Even with Summer firmly drawn to a close we’re still longing for a weekend loaded with social pastimes – it’s almost as if we’re making up for the months lost in those unending lockdowns! It’s this fix that led to the inspiration of Oliver Stanley, Co-Founder to NBHD Portobello; the newest addition to Notting Hill’s notoriously lively social scene. Speaking about the venue which only opened in July 2021, he says “For us, like many, we came to know (and actually like!) our neighbours over the past 14 months due to lockdown, so we see NBHD Portobello as the place where you can reconnect with your local area and community”. This is a place where nothing other than fun is accepted – a place to relax for after-work drinks, or equally slip into your glad rags for on the weekend, especially as they have a resident jazz DJ on Friday and Saturday nights and other special events.

Spicy cocktails and South American Snacks

As you’ve probably already guessed this is a venue where you can expect flirtatious cocktails, but beyond that, you can select from South American snacks and small sharing plates for the table. This is a far more refined offering than the loaded, greasy burgers we usually see on a bar menu, so you’ve really got no excuse not to line your stomach for the chase of drinks that await.

Our friendly waiter recommended we started with the NBHD signature; the Strawberry & Jalapeño Margarita, made from the usual tequila, fresh lime juice and triple sec, but with the added touch of a homemade jalapeño syrup. The jalapeño gave this a quirky yet appetising kick on top of the already contrasting flavours of a standard margarita. As we could feel ourselves getting merry from the strength of our first drink, it was time we got some food on the table!

Whether you’re a fried meat enthusiast or into more delicate, cured meats, there’s a pleasant range of dishes to cater for both palates, however, I’d say the vegetarian plates are outnumbered with only Esquites (Mexican-style toasted sweetcorn), Vegan Corn ‘Ribz’, and a Grilled Veg Tostada on the menu. Although I often have an appetite for plant-based dishes, this is merely a taste preference rather than a dietary requirement and for this reason, I can still be tempted by well-prepared meat-based plates – which was, fortunately, the case at NBHD. 

First up we were served the Slow Roasted Pork Belly Taco which came with a homemade salsa verde, coriander and chicharrón (crunchy, fried pork rinds). The pork itself paired nicely with the herby gusto of the salsa verde, but I thought the crispy pork skin lacked any real flavour. 

I was really looking forward to the Tuna Tartare Tostadas which were paired with guacamole, chilli oil, and coriander cress, and I have to say it did not disappoint. Like a crispy little flying saucer, the tostadas were topped with creamy guacamole to balance out the fiery cured tuna, which almost made you wince a little as you took a bite. It really packed a punch! Following our cured fish cravings we had the Beef Tartare Tostada, topped with black sesame and a slow cured egg yolk which was satisfying to bite into, to say the least – just make sure you’re prepared to get your hands a bit mucky because there’s no cutlery here. This dish actually proved to be my favourite of the night as the combination of the raw beef with the egg yolk gave a really velvety, moreish finish. We also ordered the Grilled Veg Tostada which was made from all the usual suspects of courgette, fennel, butternut squash and red onion, partnered with guacamole, crumbled feta, sour cream and a lime garnish. This was tasty but I have to say the beef trumped it!

You’re probably wondering “Where are the cocktails in all of this?”. Rest assured, by this point, we had another on its way, this time with the fresh Watermelon Daiquiri (made from white rum, watermelon juice, watermelon syrup and fresh lime juice), my personal favourite of the drinks we tried. I have to really be in the mood for anything with watermelon, so given I’d just come from an evening gym class this was a very refreshing way to rehydrate (cocktails can be hydrating, right?). I can imagine this would be even more delicious after walking around Portobello Market on a sweltering summers day.

You’ll find one option on the desserts menu, but one is most definitely enough given this is the infamous crowd-pleaser, Churros. These little nuggets of chocolate filled, choux pastry were coated in cinnamon sugar and arrived piping hot which was a pleasing touch while the sky had drawn in and we were firmly into a chilly September evening. 

With a spacious, heated outdoor terrace, friendly young staff, and a menu that doesn’t take itself too seriously, NBHD Portobello is a great destination for entertainment.