This neighbourhood guide has been compiled by Kensal Green residents artist Sophie Smallhorn and her partner, Huw Morgan, director of London-based design studio Graphic Thought Facility. They are one of those annoying couples who are not only very talented and have excellent taste, but are also two of the nicest people. If you’re planning on doing Perambulation Number 9, here are their recommendations for the area…
Holland Park to North Kensington by Sophie Smallhorn and Huw Morgan
What’s the best breakfast spot before a walk?
Lisboa on Golborne Road for a Galão and a Pastel de nata. It has an old school W11 vibe that is hard to find in the area nowadays, and, it’s always full of Portuguese locals.
Address:
Lisboa
54 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PR
Where’s the best place for a quick lunch?
If you can time your walk accordingly, aim for Books for Cooks on Blenheim Crescent. You will need to lurk around from about 11.45am to get a seat as there are no reservations and the tables are much sought after. Lunch is cooked in the open kitchen at the back of the shop. There’s no menu choice but the lunch is always good and has remained £7 for as long as we can remember.
If you fail to get a table then opt for one of the Moroccan food stalls on Golborne Road for a plate of grilled fish.
Address:
Books for Cooks
4 Blenheim Crescent, London W11 1NN
WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO GRAB COFFEE?
The Coffee Plant has been open on this spot since 1985 and is a bit of an institution. The no-frills interior somewhat reflects its long history, but they serve excellent coffee. You can also purchase their self-roasted beans, as well as other coffee-related paraphernalia. Alternatively, if you fancy hanging out with the cool kids, Layla Bakery (pictured) is a very nice spot to sit in the sun (and a good option for breakfast too). Their pastries are also delicious.
Address:
Coffee Plant
180 Portabello Road, London W11 2EB
Layla Bakery
332 Portabello Road, London W10 5SA
BEST POST-WALK PUB?
The Pelican (pictured) is a lovely place for a drink and has a very good menu too. Another option is The Ladbroke Arms which is well located for a drink at the end or start of your walk. A very pretty pub with space to sit outside too.
Address:
The Pelican
45 All Saints Road, London W11 1HE
The Ladbroke Arms
54 Ladbroke Road, London W11 3NW
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE FOR A BUDGET DINNER?
Fez Mangal for a lamb shish wrap and a BYO beer.
Address:
Fez Mangal
104 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 1PY
WHERE IS THE BEST SPOT FOR A FANCY DINNER?
Hereford Road is a long standing favourite and we can’t recommend this place enough. It has stood the test of time, consistently delivering great local food and offering an excellent value set lunch deal on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address:
Hereford Road
3 Hereford Road, London W2 4AB
IF YOU ONLY HAVE TIME TO VISIT ONE SHOP IN THE AREA, WHERE SHOULD YOU GO?
Golborne Road is great for rummaging through unedited piles of 'tat' on Fridays and Saturdays. You can always find a good plate or a nice chair. Huw might go to Garcia’s for Spanish delicacies, while Sophie might visit Couverture + Garbstore to buy a Minä Perhonen dress.
Address:
R. Garcia And Sons
248–250 Portobello Road, London W11 1LL
Couverture + Garbstore
188 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2ES
WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE IN THE AREA TO SPEND A FEW HOURS WITHOUT SPENDING ANY MONEY?
A walk along the canal into town, passing through Little Venice and along to Regent’s Park.
WHAT‘S AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT KENSAL RISE THAT ONLY LOCALS MIGHT KNOW?
Kensal Green Cemetery is a remarkable historical site that covers about 70 acres and extends to Scrubs Lane. There are several entrances along the route, allowing you to walk for miles. The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, including Mary Seacole, Freddie Mercury, and the original W.H. Smith.
Finally, what’s your favourite building in the area?
In the spirit of Modernist Estates, we would have to say Trellick Tower. It is an iconic local landmark, and catching sight of it means you are not far from home.
Sophie’s new monograph ’Sophie Smalllhorn: Works’ will be published later this summer by Counter-Print.