Thursday, February 19, 2026

My definitive guide to London… without the crowds: I have led hundreds of tours in the capital and these are the 11 little-known spots you must check out – and the tourist traps to skip

Residents in Notting Hill have always been proud of their vibrant and colorful homes. The picturesque streets, lined with pastel-colored houses, have been a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. However, in recent years, the neighborhood has been facing a new problem – the invasion of social media influencers.

With the rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, influencers have been flocking to Notting Hill to capture the perfect shot for their feeds. They pose in front of the colorful houses, often blocking the streets and causing inconvenience to the residents. Some even go to the extent of knocking on doors and asking to take pictures inside people’s homes.

This constant invasion of privacy and disruption of daily life has caused frustration among the residents. They feel like their neighborhood has become a playground for influencers, with no regard for the people who actually live there. As a result, a few residents have taken a drastic step – painting their homes black.

Yes, you read that right. In an act of rebellion, some residents have decided to paint their houses black, making them stand out in a sea of pastel-colored homes. This move has sparked a debate among the community, with some applauding the bold statement and others criticizing it as an extreme measure.

One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “I have lived in Notting Hill for over 20 years, and I have never seen anything like this. These influencers come here, take pictures, and leave without any consideration for the people who live here. It’s disrespectful, and I wanted to make a statement by painting my house black.”

Another resident, who has also painted their house black, added, “I love my neighborhood, but I can’t even walk down the street without being bombarded by influencers trying to take pictures. It’s not fair to us, and I hope this sends a message that we are not just props for their social media posts.”

While some may see this as a drastic measure, it has certainly caught the attention of the influencers. Many have taken to social media to express their shock and disappointment, with some even apologizing for their behavior. This has sparked a conversation about the impact of social media on local communities and the need for responsible behavior.

Notting Hill has always been a popular spot for its colorful houses, but it’s also a thriving community with families and individuals who call it home. The influx of influencers has disrupted the peace and privacy of the residents, and their decision to paint their homes black is a powerful statement against this invasion.

However, not all residents are on board with this move. Some feel that it takes away from the charm and character of the neighborhood. They believe that the colorful houses are what make Notting Hill unique and that painting them black is a step in the wrong direction.

Regardless of the differing opinions, one thing is for sure – this issue has brought the community together. Residents are now more aware of the impact of social media and are taking a stand against the invasion of their neighborhood. It has also sparked a conversation about the need for responsible tourism and the importance of respecting local communities.

In the end, it’s not about the color of the houses, but about the message behind it. The residents of Notting Hill are sending a clear message – their neighborhood is not just a backdrop for social media posts, but a place they call home. And it’s time for influencers to take notice and show some respect.

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