Hunting For Retro Gifts On Portobello Road - By Alice Davises

If there's one place in London where retro style spills onto the streets It's Portobello Road. The famous street that lies in the heart of Notting Hill is more than a pretty background for Hugh Grant films. It's an oasis for anyone who loves vintage treasures and gifts.

Saturdays are the time when the road really comes alive. The market is an exciting treasure hunt. The air is suffused with conversation and the scent of freshly baked goods from the bakeries. I always begin in the antique section where the stalls are adorned with silverware, antique jewelry, and old clocks. These aren't just things -- they're pieces of history you can hold in your hands.

Retro stalls are a treasure-trove for unusual gift seekers. You can find an Art Deco Tea Set next to a stack 1970s vinyl records or a battered suitcase waiting for webpage its adventure. I've come across old typewriters that still function perfectly, as well as a the tin toy that makes anyone's eyes sparkle.

What I love about Portobello Road is the personality of each purchase. The traders are often collectors themselves, eager to tell you the story behind a piece of art, no matter if it was a Georgian townhouse or flea market in Paris. This kind of story makes the gift more personal.

There's more than just antiques. In the stalls are independent shops selling reimagined antiques -- old fabrics turned into cushions, reclaimed timber turned into jewellery boxes, retro prints remastered to fit modern decor. This is where nostalgia meets imagination and you can find the perfect gift.

If you're heading to Portobello for gift shopping my advice is simple to take your time. Wander slowly and stop for a cup of coffee at one of the small cafes and keep your eyes open. If you're not in any hurry, the best finds are usually discovered. When you leave you'll find something in your bag which isn't possible to buy at the department stores -something that has a soul or a story and some London magic.