The second Barbary location opened so close to the original that the two were practically sharing a wall. It was literally called The Barbary Next Door. So spiritually at least, the newly opened Barbary Notting Hill feels very much like the real sequel – and it’s an absolute belter.
You’ll find this one almost next door to both SUMI and Sunday In Brooklyn, on that stretch of Westbourne Grove that feels like it has a great restaurant every six yards. If you’re looking for a big sign, you won’t find it. You’ll just have to glance through the huge wraparound windows, and let the effortlessly chic interiors tip you off that you’re in the right place.
Inside, the space is three times larger than the original Barbary, so it’s inevitably lost a little of its intimacy – but it’s been supplanted with a glossy, almost cinematic glamour. Here, it’s not just strictly bar seating, although there is a classic horseshoe-shaped bar lined with cherry-red barstools for you to watch the chefs in action from. But there’s also that big main dining room too, with deep blue C-shaped booths that curve along the walls, wrapping around the room, all lit by the caramel glow of the grid of lights above.
On the menu, it’s all very much drawing from the same Mediterranean well, filled with punchy flavours and cloud-like flatbreads. Standouts include the pork skewers, which come draped in a sweet & salty chutney-like glaze, and don’t taste even remotely fatty; the smokey coffee-rubbed chicken; the vibrant datterini tomato salad; and the artichoke labneh, which arrives neatly speckled with pieces of fried violet artichoke florets.
There are plenty of cocktails to chase all this down, including lime leaf Vespers, saffron negronis, smoked pineapple palomas.
You won’t get those next door.
NOTE: The Barbary Notting Hill is open now – you can make a booking on The Barbary website.
PREVIOUS PERK: Nudge Members enjoyed an exclusive preview on 8th September with 50% off the food bill. Don’t miss the next one: start your free 7 day trial.
The Barbary Notting Hill | 112 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RU
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