I could walk around Notting Hill for days with a camera, snapping away non-stop. It's a fabulous area to wander in, and comprised of all different 'flavours' from the million dollar homes in Chepstow Place to more hipster areas at the far end of Portobello Road (nearer to Westbourne Park). As a teenager, it was one of my favourite places to stroll at the weekends - with its mix of antiques stores, second-hand clothing market and vegetarian eateries (only getting off the ground back then) it never disappointed.
Here's a few of my favourites, In the coming months, there will be many more because, whichever way you turn, there's something just as intriguing...
1. Alices Antiques
An institution on the Portobello Road, this store is a veritable treasure trove and on sunny days (like this one) all of its wares are laid outside, for passers-by to rummage through or just gaze upon...
2. Sun in Splendour Pub and Beatrice von Treskow Designs
So much colour and life! Close to Notting Hill Gate, this is a popular pub and a much-loved store...
3. Candy-coloured houses
Oft photographed (and I wonder why?) this view at the beginning of the antiques section of the Portobello Road never fails to delight...
4. 177 Portobello Market
Needs no explanation...
5. Grand Architecture
Just a stone's throw from the Portobello Road, these houses aren't just grand, they're beautifully colour-co-ordinated. And as you can see, in the bottom left hand corner, it's a wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by...
6. Doll's Houses
These teeny-tiny houses at the top of the Portobello Road are delightful, though there's not much space inside and if you live in one you'll have to put up with endless gawking from tourists...
7. Shed-like cafe
At the top of Portobello Road, not too far from Notting Hill Gate tube lies this makeshift cafe...which reminds me of a shed. Fun and funky, it's also got a table and two chairs in front of it, enabling customers to rest their weary feet over a cuppa...
8. Henry Gregory Antiques
Everything an antique store should be...
9. Chloe Alberry
A store that specialises in door handles, cabinet fittings, hooks, and mirrors! Traditional and unusual...
10. Pembridge Road
En route from Notting Hill tube station to Portobello Road, walk down Pembridge Road and soak up the atmosphere....
