Lancaster Gate

Lancaster Gate is along Bayswater Road opposite Kensington Gardens. Mini Pub signs, oil paintings and art for sale are hung along the railings next to the park.

Bayswater

Although Bayswater is not on the Central Line, I am here because it is only a few minutes' walk from Queensway station. The shops run from one station to the other and beyond. Whiteleys Shopping Centre is the main attraction. From the outside, the Whiteleys building gives the impression that this multistorey shopping complex could be similar to Selfridges or Harrods. Once inside, the shops are no more different than any other shopping mall except they are more selective and less choice.

Queensway

Queensway is set in an upmarket area of London. Kensington Gardens and Palace is just across the road from the station. A long  stretch of bustling retailers run along the main road and round the corner to Westbourne Grove. There are numerous cosmopolitan restaurants practically next to each other. Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Arabic, Mediterranean etc. You don't need to go in to Chinatown to taste authentic Chinese cuisine.  Almost next door to the station is the infamous ice skating ring that also offers bowling and karaoke. There is a Costcutter supermarket that specialises in oriental foods opposite the station.

Bulgarian Shop

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Palace

Notting Hill Gate

Home of the infamous Notting Hill Gate Carnival, this busy town has an array of retail shops to appeal to locals and visitors.

Holland Park

Holland Park is an upmarket town with trees in abundance even on the high street. It is within walking distance from Notting Hill.

Shepherd's Bush

The sun is out. Summer's here finally. My journey continues. Next stop on the Central Line is Shepherd's Bush. Smack in the middle of the busy town and shopping centres, is Shepherd's Bush Common. Surprisingly, it is very relaxing to sit and chill even though cars are zooming past on both sides of a relatively small piece of green.