Alice Davises – Hunting Retro Gifts In Portobello Road

If there's one place in London where retro charm practically spills out onto the pavement It's Portobello Road. The famous street that lies in the center of Notting Hill is more than a pretty background for Hugh Grant films. It's a paradise for anyone who loves antique treasures and gifts.

Saturdays are the time when the streets are alive. The air is buzzing with chatter, the smell of freshly baked pastries floats through small bakeries, and finally, the market seems to stretch out like an endless treasure trail. I always begin in the antique section, where rows of stalls sparkle with antique silverware, old jewellery, and antique clocks. They're not just things that you can buy, they're pieces of history that you can hold in your hand.

Retro stalls are a treasure trove for web site unusual gift seekers. You may find an Art Deco Tea Set next to a stack 1970s vinyl records or an unloved suitcase awaiting its adventure. I've picked up retro typewriters here that work well, as well as Tin toys that add sparkle to anyone's eye.

Portobello Road has a lot of personality in each purchase. Many traders are collectors who are eager to share the stories behind their items. This kind of information makes a gift seem so much more personal.

And it's not just antiques. There are also independent shops selling vintage fabrics that have been reimagined - old textiles that are transformed into cushions, reclaimed wooden jewellery boxes retro wall art which have been remastered. It's where nostalgia meets creativity and you can find a unique gift.

Be patient if you're going to Portobello to shop for gifts. Be patient take a break for coffee at one of the cafes, and keep your eyes open. When you're not in a hurry, the best finds are often located. You'll leave with something that you can't buy in a department store- something with soul as well as a story and an element of London magic.