The Churchill Arms - Fancyapint 2009 Award Winner

If you've ever Googled pretty much any pub in London, you're sure to have come across a Fancyapint (the extensive online British pub guide) page on it. Well, the website held their 2009 Best London Pub Awards this week, featuring a number of pubs across the city, as selected by both official reviewers and visitors/readers.

Included in the (visitors) list was the fabulous Churchill Arms on Kensington Church Street, W8. If you visit only one pub in Notting Hill, let this be it. An amazing flower display covers the outside of the pub (beautiful in summer), whilst the interior smacks of a proper old-fashioned boozer, with a warming fire that's usually lit on cold days.

With an excellent selection of drinks, there's also always been a very good atmosphere whenever I've been. (I'd like to suggest that's down to me, but alas I think not.) Best of all, the pub serves great quality Thai food which is another must-try if you pop in.

• Fancyapint: And the winners are...Fancyapint Best London Pubs Awards announced
• The Churchill Arms on Fancyapint

Bodean's on Westbourne Grove

For those that like their steaks, burgers and ribs American-style, head down to Bodean's on Westbourne Grove. Some of you may know the chain from its original location in Soho, but those that have never been will enjoy what's on offer at this "BBQ smoke house". Well, unless you're a vegetarian, that is. Try the pulled pork or baby back ribs - both highly recommended (by me!). And no, I'm not being paid to say any of this!

Time Out gave Bodean's (its Soho branch) a good review in its 2009 Eating and Drinking guide: http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/reviews/4737.html

Bodean's
57 Westbourne Grove, W2
www.bodeansbbq.com

Celebrity Tours in Notting Hill

The old Blue Door - back when it was blue and
digital cameras hadn't been invented yet (June 1999)
(See more photos from that time at Notting Hill - Photos)

Over the weekend, the New York Times had a report on a phenomenon that's often found in the U.S. but has yet to make it over here - until now. Whilst this rather vague description may cover a whole manner of things, I'm actually talking about celebrity tours. Usually run as bus tours of celebrity houses in America (specifically, Hollywood), the London versions are ever-so-slightly more healthy and eco-friendly, conducted as they are on foot.

The New York Times article mentions in particular a walk of Notting Hill, run by a company called Celebrity Planet. The walk takes in a number of sights in the area - from celebrities' house, to locations in the film Notting Hill, to the rather cool (where Pink Floyd first played), to the rather not-so-cool (a charity shop Victoria Beckham once visited?!).

In all seriousness, it's a great way of seeing this part of London. The whole city is great for ambling around (with something interesting almost around every corner) so if a celebrity tour is your kind of thing, take a look!

Of course, you could take a look at our very own Notting Hill website for a number of interesting tidbits and photos of famous scenes from the area - all from the comfort of your own home, or for preparation for a walk of your own. (And all the information has been up on our website for 10 years now!)

Article: Star Tours...of London? (26th October 2009, The New York Times)

High end Notting Hill property is selling again

Yesterday's Evening Standard reported that recent resurgance of big, fat bank bonuses has cause property prices to rise in some prime London areas - including Kensington and Notting Hill, and other upmarket parts of the capital such as Holland Park and Chelsea.

The resurgence means that a number of properties in some prime streets are selling for above asking price, with some sales even going to sealed bids. One estate agency reports that prices in these areas have risen by 8% in the last six months. Interest has also risen, with many more buyers - particularly those that work in the City - being registered as new applicants.

All in all, it's a little bit of a skewed report. It shows that top end flats and houses are popular once more, depsite that fact that, as with so much of the property market, such properties had such a tough time of it in the past year or so (with prices either slashed massively to sell, or languishing on the market for an incredibly long time). What the article really shows, however, is that bankers are back. With their bonuses. And that they're not afraid to spend them.

Article: Return of bank bonuses fuels a new surge in house prices (22nd October 2009, Evening Standard)

Thumbs Up for Tom's Deli

The Dallas Morning News had a write-up over the weekend about Tom's Deli, Tom Conran's famous cafe and delicatessen on Westbourne Grove.

Claiming - rather dramatically! - that Tom's Deli serves "one of the best breakfasts...in England" it goes on to state that the eggs Benedict are "to die for". (They're certainly good - I can attest - but I wouldn't go that far, if I'm honest!)

The article warns of long queues due to the popularity of the place; I'm sure the weekends must see it rammed full, so try to avoid going then but otherwise you shouldn't really have a problem. It also praises the food served in the deli, which is certainly delicious to the eye let alone the palate - if you're ever passing by, you'll see what I mean.

Finally, the coffee served at Tom's Deli also gets praise - according to the author, it "is some of the best hot, black, steaming, flavorful, delicious coffee...I've ever had".

Article: In Tom's Deli in London, breakfast is king (18th October 2009, The Dallas Morning News)

Harry Enfield's jokes stolen

If you're in the Notting Hill area anytime soon, and spot some jokes just sort of lying around, be aware - they may belong to Harry Enfield. And he'd like them back.

A laptop belonging to comedian Harry Enfield, containing material for his show with fellow comic Paul Whitehouse, was recently stolen from a car in Notting Hill.

The thieves subsequently contacted Enfield and demanded a ransom of £750 to return the computer. That's a rather paltry sum, no? Perhaps the they read the material and decided that's all it was worth. Thieves can be such harsh critics. Although perhaps we should just assume the material was at a "very early stage" and not yet properly developed.

Enfield has refused to pay the ransom and is instead working with the police. Quite right too. But if you should happen to see the jokes lying around, have a heart and please return them to Mr Enfield. Otherwise, we may not get any more episodes of the stunningly funny Harry & Paul show...

• Digital Spy: Thieves 'try to blackmail Enfield' (18th October 2009)
• Guardian: Heard the one about Harry Enfield's stolen jokes? (19th October 2009)

Graham & Green Relocation Sale - 22nd to 25th October 2009

Notting Hill-based homeware specialists Graham and Green are having another fantastic sale next week! There's a chance for some real bargains with up to 70% on furniture, home accessories, lighting, mirrors and Christmas gifts.


The sale will take place at 3-4 Capital Interchange Way, Chiswick, TW8 0EX - map.

http://www.grahamandgreen.co.uk/
Tel: 020 8987 3700