I do not know what I expected from Portobello Road Market, but what I saw that day was different from what I had in mind about it.
Before visiting the market, my only “research” findings were that it’s in Notting Hill and is the world’s largest antique market.
I also saw pictures of it crowded with a sea of people, so it was a pleasant surprise to see that it wasn’t the case that day. More so, I was the multiculturalism displayed along the Portobello Road ━ from the people, stalls and food.
Shopping in Portobello Road Market
Well, for one, the antiques. Of course, with antiques, you need to have an eye for them, some experience and a dash of sense about them. But, unfortunately, I didn’t have any of those ━ nor the space in my luggage to tug some century-old item half across the globe.
A Notting Hill tote bag is another common item sold in a few stalls in Portobello Road Market, which I kept skipping thinking it’d be cheaper in the following stall. In the end, I forgot to get one.
The Travel Book Shop Notting Hill
One of the reasons I wanted to visit the Portobello Road Market was to see the bookstore Julia went to in Notting Hill, The Travel Book Company. It was based on an actual bookshop called The Travel Book Shop. I found the site, but from the outside, it wasn’t anything I thought it would be. And as a bookstore lover, believe me, I have dreamt about this bookstore many times.
So anyway, I decided on the spot not to go inside as I preferred the bookstore to live in my mind as I pictured it to be.
Eating in Acklam Village in Portobello
There are plenty of food stalls in Portobello Road Market ━ offering many types of food, from savoury tacos to sweet churros. That day, Fafa had a falafel which he said was okay.
I recommend skipping these stalls and going straight to Acklam Village, located within the vicinity.
Acklam Village offers food from different parts of the world. From Nepalese Momo to Malaysian noodles, from African injera to Chinese Dim Sum. My favourite was the Caribbean food.
Despite the buzzing multiculturalism, I wonder whether I’d recommend visiting Portobello Road Market in London.
It’s a great place to people watch, especially the locals who seemed to be at ease in the middle of the buzzing market. And the food scene in Acklam Village holds its ground. But you can always people watch better in other London markets (Columbia Road Flower Market would be my top choice for this activity). Meanwhile, you can easily feast on world cuisines in numerous different pockets of London.
What I am trying to say is Portobello Road Market is worth visiting if you are into antiques or a hardcore fan of the movie Notting Hill. Otherwise, it doesn’t need to be on your London-must-visit list. I, for one, am not coming back.
Portobello Road Market Details
The market opens every day, but best to come on Saturday. The closest tube stop is Ladbrooke Grove on the Hammersmith and City line.
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