ENGLAND NOTTING HILL
18 George’s Portobello Fish Bar, 329 Portobello Rd. (8969 7895). Tube: Ladbroke Grove. Choose from the fillets on display or ask them to fry up a new one (£4-5), add a generous helping of chunky chips (£1), and wolf it down outside (no inside seating). Open M-F 1 lam-midnight, Sa llam-9pm, Su noon-9pm.
13 Books for Cooks, 4 Blenheim Crescent ( 7221 1992). Tube: Ladbroke Grove. The chef-owner “tests” recipes from new titles. Offerings change daily, but rely on the cakes (£2). Kitchen open M-Sa 10am-2:30pm. Bookstore open Tu-Sa 10am-6pm. MCV.
Lisboa Patisserie, 57 Golborne Rd. (8968 5242). Tube: Ladbroke Grove. Tiny Iberian bakery-cum-cafe, packed with Portuguese and Moroccan men chatting football over their coffee (80p). Broad selection of cakes and pastries (from 45p)-don’t miss the Portuguese custard pie. Open M-Sa 8am-8pm, Su 8am-7pm. Cash only.
The Grain Shop, 269a Portobello Rd. (7229 5571). Tube: Ladbroke Grove. Generous homemade takeaway bakes and salads; mix as many dishes as you like for a small (£2.25), medium (£3.45), or gut-bustingly large (£4.60) box. Organic breads baked onsite (£1-2). Food available noon-6pm. Open M-Sa 9am-6pm. MCV.
