Tucked away next to the skate park just off Great Western Road is this local Portuguese gem. One part sporting club, one part restaurant, come here for seriously good vibes and authentic home cooking. The daily chalkboard outside tells you about the specials, and there’s always goblets of sangria and cold Sagres that take you to warmer climates. The prices are reasonable, the crowd is very, very local, and it’s not fancy, but that’s the charm. On a sunny day, even in the winter, you can usually sit outside, and when it’s colder, move inside to take in the twinkling lights and sporting décor.

Image Credit: Aleksandra Boruch

Jackson Boxer is certainly busy. Chef/co-owner of Brunswick House in Vauxhall and Below Stone Nest on Shaftesbury Avenue; consultant at Cowley Manor, the Experimental Group’s Cotswolds property; founder of Jackson Boxer at The Corner Store in Selfridges; and, in west London, chef/owner of the much-loved Orasay. Father of four, he’s an eloquent, talented, all round great guy, and he’s made the time to tell us about a few of his favourite west London things.

Here are three west London pubs for you to try.

Mitre – Holland Park 

After undergoing a £750K refurb, The Mitre reopened at the end of October, unveiling a new look that plays homage to its roots, including a double fireplace and new bar. For the menu, they’ve brought back some of their classics, like the rabbit pappardelle and a great Sunday roast, and they now also have a Robata grill.

The Knight of NH – Ladbroke Grove

Previously called the KPH, the new owner, Zora Singh, is also behind The Three Falcons in St John’s Wood, and has brought her northern Indian cooking to the pub. They’ll continue to have various live-music nights, as music has always been a focus for this 157 year old venue; follow them on social for more info.

In 1967, Olympia London hosted an ‘All Night Christmas Dream Party’ that went from 8PM-6AM, with performances from Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and John Peel, to name a few. It was a true ‘60s psych-rock super concert with light shows and other fun.

With four west London locations, Shoots and Leaves have been supplying hand-picked Nordmann Fir Christmas trees to Londoners for 24 years. Employing largely people from the boroughs they operate in, they visit the farms and choose every tree they offer, and donate £5 from every tree sold to local schools and charities. Visit them on-site, or order your tree online (choose your height, from 3’-12’), where there are also lights, stands, and other decorations available.

What are the holidays without a panto? And this is an extra special one, as it’s set in west London! In this Lyric Theatre version, Cinderella runs her own business in Shepherd’s Bush Market and the ball (remember the evil stepsisters and the glass slipper?) takes place in Hammersmith. Get ready for the usual pantomime antics, with a modern twist. There are special prices for group and family tickets; booking early is advisable. Cinderella is on until 6 January.

From the team that brought us the legendary cocktail bar Trailer Happiness, which is celebrating its 20th birthday, comes Portobello 177, a restaurant, bar, coffee hatch and bottle shop. Celebrating west London’s diversity, the menu focuses on ‘flavour layering’, with both Caribbean and Japanese BBQ influences. The wine list has many natural wines as well as bottles from smaller independents, and the cocktail list will change weekly. There’s a central bar, a semi-open kitchen, and they’ll have terrace seating when the weather permits. 

COMPETITION TIME: We’re giving away dinner for four at this new, great Portobello spot. They are even throwing in a nightcap at Trailer Happiness, too. To enter, like the Portobello 177 competition post on our Instagram and tag three friends that you would take with you. You must also be following Love Olympia and Portobello 177. A winner will be notified by 10 December. Good luck!

The Basket Brigade is a small charity that makes baskets that are delivered to families in need on 23 December, bringing some hope and joy at a much-needed time. Last year they delivered over 1,000 baskets and this year they are aiming to do even more. The entire operation relies on volunteer support, which can come in the form of in-person help – register to be an elf (pack baskets), a reindeer (pack and help deliver), or a Santa’s sleigh (deliver) – or financial contributions. The price of a  basket for a family is £15, and 100% of the donations go towards making baskets. Apply today to volunteer – you must be available on 23 December to participate in person – or donate here.

Built in 1903, Ladbroke Hall began as the front building of a large Edwardian car showroom and plant. Now owned by gallerists Loïc Le Gaillard and Julien Lombrail, the building has gone through extensive renovations, with the aim of making it a place to celebrate arts, community and innovation. There’s a restaurant, bar, live program (with concerts, talks, theatre, dance, and screenings), a gallery, and, importantly, they are always looking to collaborate with local artists or youth initiatives in the arts for education and mentoring purposes – email them to discuss any ideas or opportunities.

Looking for a new way to stay fit, and maybe even make some new friends? Running clubs are generally free, and a good way to get outdoors in the winter. Look around for one that is close to you; a few on our radar include the West Harriers in Chiswick, the Ealing Eagles, the Queen’s Park Harriers, and the Serpentine Run Club. 

Image Credit: Huckster

It’s the holidays! From the annual Winter Wonderland, to a charity event and festive concert, we have five events to inspire your festive planning.

Image credit: Joshua Atkins