The days are ticking down to check in weekend at Chapter Portobello, and we’re looking forward to having you join us. So you can really make the most out of your time here, here’s our top recommendations for the local area, so that you’re a pro as soon as you land.

For a Caffeine Fix – The Coffee Plant

For those serious about their morning cup of joe, look no further. This is a proper coffee establishment, roasting their own organic and fairly-traded beans from all over the world. Not only can you pick up a delicious and reasonably priced coffee, they also have all their roasts available for you to take home and brew your own – probably the easiest way to make yourself popular with your new neighbours.

For Sweet Treats – Hummingbird Bakery

Although they’ve spread their wings and opened a few different stores in London, Notting Hill is the OG Hummingbird location. They have a mouth-watering selection of American-style brownies, cakes, pies and cheesecakes to name but a few. We recommend going with their all-time classic red velvet cupcake – definitely a hall of famer.

For a Photo Op – Grand Union Canal

The canal right outside your front door is the stuff Instagram dreams are made of. Quaint, picturesque and perfect for you to make friends jealous of your beautiful student accommodation. For a really special photo, hire a canoe or kayak from one of the local clubs, and get a friend to snap a few candids of you looking outdoorsy from the bank.

For a Tasty Beverage – The Union Tavern

You can follow the water from outside Chapter Portobello to this delightful canal-side pub. If you’re a craft beer fan, they have 12 local brews and 5 cask ales on the bar, and a lovely terrace out the front for you to sit and watch the world go by. There’s also a fireplace for you to snuggle in front of when it gets too chilly in the evening.

For a Chance to Dance – Notting Hill Carnival

This could have been our pick for pretty much any of these categories. Always the most fun weekend of the summer in London, you are in prime position for this unique event in Chapter Portobello. Reggae, Calypso and Soca is the playlist for the weekend, and with a belly full of great Caribbean food, you can’t help but get swept up in the fun.

For the Culture Vultures – Graffik Gallery

This contemporary gallery showcases the best in street art, with regularly updated exhibitions and exclusive access to the works of ground-breaking urban artists like Banksy and Alec Monopoly. They also offer Graffiti workshops, for those looking to try their hand with a spray can, with teachers on hand to help instruct and inspire.

For Live Music – Bush Hall

It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but through the front doors of this unassuming building, you enter an ornate ballroom, complete with chandeliers. With room for about 350 people standing, this intimate venue has played host to Pop and Rock royalty; Adele, Ed Sheeran, Bastille and Sia have all graced the stage here.

For Food on the Go – Acklam Village Market

Open on a Saturday and Sunday, Acklam Village market has an amazing variety of street food vendors from all over the world – African, Chinese, Greek, Mexican – all corners of the culinary world are represented here. You can’t go wrong, but we love the Taste of Cuba stall – their authentic pulled pork sandwiches are incredible.

Notting Hill is a vibrant community, and these are only handful of the wonderful features and events local to Chapter Portobello. If you come across any hidden gems, remember to share them with the 2017/18 Portobello residents Facebook group, which you can join here.