Notting Hill Carnival 2013 is nearly here!

First held in 1964, the Notting Hill Carnival has since become one of Europe’s diverse and largest street festivals, and it’s back this year from 25th-26th August.

The Caribbean theme inspired carnival in West London will be packed with steel bands, traditional Calypso music and tempting food stalls. As well as a day filled with great contemporary music, you can also take pleasure in tasting some of the best of West Indies-inspired food like jerk chicken, rice and peas and rum punch, as well as the odd taste of other exotic cuisines. This carnival is a celebration and a great way to get together and spend August bank holiday weekend in London!

You can expect to see 50,000 performers and around 2.5 million people over the Carnival weekend. For that reason, if you are planning on visiting the festival, please remember roads will be closed so transport to and from the carnival may have to be on foot! But don’t let that put you off as the carnival is well worth the few minutes’ walk!

After a long day soaking in the cultural atmosphere, take the time to wind down at our very own DUKES Bar? A relaxed setting, DUKES Bar is the perfect place to settle down for the evening, or you can head to our restaurant – ran by Nigel Mendham – where we can prepare a variety of mouth-watering dishes for you and your family.

Image courtesy of Cristiano Betta