If you’ve ever seen the movie Notting Hill, you’ll know that one of the most iconic locales to be featured as the backdrop for Julia Robert’s and High Grant’s sappy rom-com-romp is Portobello Market, which was famous long before this. Explore this intriguing market during a stint at one of the short stay London apartments scattered throughout the city such as the Ascott Mayfair London which presents you with some of the most stylish London serviced apartments in the city with a central location and elegant surrounds. Portabello Market is one of London’s most famous outdoor markets, with an excellent array of everything under the sun, from antiques and clothing to food and second hand goods. Despite what the guide books tell you about timings, the good time to arrive is mid-morning, which is when all the stalls will be up and running. Post 11:30 is when it gets really crowded, so try and make it out of there before then. Or, if you don’t mind the bustling throng, hang around until late afternoon, which is when you’ll be able to snag some great deals, especially on ripe fruit and veg from sellers looking to get rid of their perishables at low prices (One pound for a box of ripe produce). The antiques section, which stretches from Chepstow Villas to Elgin Crescent offers an eclectic and quality selection of aged goods of worth, but make sure you inquire first as there are some stalls that sell newer items that simply look old. The fruit and vegetables section is immense, stretching from Elgin Crescent to Talbot Road, and you’ll also come across a charming array of freshly baked breads, pastries, and more. Just follow your nose to be guided to the right stall for you! Fashion offerings abound throughout the market and in the Westway area, with a stylish array of vintage goods, and rails of cute dresses, pants, and tops to add some flair to your wardrobe. And for your energizing options in between shopping sessions, Elgin Crescent is your place to be with hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of other snacks and beverages to fuel your retail sessions. Prepare to dedicate at least half a day, if not more, to exploring this fun and famous market in central London. To get here, get off at Notting Hill Gate tube station and just follow the crowd; the market is five minutes away.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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