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LOCAL AREA
In the fifties and early sixties Notting Hill was the centre of operations for a notorious slum landlord, Peter Rachman. By 1958 it was the scene of serious riots that led to national soul-searching on the question of race relations in modern-day Britain. In fact, in many ways it was the very template of a deprived inner city area.
Today's Notting Hill is thankfully a dramatically different place that can rightfully claim to be one of the coolest, smartest places in London. Many positive factors have contributed to its success. For instance, there is unique and innovative architecture, ranging from Victorian stucco buildings to the iconic Trellick Tower. There is also a number of colourful and lively markets such as Portobello and Golborn, as well as a myriad of shops, bars and restaurants. From a tense and difficult past, it has emerged with a strong and diverse character with an energy all of its own.
Of course, Notting Hill's development is closely tied to its numerous associations with literature, music and the arts in general. Many writers and musicians have lived, written or recorded in and around W11: Martin Amis, Alan Hollinghurst, George Orwell, Aswad, the Clash, Jimi Hendrix. The list is a long one that continues to grow all of the time.
More than anything else, it is the people of all classes and backgrounds who flock here to live, work and play that give Notting Hill its unique flavour. It really is one of the most diverse places on Earth; a natural home for the planet's second largest street festival.
