Ever wish you lived in Notting Hill when it was in its heyday? Right now, Ladbroke Grove is reminiscent of how that area was 30 years ago, with many of the same qualities luring scenesters into the W10 postcode.

That’s arguably no accident. Both are in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and lie only 10 minutes walk from each other. But it’s a crucial 10 minutes, for today Ladbroke Grove is much vibier. Back in the 1960s, it was a pulse point of the counterculture and its spirit remains young and modish. Golborne Road and the north end of Portobello Road, its main arteries, are peppered with local businesses that are full of individualism. There are brunch boltholes – Snaps + Rye) is a go-to – design boutiques such as The Goldfinger Factory, and social hotspots like Laylow. The latter is a members club, restaurant and bar that has brought considerable cachet to the once overlooked environs of the Trellick Tower. Since opening in 2018, Laylow has ushered everyone from David Beckham to Stormzy, Mick Jagger to Idris Elba through its doors. Hell, Robert Downey Jr. has used it to host private screenings.

The industrial heritage of W10 sets its mood music, but don’t be deceived: there’s plenty of nature on offer. For one the great waterway of the Grand Union Canal, which flows down into Little Venice, but also a multitude of green spaces. The verdant Kensington Memorial Park and the Carmelite Monastery botanical gardens are hidden gems. Then there’s the meditative beauty of the Paris-inspired, 72-acre Kensal Green Cemetery and, to the west, the 200-acre nature reserve known locally as The Scrubs.

Thanks to Ladbroke Grove’s nexus-like location close to so many other areas of west London, it is well furnished with Underground stations. Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate and Holland Park are all a walk or short bus ride away, providing access to the District, Circle, Central and Hammersmith & City lines. But if you’re feeling healthy, you could always walk into town. Ladbroke Grove tube to Hyde Park is just 30 minutes by foot. Frankly, it’s remarkable that the area is only now truly coming into its own.