By Rob Ellison

Discover the cocktail scene in Notting Hill, where culture and community come together.

Dive into Notting Hill's amazing cocktail scene, where a delicious mix of flavours awaits you! This lively neighbourhood is perfect for both locals and visitors, offering a taste of London's rich culture.

There is an area of London that is home to a world-famous Carnival, a thriving market, and is often associated with the names of Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.

I'm talking about Wood Green...

I'm kidding, I'm talking about Notting Hill.
This vibrant district in West London has a lot to offer and is a popular destination for tourists. If you're in the area during London Cocktail Week, then beware of people taking selfies outside brightly coloured doors and check out these top-class cocktail bars.

TRAILER HAPPINESS

Owned by Notting Hill's real-life Hugh and Julia, Sly Augustin and Maiko Neill, this retro-tropical cocktail bar is located right by Portobello Market. The bar has a vibe reminiscent of a Rat Pack movie, complete with a possible cameo from everyone's favourite cartoon spy, Archer.

With a focus on influences from Asia, the Polynesian Islands, and the Caribbean, Trailer is primarily a rum bar, but they also offer a selection of high-quality spirits, wine, champagne, and beer.

If you get hungry, don't miss the chance to try Sly and Maiko's restaurant, A Little Happiness, situated above the bar at street level.

🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week:

DAIQUIRI DE COCO - £9

Coconut Rum, lime juice and demerara syrup.

GOLDEN HOUR HIGHBALL - £6 (NON-ALC)

Pathfinder Hemp & Root Spirit, lemon juice and topped with ginger beer.

HAPPY DAIQUIRI - £6 (TINY)

Trailer Spiced Rum, lime juice and sugar syrup.

TRAILER HAPPINESS - 177 Portobello Road, London, W11 2DY

Website

http://trailerh.com/

VIAJANTE87

Viajante is the Portuguese word for "traveller," but you can easily reach it with a short walk from Notting Hill tube station. This basement bar will transport you to Latin America with its extensive collection of over 300 bottles of tequila, mezcal, and a variety of bar food.

Get there early, and it's a laid-back bar. Or, if you prefer a more lively atmosphere with your cocktails, the resident DJ plays a mix of Latin-inspired tunes, disco, house, and funk on weekends later in the evening.

🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week:

AURA MARGARITA - £9

Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, pear, lime, Palo Santo and white sage.

VIAJANTE87 - 87 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JZ

Website

https://www.viajantebar.com/

THE LITTLE YELLOW DOOR

I previously mentioned being cautious of people taking selfies in front of brightly coloured doors, but there's one exception: The Little Yellow Door. This venue is themed around a fictional flatshare and house party concept. Once you step inside, you'll feel as if you're in a cosy, lived-in apartment. The space is cleverly divided into different "rooms."

Upstairs is a kitchen and a living room-style area, and downstairs is The Flatmates' Den, a late-night bar that serves as a social hub and party zone.

The atmosphere is playful and eclectic, with a fancy dress box, vinyl records, board games, and even a nostalgic Nintendo 64 setup, which is perfect for retro enthusiasts like me. This is an ideal bar for those of us who often prefer a night at the "Sofa's Arms."

🍸 What to try during London Cocktail Week: