Whenever I walk around Notting Hill, I'm reminded just how many happy memories are tucked away on these streets.
This little corner of London has been part of my life for decades. It's where Their Nibs opened its very first shop, where I met wonderful customers, where I married my husband, and where our family has made countless memories together.
So I thought I'd take you on a little walk around some of my favourite places.
The Original Their Nibs Shop
Back in 2003, this was where Their Nibs began.
We were a children's brand then, creating kids' clothing and nightwear, but even back then we were completely print-driven. Looking back, the DNA of the brand was already there.
The shop was wonderfully eclectic. We had a children's play area, a hairdresser, and even a section dedicated to genuine vintage children's clothing. It felt quite progressive for the time.
Standing outside now, I can still see little reminders of those days. In fact, the floor we laid all those years ago is still there.
We were incredibly lucky with our customers too. Kate Moss used to visit regularly, as did Sadie Frost and many of the Primrose Hill crowd. Sophie Ellis-Bextor was also a lovely regular customer. Her eldest son was only little then, and she was always such a pleasure to see.
They're memories I'll always treasure.
St Peter's Church
Just a few doors away is St Peter's Church, where I married my wonderful husband, Charlie, in 2010.
It was one of the happiest days of my life, although there was one tiny hiccup...
Charlie had one job: organise the wedding music.
He forgot!
I absolutely refused to get out of the car until someone had sorted it, so we ended up driving around Kensington Park Road in a beautiful old Rover borrowed from a friend while everything was put right.
Thankfully, the music arrived, we got married, and it's now one of those stories that always makes us laugh.
Portobello Gold
Years ago, Portobello Gold was one of my favourite places to spend an evening.
I met so many friends there, many of whom are still close friends today.
Carnival weekends were unforgettable. I still remember people dancing on the tables and one year a man playing the bagpipes while bouncing from table to table.
It was joyful, chaotic and completely unforgettable.
Osteria Basilico
If you asked me to recommend one restaurant in Notting Hill, it would always be Osteria Basilico.
It's a wonderfully authentic Italian restaurant that has been part of the neighbourhood for years.
When my son Finn was little, I'd often bring him here after a day at the shop. More often than not, he'd fall asleep under the table while we finished dinner, and the staff never minded.
Their antipasti is still one of my favourites.
West Village
West Village has been one of my favourite shops for as long as I can remember.
It's colourful, eclectic and full of beautiful prints – perhaps that's why I love it so much!
It's also one of those dangerous shops where I almost always leave carrying something I hadn't planned to buy.
The Jacksons
Another favourite is The Jacksons.
They've been part of Notting Hill for around 25 years and have become something of an institution.
Their colourful woven bags with witty slogans are instantly recognisable, and every time I visit I find something that makes me smile.
Their homeware collection is equally joyful, full of vibrant colours and wonderful craftsmanship.
Makan
For family dinners, Makan is our go-to.
We probably eat here most Saturdays.
My daughter loves the noodles, while I almost always order the Number 7 seafood dish – I've been ordering exactly the same thing for about 25 years.
It's wonderfully welcoming, family-friendly and one of those places that feels like home.
Basing Street Studios
Just around the corner is one of music history's most famous addresses.
Before it became apartments, this building on Basing Street was the recording studio where Bob Geldof gathered an extraordinary group of musicians to record Do They Know It's Christmas? for Live Aid.
Knowing that so many iconic artists once walked through those doors always makes me smile.
Why I'll Always Love Notting Hill
Notting Hill has changed over the years, but for me it will always be filled with memories.
It's where Their Nibs first found its feet.
It's where our family story continued.
And it's where so many friendships, celebrations and little everyday moments have unfolded.
Every time I walk these streets, I'm reminded that places become special because of the memories we make there.
Thank you for joining me on this walk around one of my favourite neighbourhoods in London.
