This Notting Hill stalwart looks like a Portobello tourist trap, but its secret garden, friendly staff and arty vibe help pack in the local crowd too.

The Venue
The Sun in Splendour is one of Notting Hill’s most recognisable landmarks. Situated at the start of Portobello Road, it features on any number of postcards. The blue and white curved frontage looks inviting and comfortable, and that theme continues indoors with wooden tables, comfy sofas and flickering candles. An attempt at trendy interior design has also seen the installation of large oversized mirrors, chandeliers, designer wallpaper and (best of all) a very pretty secret garden area for smokers with candles, heaters and potted plants. The only exception to this smart presentation is the toilets, which need updating and a good clean to bring them upto the standards elsewhere in the pub.

The Atmosphere
On market days, The Sun in Splendour gets exceptionally busy with tourists keen to experience the classic British pub. This can slow down service dramatically, although the manager runs a tight ship and keeps his friendly staff on their toes. The tourists are well catered-for here as the local celebrity walking tours start from this pub, but on non-market days a more arty and bohemian crowd of young twenty-somethings fill up the sofas, lending a more studenty and fun feel. They enjoy the Nineties tunes blaring out of the speakers, as well as the regular live music and board games. Sundays are a relaxed affair, with the newspapers and hangover-blasting ‘Bloody Great Bloody Marys’ all on offer. You can reserve tables to eat if you’re worried about finding space on market days.

The Food
With Notting Hill undoubtedly designated as one of London foodies’ favourite enclaves, it takes a brave establishment to buck the trend and stick to more traditional pub fare. The Sun in Splendour’s menu does make a few nods to modern cuisine (root vegetable risotto with goat’s cheese and rocket probably isn’t going to satisfy the more traditional market trader’s appetite), but mostly sticks to filling favourites including fish and chips (beer battered haddock with minted mushy peas), steak and ale pie, and pork and apple bangers and mash. Sunday roasts are always popular too, and there are some lovely sandwiches (rib-eye steak with red onions and watercress is very tasty) for those on the go. The prices are pitched well below most of Portobello’s overpriced establishments, with main courses just £7-£10, and starters or sandwiches for £3-£5.

The Drink
The Sun in Splendour always has a couple of ales on draught (they change seasonally), as well as several lagers. The wine list is concise with about twenty choices, but takes in everything from Italian Pinot Grigio to Australian Shiraz, at cheap prices considering the locale (only £3-£5 a glass). Some of the prices for beer may feel high for a traditional pub (£3.50 a pint), but that isn’t unusual and matches everyone else in W11. Mulled wine, made to a secret recipe, is a house favourite when December arrives and the Christmas lights are twinkling.

The Last Word
The Sun in Splendour is a traditional boozer competing in an area packed with trendy pubs and fashionable eateries. It manages to hold its own by offering consistently good pub grub, a splendid garden and a great location.

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