Category — Notting Hill

First-time buyers still struggle with the market. It may be a buyer’s market, but that doesn’t make it easy for every would-be homebuyer. The latest research shows that demand for property has increased while prices fall, bringing more buyers back into the market, but first-time buyers are representing less of the market share.

However, the increased demand was not matched by an increase in sellers. In fact, the number of sellers dropped for the same time period, but this is typical of this time of year as most people don’t want to deal with selling their home during the holidays. Many homeowners also continue to have unrealistic expectations about the value of their property, so some may be holding off selling in the hope that prices will rise again next year.

As long as interest rates remain low, the NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) expects house prices to remain reasonably stable during the next 12 months.

There was a 5% drop in the number of properties purchased by first-time buyers in the last quarter. This decrease is most likely due to the high deposits or down payments required to buy these days. However, if prices stay low or perhaps fall a little more as buyers put pressure on the market, the market may open up for first-time buyers who are an important part of the economy.

See quality shows for less. West London is home to dozens of major theatres, all of which charge premium ticket prices for their big-name shows. But there are numerous smaller theatres that offer quality shows for much less.

Smaller theatres, including pub theatres, are called Fringe or Off West End. These small theatres can vary, with seating capacities of around 40 up to around 400. There are some fantastic plays in these smaller venues that are much more affordable and may provide a more personal experience.

Off West End theatres were created to make the theatre more accessible to the general public, and they’re often located in unusual venues like above a pub or in an unused warehouse. These theatres are able to take the risk of showing plays and performances that are not backed by major production companies. They are known as an important breeding ground of sorts for new talent and new ideas, and play a major role in making multicultural theatre experiences possible.

If you love the theatre but don’t have room in your budget for a big ticket, or you just want to see something new and underrated, Off West End provides a number of different performances any day of the week from physical theatre to devised, magical, comedy, tragedy or farce. Reviews and information about Off West End and Fringe productions are available online.

Nightlife goes daytime with Love Brunch. Occupying a venue previously known as Neighborhood, Supperclub is quintessential London hang-out with a creative twist that might offer just the club experience you’re looking for. If you’re interested in an unusual dinner experience in an unexpected place, check out the über modern aesthetic of Supperclub London.  Described as an experimental creative platform and home to a handful of well-known resident DJs, Supperclub brings in all kinds of creative talent and claims that every show is unique.

If you’re ready to try something totally different, keep an eye on Supperclub’s calendar for the next Love Brunch. Attending Love Brunch means you get to spend your Saturday afternoon eating, drinking, mingling, meeting, greeting and letting go after a week of work.  Just like any time spent at Supperclub, you’ll be fully entertained and you won’t go hungry or thirsty.

So check out the Portobello Road Market in the morning, and head over to Supperclub for brunch, beverages, innovative shows and music. What a way to spend a Saturday!

Supper Club is located at 12 Acklam Road in Notting Hill, London. It’s just a 5 minute cab ride away from Notting Hill Gate underground, or a 5 minute walk from Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove underground stations on the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines.

Be sure to check out London’s most famous street market. If you’re passing through West London and you like to hunt for bargains and unique gifts, be sure to add the Portobello Road Market to your itinerary. Today the Portobello Road Market might be most recognized for its abundance of antiques vendors, but it began in Notting Hill as a fresh food market in the 1800s. Saturdays are the main market days for antiques, but there are also fruit and vegetable stalls that trade throughout the week and are located further north, near the Westway Flyover. Typically the market stretches from Golberne Road to Westbourne Grove.

The Portobello Road Market is a shopping hot spot for both visitors and locals looking for everything from fresh produce to handicrafts to antiques from Roman times. You’ll find jewelry, books, vintage clothing, art, and collectibles of every kind.

Monday through Thursday the market is mostly used by the local community for food and basic goods. Fridays feature the secondhand market, and of course Saturdays you’ll find the famous antiques market, plus the produce market and flea market.

The nearest tube stations are Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove, and the Saturday market is closer to the Notting Hill station. Parking in the area is limited, so using public transit is highly recommended. Market hours below are approximate and can vary from one vendor to another:

• Monday: 8am – 6.30pm
• Tuesday: 8am – 6.30pm
• Wednesday: 8am – 6.30pm
• Thursday 8am – 1pm
• Friday: 8am – 6.30pm
• Saturday: 8am – 6.30pm
• Sunday: NO MARKET