Where exactly is the year disappearing to? Everything seems to be moving at full speed at the moment, and while things have been particularly busy here at AJOSEPO, we're certainly not complaining. There are exciting things happening behind the scenes, plenty to keep us occupied and, admittedly, not quite enough hours in the day.

But we've also become increasingly conscious of the importance of slowing down every now and then. And fortunately for us, slowing down doesn't always require leaving London. Lately, we've been spending more time enjoying our little corner of Notting Hill. Good coffee, excellent food, the occasional afternoon at the cinema and the simple pleasure of not having to venture too far from home.

Two places in particular continue to remind us why we love this neighbourhood so much.

BREAKFAST AT KURO NOTTING HILL | COMPULSORY
There are plenty of places in Notting Hill that attract attention simply because they're in Notting Hill. KURO, in our opinion, deserves every bit of its popularity.

What we particularly love is that the food and coffee genuinely live up to expectations. Whether we're in the mood for a very good bagel, a cookie, banana bread or simply a coffee, KURO rarely disappoints.

And part of its charm is that there isn't just one KURO. Within the same little pocket of Notting Hill, you'll find KURO Bakery, KURO Coffee and KURO Bagels, each with its own offering.

Now, you can absolutely order coffee from the bakery or bagel shop, but there's something wonderfully satisfying about getting your bagel from the bagel shop, your pastry from the bakery and your coffee from the coffee shop.

A little unnecessary? Perhaps. But we like the ritual of it all.

Our recommendation is to find a spot on one of the benches outside the bakery or coffee shop and watch Notting Hill go about its day. Alternatively, head upstairs at KURO Coffee if you'd rather settle in for a little longer.

It's one of our favourite ways to spend a slow morning in West London.

 A FILM AT ELECTRIC CINEMA, PORTOBELLO | COMPULSORY
We've always had a soft spot for cinemas that make watching a film feel like an occasion.

Electric Cinema on Portobello Road does exactly that. It's one of our favourite cinemas in London, alongside Everyman at Whiteleys, although if we absolutely had to choose between the two, Electric would probably win.

There's something about the building itself. The history, the character and the wonderfully intimate atmosphere make it feel worlds away from your average cinema.

And then there are the seats. Generously proportioned, exceptionally comfortable and just luxurious enough to make you question why you'd ever watch a film anywhere else. The service is also part of the appeal, making the entire experience feel a little more special.

Now, in the interest of being completely fair, we do think Everyman at Whiteleys has the better food offering. But Electric wins on atmosphere, character and that unmistakable feeling of old London. And sometimes, that's exactly what you're after.

There's something rather lovely about rediscovering the places right on your doorstep.

London has an extraordinary ability to make you feel as though you should constantly be somewhere new, trying the latest restaurant, visiting the newest opening or making your way across the city for something everyone seems to be talking about.

But lately, we've been finding just as much pleasure in returning to places we already know and love. A bagel, a very good coffee, an afternoon film and a little time to ourselves.

Sometimes, that's more than enough. Until next time, London.