London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [192]
Market
Fodor’s Choice | Portobello Market.
London’s most famous market still wins the prize (according to some) for the all-round best. It sits in the lively, cultural melting pot of Notting Hill; the 1,500 antiques dealers here don’t rip you off (although you should haggle where you can); and it stretches over a mile, changing character completely as it goes.
The southern end, starting at Chepstow Villas, is lined with antiques shops and arcades; the middle, above Elgin Crescent, is where locals buy fruit and veg. This middle area was the setting for the lovely sequence in the movie Notting Hill where Hugh Grant walks through the market as the seasons change. The section nearest the elevated highway (called the Westway) has one of the best flea markets in town, with vintage-clothing stores along the edges. Here, young designers sell their wares in and around the Portobello Green arcade. After that, the market trails off into a giant rummage sale of the kinds of cheap household goods the British call tat.
Some say Portobello Road has become a bit of a tourist trap, but if you acknowledge that it’s a circus and get into the spirit, it’s a lot of fun. Perhaps you won’t find many bargains, but this is such a fascinating part of town that just hanging out is a good enough excuse to come. There are some food and flower stalls throughout the week (try the Hummingbird Bakery for delicious cupcakes) but Saturday is really the only day to see the market in full swing. | Portobello Rd.,Notting Hill,W11 | Sat. 8–6 | Notting Hill Gate (District, Circle, or Central Line).
Music
Music & Video Exchange.
This store—actually a conglomeration of several shops on Notting Hill Gate—is a convenient destination for seekers of unusual and mainstream chart music as well as classical and pop. Rare records and CDs are upstairs, the soul and dance branch is at No. 42, and the classical branch is at No. 36. There are also branches in Soho, Greenwich, and Camden. | 38 Notting Hill Gate, Notting Hill | W11 3HX | 020/7243–8574 | Notting Hill Gate.
Shoes
Emma Hope.
The signature look at Emma Hope is vintage inspired. Mules and kitten-heeled shoes have exquisite embroidery and beading. Her ballet flats will appeal to those who favor comfort, but the filigree stilettos and bejeweled court shoes are the real showstoppers. Her stores also stock shoes and accessories for men. | 207 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill | W11 2SF | 020/7313–7490 | www.emmahope.com | Notting Hill Gate.
MARYLEBONE
Antiques
Alfie’s Antique Market.
A large and exciting labyrinth on four floors, it has dealers specializing in anything and everything, but particularly in vintage clothing, decorative accessories, and furniture. Highlights include the fabulous collection of cocktail dresses and kitsch bar accessories at the Girl Can’t Help It, and Vincenzo Caffarrella’s spectacular Italian lighting. There’s also a rooftop restaurant if you need a coffee break. In addition to the market, this end of Church Street is lined with excellent antiques shops. | 13–25 Church St., Marylebone | NW8 8DT | 020/7723–6066 | Closed Sun. and Mon. | Edgware Rd.
Beauty
Space NK.
A cult favorite among beauty product fiends, this upscale chain boasts more than 20 locations throughout London. The minute you step inside, you’re surrounded by very luxurious and sought-after brands like Kate Somerville, Chantecaille, and Rodial. Whether you’re shopping for someone else or for just for yourself, you’ll no doubt be the envy of every beauty lover when they see you toting a Space NK bag around town. | 83a Marylebone High St., Marylebone | W1U 4QP | 020/7486–8791 | www.spacenk.co.uk | Baker St.
Books
Daunt Books.
The most striking Daunt branch is the Edwardian store in Marylebone. The travel section is housed in a dramatic oak room, illuminated by a lofty conservatory roof and stained-glass windows. Guidebooks, poetry, and other literature are organized by country. There’s