Guide to Notting Hill Carnival

The Carnival proper takes place on the bank holiday Sunday and Monday, but the fun starts on Saturday. In Emslie Horniman's Pleasance, the traditional starting point of the Carnival, the best steel pan players in the country show off their skills and compete for the coveted title of Panorama Champions at the UK National Panorama Steelband Competition, the most respected such event outside the Caribbean. Street food vendors and all sorts of Caribbean entertainment are available as well.

Named after the French expression for “opening of the day”, J'Ouvert is the traditional Caribbean start of the Carnival, but due to its early hour, only the most passionate and dedicated revellers are likely show up. The steelband floats convene next to Ladbroke Grove Station just before sunrise, heading out along the parade route when the day breaks. Meanwhile, revellers douse themselves and each other in paint and powders in happy, colourful mayhem. Things usually wind down around 9 am.

Following the J'Ouvert and the official Notting Hill Carnival opening ceremony, Sunday, the first day of the Carnival, is dedicated to children and families. In addition to a range of family-friendly events and activities throughout the Carnival area, including a dedicated family-friendly live music stage and sound systems, the next generation of mas bands parade along the traditional parade route, dancing in their costumes.

The climax of three days of revelry and colourful mayhem, the parade on Monday is the event that brings hundreds of thousands of partygoers to West London. Starting at Westbourne Park Station and heading down towards Westbourne Grove, the floats then go up Ladbroke Grove until they hit the canal and circle back to the start. The Notting Hill Carnival is an explosion of colours, costumes, music, and merrymaking, and you're encouraged to wear a costume of your own and make some noise even just as a spectator.

Throughout the main Carnival event on Sunday and Monday, massive stacks of loudspeakers blast out reggae, hip-hop, dub, and other bass-heavy music. Found at various locations around the Carnival area, the soundsystems are no less an iconic and traditional part of the event than the main parade, providing a more static alternative to following the parade around (though mind the evening curfew). Live music stages are also set up.

If you're embarking on a solo adventure, this West London hostel is the perfect spot to meet other like-minded travellers. Situated in the heart of the iconic Notting Hill neighbourhood, renowned for its incredible markets, the Onefam hostel is also conveniently located within walking distance of the impressive Kensington Palace, Portobello Market, and Hyde Park.

The Inhabit hotels offer wellness-focused accommodation that seamlessly blends British design with Scandinavian style. Guests can elevate their stay by requesting a custom aromatherapy scent for their room, enhancing the tranquil ambiance. The hotels boast a kitchen, a snack pantry, and a spa complete with treatment rooms. The plant-centric menu is designed to nourish and delight the taste buds.

Nestled in Notting Hill, The Hayden is a charmingly decorated pub offering boutique-style accommodation alongside delectable food and drinks. The menu showcases a diverse range of global favourites, including burgers, quesadillas, steaks, and tacos, along with classic brunch options and indulgent Sunday roasts complete with all the trimmings.

Experience the vibrant flavours of Caribbean cuisine at the Notting Hill branch of Cottons, where the ambiance is infused with tropical vibes, colourful artwork, and lively music. With over 300 types of rum available and a range of vibrant cocktails, the bar is an excellent place to start or finish your carnival journey – they've even set up their own sound system for past editions. The menu offers a variety of traditional dishes, including curried mutton, jerk meats, stews, and seafood.

For an affordable and authentic Caribbean meal, head to Jay Dees Catering, a small West London takeaway spot. Treat yourself to a generous portion of charred jerk chicken with rice and peas, or savour the flavourful curried goat paired with a side of saltfish patties. If you're hosting a special carnival event and want to impress guests with delicious Caribbean cuisine, Jay Dees Catering also offers catering services.

On the ground floor above the acclaimed Trailer Happiness tiki bar, A Little Happiness extends the bar's distinctive themes with a modern sharing menu that fuses Caribbean and Japanese flavours. Highlights include barbecue delights paired with an assortment of rum-based cocktails from the downstairs bar and an impressive array of fine wines. Additionally, outdoor seating is offered for those who prefer to soak up the sun.