Finding Happiness in a Notting Hill Trailer

Written for Notting Hill News

Suffering from a severe case of writers block, and at a loose end on a rainy * miserable Tuesday afternoon, I grabbed my coat and took to the streets of Notting Hill, hoping to find some type of inspiration to get me writing again. However after spending a fortune in the market on purchases that can be described as anything but essential, I was hungry, thirsty and literally on my last legs. Nonetheless it was not my usual Chablis that I fancied, but something a little stronger, a little shorter and a lot more comforting. So with this in mind, I headed to the corner of Elgin Crescent, to a little bar where I knew the staff would know just how to satisfy my cravings.

However to describe Trailer Happiness as just a Wine bar - is almost rude, as it is far too informal, unpretentious and intimate to be lumped together with the other chichi drinking establishments that adorn the corners of W10 and W11. From the outside you would not be mistaken for thinking that it is a derelict shop, hit by the recession, standing empty and lonesome waiting for a new owner. However once you push open the doors and head downstairs into the den, you come into a whole new world; one that is far away from the noise of Notting Hill and closer to a Hawaiian tiki hideaway bar. However it is the fact that you cannot describe it, or place it into any conformable category that makes Trailer Happiness a real gem in the mist.

With big band music playing in the background, an array of rums on display from around the world, and a personal and relaxing setting, you feel a major disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the capital. However the semi surreal experience did not stop there, and as soon as I made myself comfortable on slow slung seating, Alex the bar man came over with some complementary popcorn and product knowledge that was out of this world. As a bit of a rum connoisseur, I felt the need to test him and asked for a rare Barbadian vintage, so rare that only 350 bottles have been produced. Expecting this request to end in giggles and some gentle banter, the smugness was soon wiped off my face as he appeared with a dusty bottle and tasting glass in tow.

Now whilst this place is perfect for the avid rum drinker and those who classify themselves as connoisseurs, it is also perfect for those who want to learn about the liquor, enjoy cocktails or those who just want a different drinking experience. Thanks to their monthly rum club which is held the first Monday of each month, anyone can go along and sample rums from across the world and take a step back in history by sampling vintages that date as far back as the 17th century!

Happily savoring my rare Plantation Rum, I felt a satisfaction to how my evening had turned out and was quite ready to call it a night. However there were more surprises around the corner as the piece de resitance was when Alex performed an amazing stunt and set the ceiling alight!! Taking a mouth full of Jamaican Wray and Nephew over proof rum, he literally spat it up in the air, setting it alight on rout and engulfing the ceiling of the den in one of the most sophisticated, dangerous and entertaining party tricks I have witnessed in a long time. With great food at reasonable prices, one of the best stocked bars for rum outside of the Caribbean, and complimentary canapés, this place is not only for the weekend but is a definite for any day of the week.