend and collaborator, Seb Chew. YOYO ran weekly until 2012 and still pops up globally for one-off events. A DJ and producer, Leo’s worked with leading artists, brands and companies including Lily Allen and Mark Ronson, Louis Vuitton, NikeLab, Selfridges and Harrods, to name a few. Leo has crafted a fun, springtime playlist for us, straight outta his West London rave shed. Enjoy!

West London

Need some spring inspiration? From food fairs and Batman live in concert, to comics, music and talks, we’ve chosen a few events for your radar.