The constant stream of people exiting the Notting Hill Gate tube station on a Saturday or Sunday can only mean one thing; the Portobello Markets are open for business! The markets span out across ten or twelve (long) blocks on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, and can be found easily by following the crowd. These markets offer antiquities, fresh food and produce, lots of clothing, and a variety of knick knacks. The stalls are set up on either side of the road just on top of the sidewalk, providing for a narrow passageway for visitors but enough space to just keep moving.

To say the area is busy is an understatement, with the crowd making it appear as if the Notting Hill Carnival was back in town. The crowd was not as frenzied as it was during the carnival, but it was certainly just as slow moving with families and groups of people drifting from stall to stall in search of that perfect bargain.

The first part that you come across (if coming from the Notting Hill Gate tube station) is the antique markets, supplemented by the large number of more permanent antique stores lining the street. Anything you need to refurnish an old Victorian can be found here including furniture, clothing, cutlery, and paintings, although you are likely to pay a little bit more of a premium than at other markets. The fresh food available is pretty decent but not quite at the same level as those offered at the Borough markets. The assortment of delicatessen, bakery and produce stalls is an ideal place for a local to do their weekly grocery shop. The rest of the market still holds plenty, though nothing particularly special, with the usual assortment of clothing (one execption) and knick knacks to peak a bargain hunter’s interest.

Details: Portobello Markets
Found on: Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W11
Highlights: Ideal for a weekly shop of groceries if you’re local, otherwise more ideal for indulging in the business of the markets and the antiquity hunt.
Room for improvement: A little bit too busy for my liking.
The Kua Rating: 7 out of 10