Ladbroke Grove has a reputation for being the trendy hotspot for
celebrities, but this culturally diverse neighbourhood showed me that
it had far more to offer.
A day of exploration began to unfold as I launched myself on my
precious long board, pointing the nose in the direction of discovery.
My skateboard (fashioned in the style of a stretch limo and made for
cruising and carving) was indeed the perfect way to explore and a
wonderful conversation piece enabling the process of meeting the locals!
We started the day at a jewel of a café named Tea’s Me – just off
Ladbroke Grove in Ladbroke Crescent. The outside tables were perfect to
accommodate our skateboards and the sunny morning complemented a much
needed bite to eat. The service is friendly, the food is delicious and
the ambience welcoming. This quirky find is perfect for intimate meals
away from the chaos of Portobello Road.
Once seated, we decided to head for the hills towards Holland Park. For
the skate enthusiast, the steady incline of Ladbroke Grove make for a
speedy downhill delight. Heading left on Holland Park Avenue we sought
some serenity in the Zen Garden in Holland Park. It was quite beautiful
and mystical, and after a walk through the rose garden we rested at the
tennis courts, watching the players. These courts can be booked and
played on by all members of the community at a fee.
The obvious choice for most people visiting Ladbroke Grove would be to
head to the famous market. An easy way to access Portobello Road is to
cross Ladbroke Grove after alighting at the tube station, then head
toward the alley where bright clothing garments and an eager crowd are
ways to confirm you are headed in the right direction. The market
stretches from Ladbroke Grove to Notting Hill Gate and has on offer all
things that you may expect to find and a few beyond any imagination.
There are loads of trendy shops in the roads branching off Portobello,
amongst them some exciting skate shops!
Visiting the stalls is a sure way to work up an appetite and some
excellent choices for unforgettable lunches are located directly
opposite the alley where the market was accessed. For a spin on the
traditional English favourites, try the S & M Café for mind-blowing
bangers and mash or venture further down Portobello Road to George’s
Fish and Chip Shop (pictures of Jamie Oliver and the owner adorn the
walls). If you are feeling slightly more adventurous, try The Moroccan
Tagine in Golborne Road (branching off Portobello) for exotic flavours
and excellent cuisine.
The skate park is easily accessible from Golborne Road if followed
towards Elkstone Road (the skate shop along the way is a perfect
landmark and worth a visit too). The bowl is most suited for short
boards but those on rollerblades can also be found taking advantage of
this facility. The wonderful thing about this venue is that it is a
place where both young and old, advanced and learners engage in
mastering the art of skate boarding.
The Grove can easily be accessed by following Golborne Road to the end
then travelling the gentle slope towards Ladbroke Grove tube
station. A sumptuous treat for all the hard work and a sweet cap to a
beautiful day may be found in Lancaster Road (so near the station it’s
like destiny unfolding!) at Yellow – the banana fritters with coconut
ice cream and roasted sesame seeds come highly recommended!
