HR Consultant in Notting Hill

A Bit About Notting Hill

History

It was in 1837 that John Whyte created the Hippodrome racecourse in what is now Notting Hill, although not without protests. Before that time, the area had been something of a wasteland, but in the 1840s it saw rapid urban development with the building of the Ladbroke and Norland estates. The area was often known as the “Potteries” for the nearby pottery works or the “Piggeries” because it had more pigs than people. Residents were mostly working class in contrast to the rest of the borough.

In the early 20th Century it was still known as “Notting Dale” and was considered a slum, with high rates of crime and unemployment. Major demographic change occurred in the years after the Second World War, which saw a wave of immigration from the Caribbean. Racial tensions led to rioting in 1958, but the new cultural mix would also lead to the development of the Notting Hill Carnival a few years later.

The 1960s saw slum clearances as Notting Hill became modern and hip. The area received a popularity boost in 1999 when it became the location of the Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant film of the same name. Today, you can even take the Notting Hill film tour.

Location and Travel

Notting Hill is in the borough of Kensington & Chelsea in West London. Notting Hill Gate is the local tube station, though Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove are both nearby. You can reach Notting Hill Gate on the Central, District and Circle lines. Ladbroke Grove is on the Hammersmith and City line. The tube stations are also situated on main bus routes. Roads and public transport may be disrupted during the annual carnival.

Local Amenities

Considered a cultural hub, Notting Hill is home to the Notting Hill Carnival, the largest event of its kind in Europe. Another famous landmark is Portobello Market on Portobello Road. You can buy everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to second hand goods and antiques.

Other cultural sites include the small but world-renowned Gate Theatre, and other live performance venues such as The Print Room. Then there are museums and galleries such as the Museum of Brands and Graffik. The Electric Cinema shows films.

There are plenty of options for eating and drinking in Notting Hill, from Michelin-starred restaurants to pan-Asian tapas bars and smaller establishments selling coffee and cake. You can also visit bakeries and organic goods shops. Bars and clubs are available at night. Shopping is not just confined to food, with bookshops, apothecaries and other retailers available.

Providing HR Support to Notting Hill Businesses

Business in Notting Hill isn’t just confined to Portobello Road. Whether you run a fashionable local establishment or if Notting Hill is just one site of a larger chain of businesses, The HR Dept can provide the kind of HR support you need to ensure both you and your workers are supported. 

We are available to help with your HR needs, offering our advice and experience on all aspects of employment law and employee relations.