You know that specific feeling when a neighborhood changes but somehow stays exactly the same? That's Notting Hill. It is a strange, beautiful paradox of high-end gloss and gritty bohemian roots. Right in the thick of it—specifically on Hereford Road—is The Princess Royal pub & boutique hotel Notting Hill. It isn't just another place to grab a pint. Honestly, it’s a bit of a masterclass in how to revive a Victorian "boozer" without stripping away its soul or making it feel like a corporate showroom.
London is full of pubs that have been "restored" to death. You’ve seen them. The ones with the identical grey paint and the same generic burger on the menu. This place is different. Cubitt House, the group behind it, brought in Ben Tish as the chef director, and that single decision changed the trajectory of what this building could have been. It’s a pub, sure. But it’s also a raw bar, a Mediterranean-leaning restaurant, and a four-bedroom hotel that feels more like staying in a wealthy friend’s guest suite than a commercial lodging.
The Design Philosophy: More Than Just Velvet
Walk in. Immediately, the central circular bar hits you. It’s huge. It dominates the room in a way that feels social rather than imposing. The design work by Country Highflyer is intentional. They didn't go for the "minimalist Scandi" vibe that was everywhere five years ago. Instead, it’s lush. We’re talking deep greens, rich timbers, and taxidermy that doesn't feel creepy. It feels established.
The garden is the real secret. In a city where "outdoor space" usually means a bench on a sidewalk next to a bus stop, the walled courtyard here is a legitimate sanctuary. It was designed by Jinny Blom, who is basically royalty in the landscape gardening world. It’s filled with plants that make you forget you're a five-minute walk from the chaos of Queensway.
Why the Food Actually Matters
Most pub food is an afterthought. A soggy fish and chips. A sad salad. The Princess Royal pub & boutique hotel Notting Hill flips that script entirely. Ben Tish brought a heavy Mediterranean influence here, specifically looking toward the coastlines of Italy and Spain.
✨ Don't miss: What Time in South Korea: Why the Peninsula Stays Nine Hours Ahead
The raw bar is the standout. You don’t expect to find red prawns or high-quality oysters in a pub, but here they are. It’s bold. You can sit at the bar with a glass of crisp white wine and a plate of crudo, or you can tuck into something much heavier like the wood-fired meats that the kitchen specializes in. The salt-crust sea bream is a commitment, but it’s worth the wait.
Staying Over: The Boutique Hotel Experience
There are only four rooms. That’s it. In the hotel world, four rooms is a risk because the margins are tight, but for the guest, it’s a dream. It means the service is personal. It means you aren't just room number 402; you’re the person in "The Victoria" or "The Albert."
The rooms are a maximalist's playground. Think bold wallpapers from Lewis & Wood and textures that demand you touch them. They’ve managed to squeeze in high-end amenities without making the rooms feel cluttered. The bathrooms are especially impressive—freestanding tubs and Bramley products that smell like a British countryside meadow. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to spend time in the room rather than just using it as a place to drop your bags.
The Notting Hill Context
Let’s be real about the location. Notting Hill can be exhausting. Between the Portobello Road tourists and the sheer wealth on display, it’s easy to feel like an outsider. The Princess Royal feels like it belongs to the locals who live in the white stucco houses nearby. It’s tucked away from the main tourist drag, which gives it a sense of "if you know, you know" exclusivity without being snobbish.
🔗 Read more: Where to Stay in Seoul: What Most People Get Wrong
The Realities and Limitations
Is it perfect? Nothing is. If you're looking for a cheap night out, this isn't it. The prices reflect the Notting Hill postcode and the quality of the ingredients. A meal here is an investment. Also, because there are only four rooms, booking them during peak season (like the Notting Hill Carnival or the height of summer) is nearly impossible unless you plan months in advance.
And then there's the noise. It is a functioning pub, after all. While the rooms are well-insulated, you are staying above a lively social hub. If you want total, graveyard silence, a boutique pub hotel might not be your first choice. But if you want to feel the pulse of London, it’s exactly where you need to be.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
Don't just show up on a Friday night and expect a table in the dining room. You need to book. If you’re just there for a drink, the bar area is usually "walk-in," but it fills up fast.
- Book the Garden: If the weather is even remotely decent, request a table in the courtyard. It’s one of the best outdoor dining spots in West London.
- Order the Small Plates: While the mains are great, the real magic is in the starters and raw bar items. Get a few to share.
- Check the Events: They often run seasonal menus or special collaborations. It’s worth checking their Instagram or website before you head over.
- Explore Hereford Road: After your meal, walk north. This part of Notting Hill is quieter and more architectural than the crowded market areas.
What Most People Miss
People often focus on the "newness" of the renovation, but the history is still there. This building has been a pub for an incredibly long time. The "Princess Royal" name refers to the eldest daughter of the sovereign, a title currently held by Princess Anne. There is a sense of continuity in these walls that a brand-new hotel simply cannot replicate.
💡 You might also like: Red Bank Battlefield Park: Why This Small Jersey Bluff Actually Changed the Revolution
When you sit in the dining room, look at the art. It isn't mass-produced. Much of it is curated to reflect the eclectic, artistic spirit of Notting Hill’s past. It’s these small touches—the weight of the cutlery, the specific curve of the bar, the scent of the wood-fired grill—that elevate it from a "place to stay" to an "experience."
The Princess Royal pub & boutique hotel Notting Hill represents the best version of modern British hospitality. It’s comfortable, it’s stylish, and it doesn't take itself too seriously while still delivering high-end quality. Whether you’re a local looking for a new Sunday roast spot or a traveler wanting an authentic West London base, it hits the mark.
To get the most out of a stay, aim for a mid-week booking. You’ll find the service more relaxed and have a better chance of snagging one of those four coveted rooms. If you’re just visiting for dinner, the early evening light in the courtyard is unparalleled for photography and general vibes. Keep your expectations high for the food; it’s the element that truly differentiates this spot from its neighbors.