Do you fancy sitting under a plastic palm tree, sipping a rum cocktail in someone’s basement? Then Trailer Happiness – the self-styled lounge bar, den and kitchen - is the place for you.

The Venue
At the bottom of bohemian Portobello Road, a garlanded plastic hula-girl indicates the location of this basement bar and gives an indication of what to expect as you descend the steep stairs. At the forefront of the tiki revolution that spawned such venues as Pier Adam’s Mahiki, among others, Trailer Happiness has always put an emphasis on whimsical fun, and this is evident throughout.

The decor is eclectic, simple, comfortable, unpretentious and quirky, and the bar is adorned with what, at first glance, may be mistaken for jumblesale tat: pop-art screen paintings of nubile South Sea women, rattan, and a wall festooned with mismatched tiki mugs.

Yes it is tacky and very heavy on the kitsch, and even Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen would shrink from some of the stylistic touches, but the lively decor really does make a change to the generic style bars of the surrounding area. With loud music and a louder crowd, try to bag yourself the pop art adorned booth or one of the large couches if you want to have anything approaching a conversation.

The Atmosphere
Beloved of fun loving celebs, well heeled locals, and those in the know who like to party hard, Trailer Happiness is less a bar than a night out in itself, and every inch as laid back as its decor. The eclectic style of the venue extends to the bohemian-chic patrons as well as the music policy – guaranteed to get you moving – and the tongue-in-cheek tiki theme engenders a very relaxed, friendly night out. A very popular venue, it is definitely advisable to get there early. However, the door staff are friendly and helpful, and no matter how many people are clamouring for drinks, the bar staff are efficient and professional.

The Food
Bar food from the ‘Kitschen’ is of a good standard, although not particularly challenging. As you might imagine, the fare is more suited to grazing that haute cuisine but it is substantial and reasonably priced.

The Drink
An expertly produced and lethal selection of drinks are on offer, including flaming cocktails that border on dangerous. Their signature sharing cocktail is an incendiary masterpiece, and once you have seen one being made, you will not be able to resist getting one for yourself. Cocktails, starting at around £6, are very reasonable for the area and considering the amount of alcohol, theatre, effort (and indeed personal risk) involved in making them, they are a veritable bargains. Where else in Notting Hill can you procure a cocktail served in a pineapple? The less adventurous will be reassured that a similarly reasonably priced selection of bottled beer is also available.

The Last Word
For a night of postmodern Polynesian-inspired fun, Trailer Happiness shows how it should be done. Get your grass skirt and head on over - you won’t be disappointed.

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