London Notting Hill

Notting Hill is not an ideal neighborhood for nightlife. The pubs thrive on daytime tourists, and many of the locals are young professionals who tend to frequent other spots. The neighborhood can feel deserted at night, and while it’s a safe area, the emptiness isn’t conducive to late-night revelry.

Portobello Star, 171 Portobello Rd. (020 7229 8016; www.portobellostarbar.co.uk) If cafes could have superhero alter egos, the Portobello Star would be Superman. By day, it's a pleasant cafe with internet access; by night, it's a bustling bar..with internet access. It's popular but not too crazy, sophisticated but with fun drinks ("Rock the Kasbah," Grey Goose vodka with lemon juice, mint tea syrup, orange flower water, and egg white £10). You'll hear your favorite classic rock, soft rock, R and B, soul, and hip-hop from the bar or the leather couches in the calmer chill-out room on the second floor of the building. The crowd is in their early 20s to early 30s, and the place is hopping. Notting Hill Gate. Take right onto Pembridge Rd. and then left onto Portobello Rd. Mixed drinks £7.50-8. M-Th 10am-midnight, F-Sa 10am-1am, Su 10am-midnight. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.

Ruby and Sequoia, 6-8 All Saints Rd. (020 7243 6363; www.ruby.uk.com/sequoia) Upscale, chic, bright, and with a painting of firefighting nuns (clearly the highlight here), Ruby and Sequoia is a pub filled with many local, young professionals enjoying hearty meals and lengthy drinks. Dress up a bit, but nothing too fancy. Just prime yourself for a relatively glamorous yet relaxed night on the town. There's a lounge downstairs with a DJ starting at 9pm. Bring friends to sit with, as people tend to come in groups. The street leading to the bar isn't that well lit, and the area is a bit deserted. Regardless, the warmth of the bar keeps the dark from the street at bay. Notting Hill Gate. Take right onto Pembridge Rd. and then left onto Portobello Rd.; take right on Westbourne Park Rd. and then left on All Saints Rd. Mixed drinks £8-8.50. Shots £4-5. Large glasses of wine £6. M-Th 6pm-12:30am, F 6pm-2am, Sa 10am-2am, Su 10am-12:30am. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.

Sun in Splendour 7 Portobello Rd. (020 7792 0914; www.suninsplendourpub.co.uk ) A fun, typical pub with a young crowd (20s-30s). The major draw is the fantastic beer garden in the back. The garden has benches and wood tables, lattices with ivy and primrose, lanterns, and heaters. It closes at 9:30pm, so try and get out there early. Food is served noon-10pm every weekday but is limited on Sa and Su. Notting Hill Gate. Take right onto Pembridge Rd. and then left onto Portobello Rd. M-Th noon-11pm, F noon-midnight, Sa 9am-12am, Su 9am-10:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.

Prince Albert 11 Pembridge Rd. ( 020 7727 7362 ; www.the-prince-albert.co.uk ) Prince Albert pub blares rowdy, retro indie music and serves veggie plates with olive, falafel, tomato, hummus, crudites, mozzarella, cherry tomato salad, garlic flatbread, and chips (£10). Fun, young, and crowded (but its size accommodates). Notting Hill Gate. Take right onto Pembridge Rd. 8 oz burgers £8-9. Sandwiches £4.50. Entrees £7-8. M-F 10am-midnight, Sa-Su 10:30am-midnight. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.

Portobello Gold, 95 Portobello Rd. (020 7229 8528; www.portobellogold.com) An old-fashioned pub with a crowd that will sing along to the classic rock that's playing. The clientele represents the whole age spectrum—from students to 70-something locals. The pub is endearingly ragged, bright, and just what you'd think an English pub should look like. There's a full service restaurant with pub grub in the back. The peak hours on Saturday are after 11pm. Notting Hill Gate. Take right onto Pembridge Rd. and then left onto Portobello Rd. Live music Su 6:30-10pm. ½ pints £1.90-2.60; full pints £3.60-4.10; bottles £3.60-4.80. Glass of red wine £4.20-4.60; glass of white wine £3.80-5.60; Cuban cigars £10.50. M-Th 10am-noon, F-Sa 10am-12:30am, Su 10am-11:30pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.

Mau Mau 265 Portobello Rd. ( 020 7229 8528; www.maumaubar.com) Mau Mau rests at the bottom of Portobello Rd., and though on Notting Hill's main drag, it feels totally removed from the touristy bustle of the street outside. The cool reds and greens of the walls reflect the smooth tones of the music, which is mainly jazz, trip-hop, and soul. If you're into pool, there's a table, but look out for a long queue by 10:30pm, the bar's peak hour. Clientele tends to be 40-something locals. Notting Hill Gate. Take right onto Pembridge Rd. and then a left onto Portobello Rd. Live music Th 8:30-10:30pm and Su 8:30-10pm. Shots £3.50-5. ½-pint £1.75; full pint £3.30; bottles £3. M-Th noon-10:30pm, F-Sa noon-midnight, Su 1-10:30pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.