May 30, 2007
Portobello Market
Wherever I am, I LOVE going to markets. I love the energy and the buzz that goes on at these markets, the hustle and bustle of people walking past the stalls, buying food, looking at local arts and crafts etc.
Portobello Market is one of many markets in London and this market which runs along the whole stretch of Portobello Road has three sections to it – fashion, food, antiques. The fashion is quirky and bohemian and there are many local designers there. There are also a lot of stuff from India and China which are sold for heaps cheaper back in Asia. Many of the clothes are very retro looking and they look really funky. The antiques end of the market is also very charming but of course my favourite is the part of the market which sells food!
My friend tells me it's much cheaper to buy from these markets than the supermarkets. Most of it is also locally produced which makes it more environmentally friendly.
The part of the market selling clothes and accessories.
A stall selling dried foods.
One of several stalls selling vegetables.
Ooh, several huge pans of paella simmering would have been perfect for the cold and rainy weather. But I had already had lunch so it was dessert time. And that was when I went for the Red Velvet cupcake at Hummingbird Bakery instead.
A stall selling fresh bread – my friend swears by the bread sold at this stall! Go in the late afternoon at around 4.30pm and you can buy the bread at discounted prices.
A stall called Betty's Cakes selling homemade cakes and cookies. Very charming.
I knew this had to be some Malaysian or Singaporean eatery when I saw the word "makan". I was right! But I didn't bother eating there.
Anyway, I'm planning to check out more markets in the time I'm in London. I think such markets are absolutely charming!
Lovely photos!
You make the markets look so good, I feel like I have been missing out all this time!
Makan - that should be the name of your blog DSD!!
jase
Posted by: jase at May 30, 2007 6:44 AMWhat does Makan mean?
The markets look like a lot of fun. And "absolutely charming" -- you already sound like a Londoner!
Posted by: Adrian at May 30, 2007 9:55 AMthere are lots of farmer's markets in London!!! you must definitely check them out! =)
http://www.timeout.com/london/features/162/1.html
btw, do you have a copy of Time-Out's Cheap Eats in London?! i was browsing at B&Ns earlier and thought it's a good wee little book.
http://www.timeout.com/products/lonce.html my UWC housemate & friend, Johnathan Robinson, apparently appears on one of the pictures, reviewing for the Candid Arts Cafe... http://www.candidarts.com/candid_arts_trust.htm above the Arts center is THE HUB... which is a pretty cool place for mobile ppl who need a workspace... proud to know some of the people who dreamt and made it real.
Jase: Yes, you should have explored the markets a little more! And yes, i love to "makan". :p
Adrian: "Makan" seems "eat" in the Malay language. Don't be surprised when you go to Singapore and people ask you "You makan already or not?"
And yah, i realised that i used "charming" so many times that i now have to find a synonym!
overacuppa: Thanks for the links!
my friends were raving over spitalfields and borough market, having just gone to them. I've never been to either, despite visiting London often enough =P (somehow i'm always at portobello, haha).
Posted by: a l at May 31, 2007 12:25 AMIn the top picture, the windows in the top right hand quarter are my work!
Posted by: joe at June 1, 2007 4:01 PM