Alice Davises - Retro Hunting Gifts In Portobello Road

Portobello Road is a place in London that has a retro charm that spills out onto the streets. This famous street, located in the center of Notting Hill is more than a pretty background for Hugh Grant films. It's an oasis for those who appreciate vintage treasures and gifts.

Saturdays are when the street is alive. The air hums with chatter, web page (check out this one from www.snipesocial.co.uk) the smell of freshly baked pastries floats through little bakeries, and the market spreads out like an endless treasure trail. I always start at the antique section which is where stalls glitter with silverware, old clocks, and antique jewellery. These aren't just objects -they're objects from the past that you can take in hands.

For quirky gift hunters, the retro stalls are a delight. You could find an Art Deco tea set next to a pile of 1970s vinyl records, or a battered leather case waiting for its next adventure. I've come across old typewriters that still function perfectly, as well as a tin toy that will make anyone's eyes shine.

Portobello Road has a lot of personality in each piece. The traders are usually collectors themselves willing to tell you the story behind each piece -- whether it was a Georgian townhouse or flea market in Paris. This type of history makes the gift more personal.

It's not just antiques. There are also independent shops selling retro-inspired vintage items like old fabrics transformed into cushions, reclaimed wooden jewellery boxes and retro wall prints that have been that have been remastered. It's an area where nostalgia is mixed with creativity, and is the perfect spot to find a present that is unique and stylish.

If you're planning to visit Portobello to shop for gifts My advice is simple: take your time. Be patient, stop for coffee in one of the tiny cafes, and keep your eyes open. When you're not in a hurry, the best finds are often located. You'll be left with something cannot be bought in a department store- something with soul or a story, and some London magic.