The Portobello Gold (Bar, Hotel)

There is so much to say about the Portobello Gold, it is impossible to pigeon hole such a diverse and confusing place. It is an internet cafe, one of the first in the UK in fact. It is a bar, they serve cocktails and pride themselves on their individuality in stocking only the most sort after lagers and spirits. It is a restaurant of high quality, mainly serving modern seafood but includes bar snacks and an 'a la carte' menu. It is a hotel, there are a few rooms upstairs that even have free internet access. It is also an art gallery where you can display your own masterpieces and in the summer the Portobello Gold even provides summer sightseeing trips around London in their very own 1952 Buick soft-top.

The funny thing is, I had to be forced to even enter Portobello Gold as it didn't seem that appealing, simply a small cafe perfect for the market days. As the longest running bar under the same ownership in Notting Hill, there is alot of history behind this pretty place. Some of the pot plants are even 20 years old at least.

The back conservatory doubles up as a restaurant, and the front bar has computer terminals surrounding it. A cash machine is even included in the interior. The Portobello Gold is heaving on market day and becomes home to market traders and shoppers alike. It is not the most happening of all places and I wouldn't recommend the place for a heavy drinking session. I would however recommend coming along for a coffee in the day or perhaps check out the food on a date in the evening.

The Portobello Gold offers a lot and has friendly staff to top it all off. Try out the food, check out the specialist spirits, surf the net or come along during the summer months for a tour around London with a difference. Nowhere else could possibly offer so much under one small market style roof....read more