A MORNING AT PORTOBELLO MARKET & NOTTING HILL VINTAGE SHOPPING
There is nothing more satisfying than roaming portobello early on a friday morning and hunting for my next vintage gem to add to my archive.
Portobello market for me remains true to london; its a little grimey, a little dishevelled and a little boho. It’s stayed this way for as long as I can remember, having visited this part of west london every friday or weekend for the best part of 20 years. It’s quite charming to see regulars chatting over coffee amongst a heap of second hand clothing along the sidewalk. I love the fact that I don’t know what I will find! Even though I’m not sure what I’m looking for, I always find little treasures amongst the ‘trash’.
Sure, there are market stall professionals that sell high end designer & collectable clothing that costs more than a months wages, but there is something for everyone here. I found a white hand stitched victorian cotton lace dress for 60 pounds!
Portobello market is filled with what I call proper old school vintage. You’ll find dresses from the 30’s to the 70’s, vintage militaria, victorian corsets, french linen, cowboy boots, & 70’s studded denim!
Take the winding path from notting hill gate tube station where you will find an array of antique shops & vintage stores that are worth the stop. At retro man & retro women designer clothing exchanges, you’ll find new or nearly new clothing & reasonably priced designer shoes and handbags. One of a kind vintage store is also an institution and a bit of a pandoras box. It’s an amazing place to find vintage westwood, versace, chanel & galliano. There are plenty of charity shops that are great for a rummage too, in particular mary’s living & giving and fara always have hidden gems. Keep walking and look for the undercover area named portobello green where you’ll find the professional market stall holders selling collectables. Continue to follow portobello road where you’ll find bric-a-brac, furniture & second hand clothing at a pitance. Keep walking untill you hit golborne road, where you can stop for a coffee at pizza east and re-charge your batteries after a morning treasure hunt!
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SHOP
ONE OF A KIND
259 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London, W11 1LR
A treasure trove of vintage pieces that first opened its doors around 25 years ago. One of a Kind’s private archive is packed with thousands of vintage fashion relics. It’s provided inspiration for many of today’s top designers and is where Kate Moss buys her vintage pieces! Pricey but your buying a piece of history where designer items are immaculate.
RELLIK
8 Golborne Rd, London W10 5NW
www.relliklondon.co.uk
A stylist secret hot spot! A beautiful store off the beaten track but definitely worth the visit if you are after a unique party dress or a vintage designer treasure. This store has a beautiful selection of curated vintage from brands like Alexander McQueen, Dior, Comme Des garçons, Gucci and many more.
RETRO MAN & RETRO WOMEN
20 Pembridge Road, W11 3HL 34 Pembridge Road, W11 3HN
Pick up a bargain at the 2 floor Retro clothing exchange where you’ll find nearly new or worn designer fashions. I have found Issey Miyake, margiella & Chanel in good condition at reasonable prices. If you are looking to sell your old designer clothes and receive cash or exchange then this is the perfect place for you. Check out the men’s store too for a good selection of Nike, Levis, Dries.
FARA CHARITY SHOP
10 Elgin Cres, London W11 2HX
Situated off the main street of portobello road, this charity shop is filled with designer bargains. Be prepared to rummage to find a gem and remember to always check the menswear section for the best vintage jeans and out west.
282 PORTOBELLO
282 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TE
This vintage shop is in a prime location just opposite the market. Housing a selection of beautiful coats often with a 60’s and 70’s theme. Look for Burberry trenches and leather jackets.
ROYAL TRINITY HOSPICE
216 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LJ
Another charity shop on Portobellos main road. Good prices with a great selection of high street and high end clothing. Definitely worth a stop.
PORTOBELLO GREEN
281 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TZ
www.portobellofashionmarket.co.uk
A canopied area housing a selection of market stalls & vintage traders. Open on Fridays and Sundays, Fridays being the best day to visit for vintage clothing, shoes and jewellery. This is a unique place to visit for one of a kind clothing, hobnob with stylists, designer from all around the world who visit to get inspiration for their up and coming collections.
EAT
PIZZA EAST
310 Portobello Rd, London, W10 5TA
www.pizzaeast.com
Wood oven pizzas and antipasti, I recommend the truffle pizza.
DAYLESFORD ORGANIC FARM
208-212 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London, W11 2RH
www.daylesford.com
A chic cafe and lunch spot in Westbourne Grove, hobnob with the fashionistas or watch the Bloggers take too many Instagram pictures. This place serves up healthy organic food, a great place for a good cup of tea.
GRANGER & CO
175 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2SB
www.grangerandco.com
A beautiful cafe, with a great selection of fresh juices coffees & matcha. A great brunch and lunch spot. I can highly recommend the Ricotta pancakes & the sweetcorn fritters. Always busy with a great atmosphere.
FARM GIRL
59A Portobello Rd, London W11 3DB
www.thefarmgirl.co.uk
You've probably seen this cafe all over Instagram, a health conscious Australian establishment serving a delightful brunch & lunch selection. Acia bowls, fruit bowls, avocado on toast and impressive pancake stacks.
Tip: Be prepared to queue as this place is super popular.
DOUGHNUT TIME
15 Blenheim Cres, London W11 2EE
www.doughnuttime.co.uk
These doughnuts are seriously good! Unique flavours and fun toppings and all freshly made. Try the Philled Collins with chocolate ganache & topped with cookie chunks.
BUNS FROM HOME
128 Talbot Rd, London W11 1JA
www.bunsfromhome.com
A great take away cafe, bread and cake shop. Sophisticatedly decorated in a modern manner.Im not going to lie these are the best buns I’ve ever tasted! I like the classic cinnamon bun.