What: A vibrant continuation of Covent Garden’s Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, The Barbary. Similar to its original location in Neal’s Yard, The Barbary Notting Hill draws inspiration from the diverse cuisines of the Barbary Coast, spanning from Southern Europe to Northern Africa.
Who: The Barbary Notting Hill is the latest and one of the most significant openings by siblings Zoë and Layo Paskin. Since establishing their Studio Paskin group in 1995, they have developed an impressive London portfolio that includes The Palomar, Evelyn’s Table, The Mulwray, The Blue Posts, and The Barbary Next Door. They also collaborated with Ennismore on the restaurant, bar, and private members lounge at Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh. Daniel Alt, who previously led the kitchens at The Palomar and The Barbary, is heading the kitchen here alongside group development chef Aika Levins.
The food: Like the Covent Garden location, this restaurant emphasizes sharing plates with many dishes highlighting open fire cooking. With a larger kitchen, Alt and Levins’s menu is more extensive, featuring a division between small and large plates. New offerings include a bold coffee-rubbed organic chicken (£26); a selection of wood-fired flatbreads (£6 – £7.50); and house-made merguez (£16). signature dishes from the original include Moroccan cigars (£12); crispy saffron rice (£9.50); and pistachio hashcake dessert (£10).
To drink: The wine selection is a highlight here, complemented by an extensive cocktail menu. With around 250 options, the wine list boasts a diverse selection from both classic and emerging regions, featuring sustainable producers. Exclusive reserves include prestigious and rare wines such as Krug, Salon, DRC, and first growth Bordeaux like Latour, Petrus, and Y’Quem.
The vibe: Unlike the original Barbary’s intimate 24-seat setup, The Barbary Notting Hill offers a spacious environment accommodating 75 covers. Located in a stunning Grade II-listed building at the corner of Westbourne Grove and Chepstow Road, the restaurant has an open-plan dining room and cocktail bar, along with a counter section that overlooks the kitchen as a nod to its predecessor. Designed by Archer Humphryes, the space is both relaxing and romantic, awash in natural light during the day and glowing warmly at night through its thoughtful design elements. The storm blue Boffi banquettes echo the building’s Art Nouveau features, complemented by patterned textiles, bamboo lighting, dark wood furnishings, and woven willow ceiling panels.
And another thing: The Barbary Notting Hill is positioned as the Paskins’ new flagship restaurant, reflecting its importance within the Studio Paskin portfolio. Layo notes, “[It’s] an opportunity for us to manifest some of our bigger ideas – an expanded dining space and a broader menu – while maintaining the familiarity and warmth our guests appreciate from The Barbary (Neal’s Yard). We aim to become a beloved neighborhood destination in West London.”
112 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5RU
thebarbary.co.uk/notting-hill
