What can I get you?
Ah, the dear old London pub. Rosy faces shining in the firelight, the tinkle of nostalgic piano keys, friendships hiccoughed over endless mugs of beer. Once, Peel Street III was a rub-a-dub just like the above. But the clang of closing time was just the start for this home. Bartender or no bartender, you’ll want to raise your glass to its period furnishings, tasty artwork and frothy white walls – before sipping that tasty tipple on the sofa or airy terrace. Cutely cottagey, up-to-date and in the heady heart of Notting Hill, this is one home whose glass is never half empty.
Water, water everywhere
Your host is an art-lover with a keen thirst for travelling and sailing. You’ll find him on a boat in Devon much of the time, but he and his partner love to hit the high seas in Croatia, too.
Free house
Last orders may have been called long ago, but there's still a feel of the traditional English watering hole in the classically structured building. With its Victorian artwork, start in the elegant sitting room, glowing shelves of books and vintage furniture on wooden floors. The squashy sofas are just the place to sit and mull your pint before the fireplace, while the modern kitchen is well-equipped for whipping up the finest gastropub grub. In the well-lit dining area, six can tuck in beneath some stunning watercolours.
An amazing antique bedstead and standard lamp adorn the double bedroom, all calm white walls, blue lighting and clean lines. You have a shower room of shiny surfaces and fluffy towels, as well as a darkly-tiled bathroom. The first floor holds another distinguished double, complete with plush bedstead, while the welcoming master has an ensuite shower room. And, whatever your nightcap, you’ll enjoy sipping it on the charming terrace.
After hours
You might have to venture somewhat further than before, but there are plenty of fine pubs nearby, from The Churchill Arms to the quaint charms of The Windsor Castle. Head to Hyde Park to share that pitcher of Pimm’s or to Portobello Road for antiques and some characterful coffee shops. Kensington High Street should cater for any shopaholic, but if you crave the West End, the tube from Notting Hill Gate can deliver you to Oxford Circus in just eight minutes.