Portobello road, Portobello road
– ‘Portobello Road’ Bedknobs and Broomsticks Soundtrack
Street where the riches of ages are stowed.
Anything and everything a chap can unload
Is sold off the barrow in Portobello road.
You’ll find what you want in the Portobello road.
When I first told a friend that I wanted to visit Portobello Road Market, he asked “That’s a real place?” You may or may not know why that question humored me, but for many of us who did not grow up in the United Kingdom, Portobello Road was an imaginary street from a fifty year old Disney movie. In 1971 Bedknobs and Broomsticks was released, and introduced us to bazaar of peddlers selling their ware’s on Portobello Road.
Racks of beautiful vintage clothing
Unlike the dingy alleys of street hawkers that are portrayed in the movie, the real Portobello Road is a lively and colorful street market. Although similar to the movie’s song lyrics, Portobello Road IS a street where the riches of ages are stowed. There is a serious amount of vendors who sell everything from quirky antiques, china pattern remnants, to vintage apparel.
If you are in the market for new merchandise, Portobello Road includes artisan made jewelry, craft pieces, and handmade apparel. There are also cool and funky shops that open their storefronts with fun merchandise during market days.
There’s pure inspiration in every creation.
-‘Portobello Road’ Bedknobs and Broomsticks Soundtrack
No cheap imitations, not here in me store.
With garments as such as was owned by a Duchess.
Just once at some royal occasion of yore.
— The Food Scene —
The food scene at Portobello Road Market is as eclectic as the ware’s that are sold. There is a wide variety of international, specialty, and gourmet food vendors throughout the market. It can be a difficult decision on what to eat while strolling these London streets.
After walking and wondering, I decided to stay true to myself and have the ultimate English Cheddar grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough bread. The grilled cheese vendor, donning the black and yellow signage, grills up the most perfect cheesiest sandwiches using award winning British cheeses. I savored every buttery and cheesy bite.
For those who are interested in trying food from other countries, you are in for a definite treat. There are food stalls from around the world dishing up a variety of cuisine such as Mexican, Indian, Filipino, Middle Eastern, Asian, and the list go on and on.
Portobello Market was a hit and fun experience while visiting London. I may not have arrived on a flying bed by turning a bed knob, I took the underground, but it made for a great day of shopping, looking around, and grilled cheese eating.
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Wherever you go, go with all your heart…
🌎 Thank you for visiting my blog and NEVER STOP EXPLORING!
📸 All photos are taken by me and are my intellectual property – Trixie Navarre
Trixie Navarre 
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