Guesthouse West
London, United Kingdom[view map]
Local restaurants
For the best grills and bistro fare, in a convivial atmosphere, Electric Brasserie on Portobello Road (+44 (0)20 7908 9696) is a sceney spot any time of the day; try to book as far in advance as poss. (Better still, book the double leather sofa in the adjoining cinema, and while away an afternoon in front of a movie with a bottle of vino, then stumble down for a lobster sandwich.) Pounce on the black cod and other pan-Asian delights at E&O on Blenheim Crescent (+44 (0)20 7229 5454). This stylish hang-out is as hip at lunch as it is at night. If you’re in the mood for somewhere low-key and cosy, Rosa’s on Westbourne Park Road (+44 (0)20 7221 5329) is a lot less chichi than a lot of its Notting Hill counterparts, and a great spot for a steak in the evening. Around the corner, The Cow (+44 (0)20 7221 0021) is ideal for a pint of prawns and half a Guinness at lunchtime. With its wood-panelling and chandeliers, it’s Harlem, but not as you know it. For ‘American soul food’ (ie: posh burgers), head to 78 Westbourne Grove (+44 (0)20 7985 0900), although you may prefer just to head to the cosy downstairs just for cocktails. And for more dishes from across the Atlantic, for a traditional diner-style brunch, head to Lucky Seven on Westbourne Park Road (+44 (0)20 7727 6771). The ice-cream milkshake is sure to satisfy the kid in everyone. For mouthwatering Italian cuisine (with pizzas as tempting as their antipasti and grills) in rustic surroundings, book a window table at Osteria Basilico on Kensington Park Road (+44 (0)20 7727 9372). Downstairs is particularly romantic at night. Alternatively, try Zucca at 188 Westbourne Grove (+44 (0)20 7727 0060); it’s a stylish spot even closer to the hotel, and you probably won’t have to book a table as far in advance. Great for a lunchtime respite from all the shopping you’ll be tempted to do around here. A little further afield, Hereford Road at 3 Hereford Road, W2 (+44 (0)20 7727 1144) is co-owned by Tom Pemberton, former chef at St John Bread and Wine, and is a welcome addition to a patch of West London suffering a dearth of write-home-about eateries; grab a booth-for-two upstairs at this former Victorian butcher's and do everything as a pair – the melt-in-your-mouth oxtail to share is a carnivore's dream.
Local bars
The delightfully diminutive Negozio Classica on the corner of Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road (+44 (0)20 7034 0005) is a quiet spot for a cosy wine-fuelled evening. Try to get a table by the fire at the back – it’s the perfect snug for first-time weekend-awayers to get to know each other better. Sample fantastic exclusive Italian imports, and graze away an afternoon or evening with delicious platters of antipasti. You might find it hard to resist stumbling out with a bagful of a few of the jars and bottles that line the walls.
Local cafes
Cosy up over a cappuccino and toastie at the deli and café owned by Conran junior, Tom's on Westbourne Grove.
Worth getting out of bed for
The concierge can organise outings such as chauffeur-driven tours in a classic Bentley. There's shopping galore here: Portobello market; Westbourne Grove; Bayswater; and great cinemas within walking distance: the Gate and the Electric. It's not too far to Hyde Park, where you can visit the gorgeous Serpentine Gallery, while the National History Museum, Science Museum and the V&A are just beyond the park. For anything from artichokes to antiques, Portobello Market on Saturdays takes over the whole of the Portobello Road. You can go ice-skating on Queensway (+44 (0)20 7229 0172), too, and browse the Myla shop on Lonsdale Road (+44 (0)20 7221 9222; www.myla.com) for lingerie and sex toys.