Trailer Happiness

Beneath the bustle of Portobello Road lies Trailer Happiness, an award-winning tiki‑infused cocktail den that’s been a Notting Hill staple since 2003. Step past the Polynesian statue “Bianca,” and make your way down the stairs into a retro bachelor‑pad basement — think shag carpets, 60s-style prints, beaded curtains, and lounge seating that feels both intimate and indulgent. The bar’s vibe is mid‑century fun with serious craft: flashy drinks often served on fire or in absurd glassware, all balanced with well-researched tiki ingredients and deep rum expertise. With a focus on rum, cocktails range from bold classics to theatrical modern inventions — expect drinks like The Cotton Mouth Killer, Hell in the Pacific, or non-alcoholic delights like Total Tea and La Quencho. Founder Jonathan Downey envisioned the bar as “the home of some bachelor metro‑sexual surf dude from California… retro‑futuristic… not the cliches” of typical tiki bars. This playful ethos has resonated with a loyal following and industry respect — Trailer has nurtured many of London’s top bartenders and remains a go‑to rum destination. Beyond the cocktails, Trailer Happiness offers weekend DJs, private events, and upstairs dining with Caribbean and Japanese BBQ influences. It's an immersive escape — part speakeasy, part performance — where the cocktails aren't just drinks, but showpieces infused with personality.