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Portobello Road
London
Portobello Road is mainly known for its weekend antique market, but even on off-market days, the street teems with antique and vintage finds, the emphasis being on 'antique ' and 'vintage'. With the influx of trendy residents in the surrounding areas of Ledbury Road and Westbourne Grove (both premium, upmarket shopping streets in their own right, stocking high-end and designer brands), high street fashion chains like Size?, Office and American Apparel have popped up in the neighbourhood.
However, most people will come here for the old and great. There are arcades located on the main stretch of Portobello Road, and within storefronts are multiple stalls, markets within markets and hidden spaces within that. Everything from antique furniture and old-style footballs and musical instruments can be found, as well as retro signage and outside of Charing Cross Road, it's probably the best area in town for antique books and jewellery. During the weekdays, there's also an excellent fruit and veg market down by the south end that is frequented by residents, and further on, past the motorway overpass are more edgy stores like Tonic selling unique menswear and womenswear.
Numerous dining options, from excellent local Caribbean hole-in-the-walls and Spanish cafes to favourites like Gourmet Burger Kitchen and fish and chips mean that there are plenty of opportunities to make a satisfying day out.
Nearest Tube - Notting Hill Gate for the full road, or Ladbroke Grove for the bars and restaurants at the bottom.