Notting Hill is a neighbourhood like no other – a thriving community, eclectic character and have of creativity. All qualities which flawlessly feed into its sensational food scene, eateries of course come and go however excitement has arrived with a defining newcomer tantalising locals.
Introducing HAYA. An exhilaration for the senses, the restaurant is a devotion to Mediterranean cuisine to bring quality, seasonal ingredients to the table. Masterminded by founder Victoria Paltina and her regular travels to Tel Aviv, Paltina has delivered a restaurant of unique ambience and considered design both on the plate and its setting.
And what a setting it is. Enlisting the talents of west London design firm A-nrd studio, HAYA presents a harmonious palette of contemporary design across two floors of its Notting Hill site. From the outset, the exterior’s flashes of blue evokes serene hues of the sea whilst floor-to-ceiling windows invites dazzling natural light to stream inside.
Stark minimalism takes centre stage with textured concrete walls and a plant-filled green ceiling encompassing the ground-floor dining space. Blush pink tables and terrazzo-effect fabrics adds shots of colour to the space.
Downstairs, the spirit of Tel Aviv’s energy and warmth are embodied by a home-style bar featuring a bespoke stained glass window, vibrant coloured walls adorned with mirrors and intriguing artworks, and a large sharing table for crowds of diners to celebrate HAYA’s cuisine.
Open all day, the restaurant invites a relaxed vibe for diners with delights such as burrata, quinoa salad and spiced lamb cutlets served. Come evening, HAYA’s focus on seasonal, sharing plates comes to life, including zaatar duck breast, freekeh risotto; crispy prawns, spicy yoghurt and harissa; and seared tuna, dukkah and homemade labneh. With everything on the menu close to irresistible, the experience at HAYA is second to none.
Studio A-nrd is a multidisciplinary practice expert in interior architecture and furniture design with HAYA a pure showcase of their work. Founded in 2015 by Alessio Nardi, originally from Milan, his portfolio is a nod to international design studios with past tenures at Lee Broom and Tord Boontje. The firm are also behind Portuguese restaurant Casa do Frango, The Belrose pub in Belsize Park and Fitzrovia’s Señor Ceviche.
In brief, HAYA’s formula is simple – quality design and cuisine done exceptionally well to present a new hot spot west Londoners will find hard to refuse.
HAYA, 184A Kensington Park Road, London W11
haya.london
HAYA is approximately a 4 minute walk from House of Kip’s The Notting Hill Apartments No1, No2, No3 & No4.
