In a nutshell: A buzzy horseshoe bar, excellent restaurant and four thoughtfully designed bedrooms make this pub and hotel a must-visit in Notting Hill
The neighbourhood
Tucked away off Westbourne Grove and its boutiques, restaurants and white-front mansions, The Princess Royal is perfectly placed to explore one of London’s most charming areas – with the two nearest tube stations, Bayswater and Notting Hill Gate, both a mere 10-minute walk. Meander south and there’s Kensington Gardens, one of the capital’s eight Royal parks where you’ll find the Peter Pan statue, the Diana Memorial Playground and two Italian gardens.
The hotel is also a stone’s throw away from Notting Hill’s famous Portobello Road. On Friday’s and Saturday’s, the street is brimming with market stalls spanning vintage fashion, accessories, food, bric-a brac, furniture, jewellery and more. Snaking from Westbourne Grove to Ladbroke Grove, the half-a-mile long market is world-famous. On any other day, the antique shops are still open for browsing or simply wander round the leafy area to admire the colourful houses straight out of a postcard.
The look
One of the newest additions to the Cubitt House roster, the pub itself dates back to the Victorian era (the original name has been kept) – and its transformation from a boozer to boutique hotel is tasteful and in-keeping with the building’s history (see the uncovered old mosaic flooring). The first thing you’ll notice when entering is the horseshoe bar that dominates the room. The buzzy atmosphere has the feel of your favourite local pub, yet design details give the downstairs an elevated feel – think art deco-style prints, mood-lighting, a grand fireplace and even a seafood counter.
The Princess Royal’s restaurant
(The Princess Royal)
A quieter space, the conservatory restaurant has a rustic charm thanks to the exposed brick wall and cascading plants, while the pub’s original terrace area is a lovely sanctuary. Centering the indoor dining space, the cushioned back bench boasts vintage upholstery with matching red detailed glassware, wooden chairs and mosaic floor, while green panelled windows border the room.
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The vibe
On a Saturday night, the bar is as busy and buzzy as you’d expect from a well-placed Notting Hill pub. From the baby-gender reveal party of…
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