Le Chic En Rose

After our delightful brunch at the Wildflower Cafe, I was keen to see the famous Portobello Road markets and our daughter Mlle was equally keen to show me round what has become another of her favourite haunts. Strangely Monsieur Le Chic did not share our enthusiasm and after a pleasant 10 minute or so stroll down Westbourne Park Road, which lands you in the heart of the market area, he beat a hasty retreat in search of an underground station to take him to a far more important commitment – Tottenham Hotspur’s latest home game!

Wandering past the elegant Regency style terraces, which abound in this part of London, makes for an enjoyable activity in itself!

Elegant terraces just off Westbourne Park Road

You’re in the Royal Borough Of Kensington and Chelsea in this part of London

Painted terraces Westbourne Park Road

In the heart of the metropolis it is still very green – the spring blossoms were just coming out

Row upon row of immaculate terraced buildings

It almost came as something of a shock when we reached the corner of Westbourne Park Road, where it intersects with Portobello Road going from north to south.  Suddenly you are in the midst of a heaving throng of people, tourists meandering along, locals doing their weekly shopping, market stall traders yelling out the latest deals or people having refreshments at the nearby Castle Pub!

The Castle Pub, 225 Portobello Road Notting Hill

As I explained in last week’s post, my previous knowledge of the Notting Hill area was mainly confined to the film, “Notting Hill”, a rather improbable love story between a world famous movie star, Anna Scott, (played by Julia Roberts) and William Thacker, a travel book store owner in Notting Hill, (played by Hugh Grant). Practicalities of plot aside, it was an enjoyable film and you can still see some of the location settings in the Portobello Road area. The entrance to William/Hugh Grant’s flat was a bright blue door and if you go to 280 Westbourne Park Road you can find the original facade (it was actually the home of the film’s screenplay writer, Richard Curtis, though he has sensibly moved out now). If you are quick you can get your photo taken before another lot of tourists jumps in!

Le Chic En Rose outside the blue door from the film, “Notting Hill”

I was actually very lucky to have a local guide in Mlle! One thing that struck me is how much narrower the streets were than I’d imagined them to be. At the start of the film there is a sequence showing the Portobello Road markets throughout the year with the changing seasons. No doubt with camera tricks, it made the road seem a lot more spacious than it really is. Mlle was able to guide us through the crowds to 13 Blenheim Crescent, a side street off the main drag where you can find the Notting Hill Bookshop. The current shop isn’t in fact the original travel book store as that closed down a few years ago, but they have kept the exterior the same. Filming the interiors took place round the corner at what is now a shoe shop in Portobello Road. However since the original Travel Bookshop was the inspiration behind the film plot, the current Notting Hill Bookshop remains to this day a highly popular location on the film tourist trail. I was able to pick up a travel guide to Munich and Bavaria there – they had an excellent travel section though they also sell plenty of other categories of books as well as some souvenirs and stationery.

Le Chic En Rose playing tourist and film fan at the Notting Hill Bookshop

Of course the other main reason for our visit was to browse round the countless market stalls and independent shops in the area – Portobello Road has arguably one of the best known street markets in the world and it celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The Portobello and Golbourne Road Market blog has some interesting information about the markets and events planned for the birthday celebrations here.  Most people probably associate the markets with antiques, although they also cater for fashion lovers, book collectors, musicians, and of course supply a huge range of fresh food and flowers. You could spend days here and still not have seen half of what there is on offer. Although some sections of the market open during the whole week, the full market is only held on Fridays and Saturdays with the latter day being the busiest. Stalls stretch for over a mile along Portobello Road and spill over into nearby Golbourne Road.

Florist stall Portobello Road Notting Hill

One of Mlle’s favourites selling various deli items including delicious stuffed olives

We loved the beautiful colours of the tulips!

We headed for Portobello Road Cigarette Cards, which you can find at Street Stall 42, 142 Portobello Road see here for details. Mlle had been coveting a print made up of old cigarette cards – illustrated from the first edition of Alice In Wonderland. The print was still there so we duly purchased it.  David, the owner, was a gregarious chap and we spent quite a time chatting to him about the origin of the cards. It was the fashion in America in the late 19th century for cigarette companies to have sets of cards in their packets and the attraction spread across the Atlantic to Britain. Collecting the full set of each cigarette card theme became a popular pastime. We were intrigued by the Alice In Wonderland set as it seems strange today to think of small children nagging their parents into buying more cigarette packets so they can collect the cards inside! Mlle’s purchase was particularly apt as there is a special family connection with Alice In Wonderland. One of my most treasured possessions is a first edition copy of Alice In Wonderland passed down to me from my grandmother via her grandmother!

Portobello Road Cigarette Cards Portobello Road Markets

David is a member of the Portobello Road Antique Dealers Association, who must adhere to a strict code of practice if they wish to keep their licences. Portobello Road is an antique lover’s paradise – shop after shop displaying wonderful trinkets and treasures alike. Furniture, clocks, collectables – it was quite overwhelming! Amongst the rabbit warren of interconnecting passages we came across Sara Tiara, a ladies’ boutique specialising in bespoke hats. The designs were truly works of art though taking photos was unfortunately strictly forbidden. However I did take away a business flyer with me so I’ve taken a couple of photos to give you an idea of the exquisite hats available.

Sara Tiara Portobello Road Notting Hill – business flyer

Some of the bespoke designs at Sara Tiara featured on their business flyer

I didn’t take too many photos as we wandered round the streets. The one thing you do have to be aware of in such a confined and busy space is the potential for pick pockets – I didn’t want to be having to open my bag up too often or be seen rummaging around in it for my camera. Mlle and I did get hassled at one point by a lady who seemed to think we should buy a shopping trolley off her, but she quickly disappeared to pester someone else when we waved her away. Most of these photos were therefore taken on my or Mlle’s iPhones. I kept cash in my cross body purse and held on to my tote bag tightly!

After an extensive browse in the charming Appletree Boutique, another of Mlle’s favourite clothes stores, we set off towards the tube ourselves as we were heading off to a matinee performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre London (Billy Elliot – great show, well worth seeing!). Alas we didn’t have time to stop off at Portobello Road Gin but Mlle assures me they do wonderful albeit rather strong gin-based cocktails! Portobello Road makes for a wonderful day out – vibrant, colourful and with plenty of food stalls to refresh weary shoppers, it is a fabulous experience all round!

Pretty pastel terraces along Portobello Road

Portobello Road Notting Hill street sign

For more inspiring walks around the world head over the Restless Jo’s Monday Walks!

Copyright © 2015 Rosemary Thomas Le Chic En Rose. All rights reserved