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| I cant think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon in London than to pay a visit to Portobello Road. Sadly I don't go so much these days, though I should. Perhaps the journey of crossing Town is what puts me off. But once I'm there I absolutely love it. It's hardly surprising that like Camden Market on a Sunday, Saturday at Portobello is indeed a London tourist trap. So what is the attraction? Well for me it's the rummaging through the record vinyl stalls, watching and listening to the buskers and musicians that line the entire Market Street, paying regular visits to the plant and flower stall, looking over the vintage magazines and clothing stalls. But most of all my beady eyes are always on the lookout for vintage artifacts, things I can use for my several ongoing building projects. Anyway here's just a few pictures taken on Saturday over this Bank Holidy weekend. |
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| Above on the right is an unusual red phone box that now has two functions. In fact the last time I saw it on an even busier Saturday there was a cue of about a dozen people waiting to use it. Of course once close up I realized they all wanted to withdraw cash from it rather than wanting to use it's phone. Not sure though that I'd want to risk putting my Bank card in there, just in case it swallows it up without returning it. |
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| Being a City of diminishing landmarks it's good to see that the iconic Electric Cinema still stands in Portobello Road. |
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Where ever you walk up the Market street, music seems to seep out at every corner. And I couldn't resist the samba beats emanating from this corner pub in the Market Street. |
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| Here's a talented musical family, although not performing the traditional Caribbean sounds that dominate Portobello Road, but instead performing some popular well known Classical music pieces. |
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| Above: Well known London landmark Trellick Tower, a 31 storey block of residential Flats which is visible once you reach the far end of the Market. |
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This is one of several eye catching almost Mediterranean style properties in Pembridge Road, at the Notting Hill Gate end of Portobello Road. |
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| These colourful houses are situated at the other end of Portobello Road towards the Notting Hill end. And one of these properties has the honour of a blue plaque indicating that someone famous once lived there. And the house at No 22 Portobello Road was once where writer George Orwell lived. |
I look at these pictures and think that I was born in the wrong place.
ReplyDeleteVera, I can understand what you say. I suppose I have to be grateful that my Mum broke away
ReplyDeletefrom the family nest in a quiet sleepy Village in Ireland and headed for the bright lights
of London.
But yes I still have to pinch myself living here in North London.
On my first trip to London in 1980, I stayed at Notting Hill Gate and wandered along Portobello Rd after recovering from jet lag. It was there I really felt as though I was in the UK. - Ian
ReplyDeleteAh... The Thatcher years, and before the digital age. But yes I suppose Portobello Road
Deletewould have painted a picture of London back then. As long as you had room to park your
Volkswagon, or perhaps that was later on your second visit in 98'.