Saturday Antique Market at Portobello Road Market
We were lucky to run into the Saturday antique market on Portobello Road (any other day in the week is just the regular fruit/flower/bric-à-brac). I was instantaneously drawn to this kiosk with everything brass.
One of these vintage brass plaque with key hooks came home with me. I am thinking mudroom?
The types of silver forks used in England intrigue and frustrate me at the same time! But I guess if you were born into this it wouldn't be so hard.
I took home one of these bread forks. From now on anybody who reaches out to bread using their hand will get a slap on the wrist, house rules! :)
Antique wooden printing blocks.
And hundreds and hundreds of silver cutlery with ivory handles. I couldn't tell if they are real ivory so I decided not to take any chance (just to be clear, I am against using the real ivory!).
The Parisian crystal chandelier inside Judy Fox Antiques looked absolutely dreamy.
In case you are curious, a house in the Portobello market area would cost 1.695-3.25 million GBP. Assuming 1 to 1 purchasing power between GBP and CAD which is likely the case, the real estate value in a "hot pocket" is pretty much on par with Toronto. Detached houses are becoming less and less affordable in both cities, and no wonder loft conversions in London are gaining unprecedented popularity - it's all about how to maximize the livable space.
Fortnum and Mason Piccadilly
After an amazing afternoon tea in their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, we went crazy with shopping downstairs in the department store.
Paris flea market chandelier inside the store, love the ceiling medallion too!
I took home 8 tea towels, among boxes of tea and preserve!
Great idea for dining table setting. I could use GlucksteinHome's Darius Indigo/Gold china set to accomplish a similar look.
Mad Hatter!
Store entrance from Jermyn Street.
Carnaby Street
If you like Bayview Village you would like those independent boutiques on Carnaby Street.
Covent Garden Market
We spent a very relaxing lunch break at the Covent Garden Market.
The inside of the Piazza is stunning.
We enjoyed a cup of tea in the lower courtyard while a local music band played "Danny Boy". It was a perfect moment.
The Apple Market is where you will find local arts and crafts. I picked up a sketch by a local caricaturist named Mark Tabberner. It's now at my favourite framing shop YM Art.
There are a lot of known chain stores inside the market as well, so it truly offers something for everyone.
Neal's Yard
While you are at the Covent Garden, make sure to go a bit north and stop by Neal's Yard.
Neal's Yard is a small alley in Covent Garden between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street which opens into a courtyard. It's an amazing spot to take some colourful photos.
Chinatown
The night before our departure we decided to swing by London's chinatown for some Chinese food.
I would highly recommend Joy King Lau. Their service was impeccable.
Aside from these places where I took pictures, we also went to Harrods (slightly overrated IMO), Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Oxford Street and King's Road.
