Old Dairy House

Once named “the hippest street in Europe” by Vogue magazine, leafy Chamberlayne Road soon reveals its secrets. Don’t be surprised to see a famous face or two as you walk around here – as the likes of Daniel Craig and Thandie Newton have homes nearby.

Start the day at Wild Card, the bean specialists who have worked with Birmingham’s Quarter Horse Coffee to create their own blend, alternatively let the expert baristas work their magic at Cable Co while grabbing a latte to meet friends in Queen’s Park. One of London’s great community green spaces, it’s home to Sunday morning fun runs, table tennis and even a small farm. For lunch, head through the heart of Queen’s Park Village along Salusbury Road to Bob’s Café, a quintessential, exposed brickwork bistro, serving a mean steak frites.

Embrace the local, independent spirit of the area. Saturday afternoons are made for perusing the counters at Brooks, the free-range meat merchants and one of the best delis in West London.

Afterwards walk over to The Salusbury, the perfect wine store with a dizzying range of wines and ales to take out or to sample in their cosy bar. With fashion boutiques like Supra and Iris you’ll often not need to go much further than your local high street.
Explore the many eateries and choose between Sacro Cuore, a minimalist designed pizzeria that sources its ingredients from Napoli and Ida, the neighbourhood temple to hand-rolled pasta. For Asian fusion try Milk Beach, led by Australian chef Darren Leadbeater, or visit vegan café Paradise Plantbased, the kind of quirky independent spot that gives Kensal Rise its growing reputation.

When day turns to night, head to Paradise by Way of Kensal Green for cocktails and dancing, whilst enjoying the buzzing atmosphere in the shabby chic nightclub on the first floor.

One of Europe’s most famous markets, Portobello Road is also one of its most eclectic, with antique stalls, vintage boutiques, stylish clothes shops, and record stores
sitting side by side.

Begin in Notting Hill, where a row of pastel coloured terraced houses make for a lovely walk down to the characterful shop fronts of its famous antique market.

Further down, food stalls intersperse with small clothing boutiques until you come to the outdoor vintage market, where film companies and style magazines send their buyers to source period clothing.

Nearby is Portobello’s Westbourne Grove. Around the picturesque streets, eateries like Ottolenghi and a branch of Gloucestershire’s organic farm shop Daylesford, nestle beside inventive spaces such as 202 London, that combines a modern bistro with a fashion store. Head along tree lined Ledbury Road, home of high-end boutiques like Anya Hindmarch and Emma Hope before settling in to one of Notting Hill’s loveliest pubs The Walmer Castle. You’ve just discovered the perfect Sunday.

A lovely 30-minute walk along the Grand Union Canal brings you to Little Venice, where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canal meet, well known as one of London’s quaintest spots. It really is hard to believe you’re in the middle of urban London when you’re walking beside the barges on the tree lined tow path.

It is thought that either Lord Byron or Robert Browning gave Little Venice its name and there is certainly something poetic about the canalside. It’s home to some of London’s most individually atmospheric restaurants. Visit The Summerhouse, a chic seafood spot with tables looking out onto the canal, or something far more laid back, try The Waterside Café with seating next to an old narrow boat.