Words and Photos Edel Cassidy
A bustling thoroughfare in the heart of London’s Notting Hill, Portobello Road is brimming with a creative, bohemian energy that attracts tourists from all walks of life and all corners of the globe. Along this quaint street, visitors can find all sorts of collectables – from furniture, vintage clothing, jewellery and books to delicious street food, fresh produce and freshly baked bread. There’s a marvellous mix of hipster hangouts, boutiques and bohemian shops.
Here are some of the fascinating places I discovered as I walked up towards Lancaster Road.
Alice’s Antiques
Anyone familiar with the Paddington Bear movies will recognise 86 Portobello Road as ‘Gruber’s Antiques’. In real life, this charming shop is Alice’s Antiques, established in 1887 and still owned by the same family, now in its fourth generation. Here I found an eclectic collection of rare treasures, ranging from Victorian-era furniture to mid-century curiosities and, of course, a few Paddington Bears!
Electric Cinema
A cinematic gem transcending the ordinary, Electric Cinema first opened its doors at 191 Portobello Road in the early 1900s. The auditorium seamlessly merges vintage charm with modern luxury, featuring large comfortable armchairs, king-sized sofas and front-row beds, all adorned in plush red velvet. Side tables are graced with ornate lamps, providing the perfect perch for your champagne, fine wine, signature cocktails and gourmet snacks, all available at the bar before each screening. An assortment of old-fashioned sweets is also on sale, presented in an antique wooden cabinet. The venue is available for private hire.
Notting Hill Bookshop
Continuing up Portobello Road from Electric Cinema, take the next left onto Blenheim Crescent where you’ll find The Notting Hill Bookshop, the iconic bookshop made famous by the 1999 movie, Notting Hill. The friendly staff are eager to advise on a range of beautiful gift editions, irresistible pocket hardbacks, satin-bound classics and gilt leather-bound books. There’s an excellent children’s section offering a variety of carefully curated titles along with educational toys and gifts. There’s a selection of books, gifts and souvenirs too, inspired by the ever-popular movie.
If you want to explore more of this iconic neighbourhood, you can take a locally guided walking tour.
The Distillery
Returning to Portobello Road, you can’t miss The Distillery, the imposing blue building at the intersection with Talbot Road. Pop in to savour a bespoke cocktail or indulge in one of the quintessential British dishes. The Distillery offers a range of experiences, including gin tastings and the opportunity to create your own gin blend to take home and enjoy. There’s a working distillery in the basement, producing artisan blends for the bar, shop and trade. For those reluctant to leave, there’s an option to stay in one of the rooms on the top floor, furnished with trendy mid-century furniture and vintage record players accompanied by a suitably curated vinyl collection.
Rough Trade
Two doors up from The Distillery on Talbot Road, I visited this legendary shop, a haven for music enthusiasts, which offers a selection of vinyl records spanning genres and eras. Inspired by the City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco, where visitors were encouraged to hang out as much as to buy, Geoff Travis opened Rough Trade in 1976. Originally situated near Ladbroke Grove, the shop moved to 130 Talbot Road in the early eighties where it still stands today. More than just a record shop, this vibrant cultural hub also hosts in-store events and signings.
The Blue Door
My next stop was a famous blue door at Westbourne Park Road, to the left off Portobello Road. Will Thacker, played by Hugh Grant in the Notting Hill movie, lived at No. 280. This iconic entrance has become one of the most photographed doorways in London. Its most memorable appearance was when Will’s eccentric flatmate, Spike (Rhys Ifans), emerged from the door to the waiting paparazzi.
Love, Actually Mews House
Tucked away off Basing Street, on the other side of Portobello Road from the blue door, is St. Luke’s Mews. The street was immortalised by the 2003 film Love, Actually, as it was here that Juliet, played by Keira Knightley, lived. The pretty pink house at No. 27 is also where Mark (Andrew Lincoln) famously declared his love for Juliet through the creative use of cue cards.
Lancaster Road
Continuing up Portobello Road, take a right onto Lancaster Road to discover a picture-perfect neighbourhood featuring some of the most colourful houses in London. These residences, painted in pastel shades and bold primary colours, capture the essence of the quirky charm that defines Notting Hill.
The Museum of Brands
On the opposite side of Portobello Road at the other end of Lancaster Road, you’ll find the Museum of Brands, a rather peculiar museum that charts the evolution of consumer society over the past 200 years. The museum places favourite brands against the backdrop of historical milestones, including royal coronations, two world wars, the moon landing and the advent of the digital era. I found the experience quite nostalgic as I reconnected with brands and advertising from my childhood.
Portobello Road Market
This West London road hosts one of the world’s most renowned street markets. While a few stalls operate daily, the market truly comes alive on Fridays and Saturdays. Adding to its distinct charm and vibrancy are the international vendors who sell a range of unique antiques, bric-a-brac and delicious food. This guided London tour includes some of the city’s most iconic locations, including the Portobello Market.
Where to Stay in the Portobello Area
London has no shortage of hotels, especially in this popular area. Anthology has stayed in several great options that suit different tastes and budgets:
- Lost Poet Hotel – read our full review
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – read our full review
- Good Hotel – read our full review
- Buckle Street Studio – read our full review
- Andaz Hotel – read our full review
- ‘London: A stroll along Portobello Road’ is published in Anthology Volume 21. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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