Alice Davises - Hunting Retro Items In Portobello Road
If there's one spot in London where retro style spills out onto the street It's Portobello Road. The famous street that lies in the center of Notting Hill is more than a pretty background for Hugh Grant films. It's a paradise for those who appreciate vintage treasures and gifts.
Saturdays are the days when the roads come alive. The air hums with chatter, the smell of fresh pastries drifts from small bakeries, and finally, the market spreads out like an endless treasure trail. I always start in the antique section where rows of stalls sparkle with antique silverware, jewellery, and antique clocks. These aren't just objects but objects of history that you can hold in your hands.
The stalls in the retro era are a treasure trove of people who love quirky gifts. You can find an Art Deco Tea Set next to a stack of 1970s vinyl records, or a battered suitcase, waiting for its next adventure. I've discovered old typewriters which still work perfectly, and tin toy that will make anyone's eyes sparkle.
What I love most about Portobello Road is the personality of each purchase. The traders are often collectors themselves willing to tell you the story behind each piece, regardless of whether it came from a Georgian townhouse or a flea market in Paris. This kind of story makes the gift more personal.
It's not all antiques. There are also independent shops that sell recycled vintage items - old fabrics made into cushions as well as reclaimed wooden jewellery boxes and vintage wall prints that have been remastered. It's the place where nostalgia meets creativity, web page and is the perfect spot to find a present that is unique and stylish.
Be patient if you're going to Portobello to shop for gifts. Take your time take a break for coffee at one of the small cafes, and keep your eyes open. When you're not in a hurry, the best finds are often found. And when you leave you'll be carrying something that isn't available in the department store -something with a heart or a story and an element of London magic.