The best bars in Notting Hill

This popular Portobello Road basement establishment calls itself a tiki bar, but the vintage decor resists simple categorisation. It looks like a suburban-American rumpus room from the mid-1960s, but underneath the thick layer of kitsch is a very good cocktail bar; the bartenders know their business. They also spin a great vintage playlist.

A 'zero-waste' agaveria, Viajante 87 is all about cocktails with class. Barstaff here are fermenting and pickling where others are simply pulling pints, while the majority of ingredients come from sister restaurant Los Mochis, with the leftovers elegantly turned into incredible drinks. Tequila is the done thing here – you might end up with a headache the next day, but at least your conscience will be clear. 

Caia is a tale of two venues. The upstairs room is full of chic bar stools to perch on and floor-to-ceiling bottles while the basement is pure ’70s house party, with kitschy-cool velvet seating, chandeliers and even a disco ball. And here’s the kicker: on the far wall is a massive vintage record stand, bedecked with retro vinyl and three turntables. The swish speakers pump out funk, disco and jazz, all curated by Noreen McShane of Stranger Than Paradise Records. Try the small plates food, too, but the cocktails are really where it's at. 

Don’t let the crystal chandeliers, ornate velvet chairs, or dripping candlesticks lull you into submission. After dark, Paradise Bar – which you will find towards Kensal Green – comes in hard with banging DJs, serious cocktails, and a dancefloor that doesn’t stop. It’s pretty close to, well, paradise. And that’s before you devour one of their signature Sunday roasts. With a pub and restaurant downstairs, nightclub upstairs, and plenty of private rooms in-between, it could risk being a jack of all trades, but ask any local in the know – Paradise has the master touch.

Gold has a full contemporary list of low intervention, organic, biodynamic and natural wines. Many from recognisable appellations, some from lesser known regions known for high quality production and a handful of the unusual. Their food is great too, with seasonal ingredients and the use of wood roasting, charring and slow cooking.

This is Ed Sheeran’s joint. His chart-topping songs aren’t blasting overhead, but his favourite rigatoni is on the menu (a dish he once tried in New York and recreated for the bar), and the vibe is warm and amiable. Kind of how we imagine Ed to be. Adorned with flowers and quirky art, there’s real charm here. Staff are genuinely kind, creating a strong community feel, high-fiving locals who come for tacos and shots of mezcal. Ed’s own hot sauce (Tingly Ted’s) is featured on the menu, and while many celebrity bars and restaurants are underwhelming at best, this is an example of how good they can be.

With a fictional flatshare concept, The Little Yellow Door hosts some of the best supper clubs, cocktails and boozy brunches in town. On the menu you'll find a house rum punch, premium G&Ts and creative twists on well loved classics – and make sure you swing by for £5 picantes every Wednesday to Friday. There's history here too – the first contract for Notting Hill Carnival was written up and signed in the bar's den. 

Even the name screams 'intimate Ibiza afterparty'. Tucked away under the Greek restaurant Zēphyr, is this exclusive bolthole. It’s pretty sexy; orange hues light up a 1970’s-inspired lounge with luxe soft furnishings throughout. And what do the beautiful people drink? Mezcal and tequila dominate the cocktail list alongside a wave of premium Champagnes. The mood is luxury sophistication turning playfully lascivious as the night unfolds. If hedonism isn’t your deal, grab some agave shots and dance like no-one's looking. They’ll all be too busy taking selfies in the Instagram-worthy loo anyway.