It was an early start last Saturday, as we decided to visit the Portobello Road Markets.
The street took it's name from Portobello Farm, which was named to commerorate the capture of Puerto Bello in 1739 by the admiral Sir Edward Vernon. The Market (known locally as `the lane') seems to have begun in the late 1860's or early 1870's at a time when much of the road had been built.
The markets open early on Saturday and run from 5:30 am to 5:00 pm. It gets very crowded by 10am, so to beat the crowds, we got there by 8am. Although, the antiques market is well reknown, there are actually several markets on the Portbello Road.
We walked the length of the market and started from Golborne Market.
My favourite bit was the food market. Not only was there fresh fruits and vegs, there was the most awesome looking baked goods.
and of course, cut flowers.
I found some sporting goods,
I even found socks...!
but by 10am, the crowds started to grow.
so I had to stop for a latte and a knit
As we walked out of the market, we saw this mime. Rather impressive backdrop, don't you think?
No, we didn't see Paddington and counldn't find Mr Gruber's shop.
.. and no, I didn't even think to head over to 280 Westbourne Road.
London, sigh! I want to go back, just to eat one of those strawberry tarts. With a proper cup of tea, of course...
Posted by: Beth S. at April 24, 2006 05:10 PMMay I please go shopping with you? Please? Please?
Posted by: kitkatknit at April 24, 2006 05:24 AMOh, I am missing London now more than ever....
Posted by: Aimee at April 23, 2006 02:12 AMI'm looking longingly at those strawberry tart things, very bad for my diet.
Why did I call it Petticoat Lane in my earlier post rather than Portobello Road? I think I'm losing it big time.
Posted by: Louise at April 22, 2006 10:44 PMGreat pictures, made me feel like I was there.
Posted by: brooke at April 22, 2006 12:50 AMThank you for the tour. I've never been so it was a treat to see. I have the yarn in for my own Limbo Socks. Thank you.
Posted by: Sonja Poor at April 22, 2006 12:49 AMyou do work for the tourist board don't you ;-)?
lovely pictures and brings back memories of my London nannying days.
Ha, glad to know I'm not the only one with the movie song "Portabello Road" running through my head now.
Those monkey socks are great.
I love the sign in the coffe shop window where you are knittiing. It transletes to 'without coffee there is no tomorrow.' How true!
Posted by: Mia at April 21, 2006 05:00 PMYou make me miss London. We were there a couple of years ago on vacation and both of us just love it. It's a promise to each other that we're coming back. We were even on Portobello but it was during the week, we missed the market :o( I so wanted to see. London has always been at the top of my 'must do' list. 'We shall return!'
Posted by: Marsha at April 21, 2006 04:05 PMYou're really making me miss London. I got some very cool rings on the Market last time I was there.
Posted by: mac at April 21, 2006 02:53 PMOhhhh that made me so home sick!!! I am Portuguese but I lived in London for five years and I consider it my home (I now live in the USA) - I used to live on Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road was a regular hangout!! OHhhh! Thank you for the London fix! :-)
Posted by: Claudia at April 21, 2006 02:40 PMWe have those mimes here too - they give me the creeps!!
Love your photos of Portobello though.
Memories ........
Posted by: Lesley at April 21, 2006 01:00 PMYou remind me of all the fun things to do in London that I overlook because I live here! Haven't been to Portobello Rd for years...
Posted by: Brigid at April 21, 2006 11:31 AMThanks for the great pictures! Yes, my only experience of Portobello Road, as an American, is from Paddington.
Posted by: jessie at April 21, 2006 10:20 AMWhen I went to Portobello Road, it was a Saturday morning and there were so many people by noon! My GF and I started at 9 am, and the street was (relatively) manageable. I had the most delicious brownie at a stall with the same wrappers as those strawberry tarts; afterwards I ate at the S&M cafe for some sausages and mash. YUM!
Posted by: Christina at April 21, 2006 04:17 AMI am missing England! Thanks so much for the pics. That mime is gorgeous!
Posted by: Stasia at April 21, 2006 03:38 AMIt's awful, but all I can think of when you say Portobello road is the song from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. I'll be singing it all night!
Posted by: Shanti at April 21, 2006 03:01 AMThanks for the photos of P Rd, brings back such lovely memories of London for me, the perfect Friday morning treat!
Posted by: erin at April 21, 2006 02:43 AMThose baked goodies have me drooling...and I just had breakfast!
Posted by: joy at April 21, 2006 02:25 AMThat's a very impressive mime!
Posted by: Jody at April 21, 2006 12:57 AMGreat photos.
Where are you???? UK or somewhere else?
Posted by: Sarah Hb at April 21, 2006 12:24 AMThe foods are awesome-looking ... and the home socks are such fun! Did you buy any?
Posted by: Agnes at April 21, 2006 12:22 AMDon't you find some fantastic things? I just love the mime and the baked goods, and how about a basket full of cricket balls for a cheery display?
I haven't been to Petticoat Lane for years, I can see that I'm missing loads!
Posted by: Louise at April 21, 2006 12:08 AM