The Portobello Road in London is located in the Notting Hill area of West London. Portobello Road runs almost the whole length of Notting Hill, and the market has been here since the 19th century. In those days it mainly sold fresh foods to the people who lived nearby.

In the 1960s, antiques dealers joined the market and since then it has grown to be an internationally renowned market for antiques and collectibles. These days people flock to the market for just about everything; the big market day here is Saturday and serious shoppers are advised to get there by 8:00 or 9:00 AM to beat the crowds and most vendors pack up by about 4:00 PM.

Portobello Road can be divided into several distinct sections. Starting from the southern end, the antiques market runs from where Chepstow Villas cross the road to Elgin Crescent. The fruit and vegetable and other food stalls start here and continue to Talbot Road.

At this point the market tends towards stalls carrying typical new market goods such as packs of socks, batteries, and other swag, and this carries on until the Westway. Here you will find the fashion market where young designers looking to get their designs in the public eye set out what's new and cutting edge in street couture.

From the Westway on to Golborne Road you will find vendors selling mostly secondhand goods. The items here are affordable and cater largely to the less than wealthy locals in the area, but determined shoppers can often stumble across something quite special here.

The Portobello Road Market has been a symbol of London for years. Paddington Bear took his elevenses here and Disney's "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" featured a song and dance about the market.

Most recently, the film "Notting Hill" featured Portobello Road and the market quite prominently, which has certainly added to its cachet with tourists and film buffs alike.

Portobello Road in London is quite special and certainly worth a visit.

Visiting Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W11 1LU

Telephone: 020 7229 8354

Email info@portobelloroad.co.uk

Opening Times

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat 8am-6.30pm, Thu half day until 1pm

Photo courtesy: mariosp

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