Exploring the eclectic independent businesses that pillar this community-focused market road in North Kensington.
Golborne Road wears its heart on its sleeve. Nestled between North Kensington and Notting Hill, this neighbourhood comprises artists and aesthetes, young city-goers and West London old-timers alike. Bookended by bohemian Portobello Road Market and Ernő Goldfinger’s iconic high-rise Trellick Tower, the street gets its welcoming reputation from independent boutiques, artisanal eateries and community-oriented workshops. Here, we explore the businesses and speak to the people that give Golborne Road its distinct character.
Golborne Fine Wine & Deli
“Modern All-Day Bistro”, reads the canvas awning of Golborne Fine Wine & Deli, W10’s local wine merchant, espresso bar and continental snack shop contained in two adjacent shopfronts. To one side, shelves are stacked high with bottles from all over the world and provide the backdrop for regular wine tastings and food pairings. To the other side, you’ll find organic produce, cupboard essentials and a raved about selection of handmade cakes. Something of a stalwart here, the shop has been in business since the early noughties but still moves with the times. Follow them on social media to be the first to hear about any new arrivals in store.
Caia
Fire, wine, vinyl: three magnetic words stamped on this restaurant and bar’s inky-black facade. Caia joins the burgeoning genre of hybridised eateries, combining music and great food under one roof. “Golborne Road is authentic and full of life,” says founder Tim Lang. “There’s a buzz around food here; we’re in close proximity to some great restaurants.” A custom-made open grill centres the restaurant, apt considering the restaurant’s name – Caia is the Roman goddess of fire. Delve into sharing plates before heading to the basement, where vintage records soundtrack the space. “From the musical heritage of Notting Hill Carnival to the love of food and design, it’s fitting for us to be located here. We’re proud to be part of this nostalgic, vibrant road.”
“Golborne Road is authentic and full of life. We’re proud to be part of this nostalgic, vibrant road.”
- Tim Lang, Caia
Of The Bea
Showcasing a carefully curated selection of clothing, homewares and lifestyle products, Of The Bea is for those after an eclectic retail experience. Established by Beatrice Jenkins in 2018, the store is an amalgamation of her own bohemian style and global designers. There is an enticing collection of own-brand garments (all created with high-quality patterned silk) as well as a host of independent artisans to explore. Expect handblown glass Rosanna Lonsdale lamps, exquisite gemstone pieces by Georgian company Ia Jewels, or anhydrous botanical skincare by Star Seed – a local company that ethically sources their materials with smallholder communities in East Africa.
Original Fibres
One for the sustainably conscious, linen and wool specialist Original Fibres is a brand committed to changing mindsets about dispensable fashion. All materials used are natural, low-impact and designed to last a lifetime, with the entire manufacturing process plastic free. A visit to the store proves that linen in particular isn’t just for summer: the permanent collection showcases durability, fantastic texture and suitability for every season. Plus, the team offers free repairs.
Goldfinger
From crafting bespoke furniture out of reclaimed materials to supporting the local community with woodworking courses, Goldfinger is an enterprise with soul and drive. Located at the base of architectural icon Trellick Tower, the team designs and creates beautiful homewares using responsibly sourced timber. Thus far, they’ve rescued over 400 tonnes of material, producing artisanal pieces that illustrate a commitment to traceability, sustainability and circularity. Outside an ever-growing residential portfolio, you’ll find Goldfinger’s work displayed in some of London’s cultural giants – the Tate Modern, Selfridges and Soho House to name a few. The enterprise sits at the heart of North Kensington’s community: “I love the entrepreneurs and eclectic characters along Golborne Road,” says Leslie Feeney, Head of Impact and Partnerships. Read more about Goldfinger here.
Cubitts
Paying tribute to the architectural legacy of its location, spectacle maker Cubitts takes inspiration from the road’s design godfather, Ernő Goldfinger. Occupying a prominent corner plot, its eye-catching red frontage is painted the same terracotta shade that Goldfinger used to paint his own living room. For those in the market for glasses, the store has created a series of exclusive eyewear that celebrates the area’s diversity and modernist legacy, including the Portobello – a frame with a frilled surface based on the shape of a pastel de nata.
“Having worked in the area for now five years, having a space at street level on Golborne Road was always a dream. It's a vibrant place, alive with a diverse selection of amenities and creatives, but above all it's people coming together from different walks of life.”
Eva Menz, Owner & Designer - Atelier 001
Atelier 001
Celebrating artisanship in all its myriad forms, Atelier 001 works alongside individual workshops and makers to handcraft one-of-a-kind light sculptures. Curated by acclaimed designer and artist Eva Menz, the exquisite collection of pendants and wall lights embraces the character, variations and small imperfections inherent within each object. Playing its part in helping to revive some long-neglected trades, Atelier 001 supports a wide network of highly skilled artisans from its Golborne Road studio and showroom.
Trove
Balancing luxury and nomadic styles, Trove is a brand that mirrors its arty postcode. Founded by Tiffany Duggan who heads interior design company Studio Duggan, Trove’s showroom opened on Golborne Road after high demand from private clients – all seeking Tiffany’s holistic approach to interior creativity. “Golborne Road is such a melting pot of people, cultures and styles,” says Tiffany. “Expensive vintage boutiques sit happily alongside old-school market traders. In fact, the hallmarks of Notting Hill are a common thread in our design projects.” Inside, Trove’s pieces are as eye-catching as its bronze-green exterior: design enthusiasts can browse the hand-selected vintage items and learn about their range of made-to-order furniture. “I love working in Notting Hill and I’ve been able to see it through new eyes since moving to the Cotswolds last year. It’s about contrasts!”
“Golborne Road is such a melting pot of people, cultures and styles. Expensive vintage boutiques sit happily alongside old-school market traders. In fact, the hallmarks of Notting Hill are a common thread in our design projects”
- Tiffany Duggan, Trove & Studio Duggan
Layla Bakery
It was Tessa Faulkner’s dream to open a neighbourhood cafe that replicated the artisanal bakeries so renowned in east London. Since launching in 2021, Layla Bakery has become a hotspot both for locals and visitors alike. Sustainability and social consciousness are central to the food philosophy: Layla’s high-quality ingredients are all sourced from independent producers. The menu is informed by seasonal flavours, changing on a regular basis to showcase different fruits, vegetables and spices. Layla Bakery occasionally partners with fellow creatives and moonlights as a supper club and arts venue.
Lisboa Patisserie
Early birds catch Lisboa Patisserie’s famous pastéis de nata, so popular that they often sell out before lunchtime. Since the 1990s, this hidden gem has brought authentic Portuguese cuisine to the community. It’s a hub of social life, and when weather permits, the buzz spills onto the street outside. In fact, chef and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi cited it as one of his favourite eateries in London. Just across the road is the accompanying delicatessen, where Portuguese wines, beers and produce are fixed on locals’ grocery lists.
Golborne 44
Golborne 44 has an exceptional eye for design, offering bespoke interior projects and styling from its studio on Golborne Road. The eclectic assemblage of antiques proves that old doesn’t have to feel dated. Expect bright colours and playful forms across table lamps and dressing screens, soft furnishings and bold glassware. After browsing, head over the road to Lisboa and enjoy a coffee on the outside seating – the rattan Cesca chairs were sourced by Golborne 44.
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