Venue Review

Character: Vivid and romantic living curiosity shop.

Funky Features: Packed with extraordinary antiques and objets; candlelit at night.

Location and History

Handily situated on the corner of Westbourne Grove and Hereford Road in Notting Hill, Miller’s Academy is one of those rare places that it really looks unlike any other venue in London. The Academy was founded in 2006 by antiques aficionado Martin Miller known for his low boredom threshold and his quirky but often inspiring ideas.

Such creativity is immediately evident from the eye-catching curiosity shop-style window at the front of the Edwardian building - where beautiful old books, plants and handsome ornaments set the tone.

Interior

On entering the upper floor of the building, prepare to be stunned by a magnificent assembly of antiques, books, opulent drapery and objets. An inspired blend of Victorian, Edwardian, Baroque and Renaissance sources come together in a veritable Aladdin’s Cave.

By day, large period windows flood the rooms with light, to provide a space for inspiration, evoking literary salons of the past. By night, hundreds of twinkling candles create a romantic atmosphere in which to dine and socialise.

There’s a lecture theatre on the ground floor, where the Academy holds regular talks and debates drawn from all areas of the arts and science. The tiered wooden gallery seats are adorned with luxurious cushions and the space maintains the sophisticated eclecticism of the upper floor.

Spaces for Hire

The Academy offers three exceptional and spacious rooms for private hire. Upstairs, the main dining room boasts an exquisite table ideal for grand dinner parties, launches, canapé receptions or smaller soirees.

The comfort of the adjoining lounge is perfect for more relaxed gatherings or as an after-dinner haven. The two rooms can be hired as one space for gatherings of up to sixty people, or sectioned off for smaller affairs. The ingenious lecture theatre provides a thought-provoking backdrop for screenings or corporate presentations for up to fifty people. 

In an era where the bars and clubs of London are becoming increasingly samey, Miller’s Academy is a rare and highly sophisticated treat of a venue that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Despite its historical overtones, the originality of the style seems likely to appeal to a forward-thinking and astute clientele.