Portobello Market

Ok, so if you live in London and haven’t visited any markets you are missing out. You get some beautiful finds and some treasures for peanuts! Besides it’s fun to just walk and explore.

So, another glorious day, off from work and the weather looked a bit indecisive. So I and my friend CeeCee decided to visit some of the markets.

Ok surprisingly CeeCee had never been to the Portobello Market and the Camden Market. Two of my personal favourites. So off to the markets we go!!!

If you love your antiques and vintage items, then the Portobello Market would be perfect for you. The market is a series of markets stretching from Notting Hill Gate tube station to just past Ladbroke Grove. It took us about 2 hours to cover the entire market space, browsing and the odd purchases here and there, plus a pit stop for breakfast in the form of crepes.

A bit of history, Up until the 1940s, Portobello Road market was like many other London markets and mainly sold food and other essential items, and this still continues today. However in the 1940s, more and more ‘rag and bone’ men started selling their wares, soon joined by other traders specializing in bric-a-baccs and antiques. Gradually, antiques have become what Portobello Road Market is best known for, with Saturday being the main trading day.

The market opens at 9:00 a.m. and even then you will not have all the stalls open at 9. There weren’t many food stalls open, this might be because we were there way to early or maybe it might be due to the fact we were roaming Londoners in a market on a Friday.

 I was actually on the lookout for some mismatching photo frames, and there were plenty available. Along with, mismatched cutlery, china , glassware’s etc etc.

There were also plenty of metal signs, tins and boxes all that can be categorised under Quirky Collectables. And for the tourists, there are plenty of t-shirts declaring your undying love and devotion to London.

I also had a look at the some of the fashion displays at the Westway, for some unique pieces. For a fraction of the high street price, the items out on the display were unique and quiet gorgeous. The best stuff is under the Westway; the market does continue on and into Golbourne Road but it degenerates into car boot type second hand goods past Cambridge Gardens.

I’m sure the market must be there on all London guide books and is swarming with tourists along with common Londoner folks, but it is a great afternoon out and I’m sure you will find your perfect lost treasure or a fabulous find.

But please bear in mind none of the stalls accept cards so please make sure you take some money with you.

Friday and Saturday Market Open 9am to 7pm and the nearest underground stations are Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill Gate. www.portobelloroad.co.uk