Several years after its conception, Trailer Happiness remains the perfect blend of kitsch and cool. Its strongest selling point? Got to be the cheap cocktails.

The Venue
Trailer Happiness was a pioneer in many ways – it was one of the first ‘cool’ venues to open in Notting Hill, and it introduced Londoners to the tiki trend long before Piers Adam dreamed of Mahiki or Kanaloa. It’s pretty easy to find on Portobello Road before you reach the Electric, and identifiable by the constant presence of bouncers and smokers hovering around the door of the basement venue. The first thing you’ll notice is the retro décor, which hasn’t changed much in the last five years, and consists of naked-lady paintings, a dominant bar that acts as the stage for its frustrated-performer bartenders, and comfortable sofas and cushions adorned with (tacky/fun?) plastic palm trees and mock artefacts. The only downside to this slightly-cramped venue is the lack of a dance floor, but the venue closes at midnight so you can take your dancing feet on to a club if you feel the need. The unisex toilets are a bit of a talking point, and you’ll either find these sexy or off-putting depending on your perspective. There’s also a private area called The Den if you want to book a private party for 15 or more people.

The Atmosphere
Once upon a time, Trailer Happiness was a destination in its own right, complete with celebrity regulars and prestigious awards. There are often still queues outside, but it has been overtaken by newer venues in some regards. The staff are still to keen to show off their cocktail-shaking muscle though, and you’ll be more than impressed with their Tom Cruise-style antics behind the bar. The loud Balearic soundtrack is also as intoxicating as the drinks, and the door policy keeps the suits out, so you’re certain to have a great attitude-free night. It gets pretty packed on Thursdays and weekend nights, so it’s advisable to pre-book the booth or a couch area in advance, so you’ve got some space to relax.

The Food
Trailer Happiness doesn’t really offer a varied enough food menu to be considered a dinner destination, but there are bar snacks on offer including spicy prawns, chilli and various sharing platters. You won’t spend more than a fiver on anything from the ‘kitschen’, so it’s far cheaper than its expensive neighbours.

The Drink
Every bar needs its ‘USP’, and Trailer Happiness’s is undoubtedly its cocktails. Many of them are served in carved wooden tiki mugs, and one or two even get set alight at your table. They’re all mixed with aplomb by bar staff who make it their mission to show off, although you can order a simple beer (£3-£4) if you’re not won over by the amateur dramatics. The cocktail prices are among the cheapest in W11, with cocktails starting at a fiver. Be sure to try the signature mai tais, or to sample any drink made with the yummy Barbados-imported Mount Gay rum. The Notting Hill Rum Club has also been established here.

The Last Word
Despite its relative old age, Trailer Happiness can still pack in an uber-cool local crowd. With cocktails so cheap you can knock back several without denting your wallet, and genuinely unusual surroundings, it should come as no surprise.

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