Alice Davises - Hunting Retro Gifts In Portobello Road

If there's a place in London where the retro glam spills out onto the street It's Portobello Road. This famous street, located in the middle of Notting Hill is more than an appealing backdrop for Hugh Grant films. It's an ideal destination for anyone who loves vintage treasures and presents.

Saturdays are when the street truly comes to life. The market is an opportunity to hunt for treasure. The air is suffused with conversations and the scent of freshly baked goods from the bakeries. I always begin in the antique section, where rows of stalls shine with antique silverware, old jewellery, and antique clocks. They're not just objectsthey're historical objects that you can hold in your hands.

For the curious gift-buyer Retro stalls are pure magic. You might find an Art Deco tea set next to a stack of 1970s vinyl records or a leather suitcase that has been battered waiting for its next adventure. I've picked up retro typewriters here that work well, as well as Tin toys that add spark to anyone's eyes.

Portobello Road has a lot of personality in each piece. Many traders are collectors who are eager to tell the stories behind their items. This kind of history makes the gift more personal.

It's not all antiques. There are a variety of independent shops selling reimagined vintage -- old fabrics turned into cushions, reclaimed wood turned into jewellery boxes, vintage presents for her prints that have been remastered for modern-day walls. It's where creativity and nostalgia meet and you can pick up an original gift.

Take your time if going to Portobello to shop for gifts. Keep your eyes open, wander slow, and stop to have a coffee in one of the tiny cafes. The best finds often appear when you're not trying to hurry. When you leave you'll be carrying something that isn't available in an outlet store -Something with a soul or a story and a little bit of London magic.