Antique London

United Kingdom is famous for its love for antiques – suffice to say ‘Antiques Roadshow’ or ‘Cash in the Attic’ are still some of the most popular TV shows and keep enthusing and encouraging the viewers to explore their grandparent’s attics and discover hidden gems. Well then, let’s get started on London’s treasures

It looks like the best place to be when you’re and antique enthusiast is Notting Hill and Kensington. First of all, you can get the taste at Miller’s – a London hotel conveniently based on Westbourne Grove, just a stone throw away from Portobello Market. This boutique hotel is full of character and each of the bedrooms is author themed – in the Blake Room you can find early 18th century paintings, while in Tennyson or Coleridge Rooms are furnished with collections of genuine antiques. The mentioned Portobello Market is famous for its antiques section, which heart happens to be right between Westbourne Grove and Elgin Crescent. With 42 licensed stall traders and even more shops, Portobello will keep you busy all day long browsing and discovering forgotten beauties. I personally highly recommend visiting it during the week, when the growing amount of tourists will be less likely to spoil your experience.

This part of Notting Hill is also famous for many independent fashion boutiques and some great places for foodies, so while you’re there don’t forget to pay a visit to Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road for a last minute outfit fix combined with a delicious lunch. Scottish cashmere store Brora will keep you wrapped warm during the approaching cold autumn, while Daylesford or Ottolenghi will send your taste buds to heaven and back with freshly prepared, organic delicacies.

Once you’re reenergized and ready for more of the antiques field trip, pop over to the other side of Kensington and take a stroll down Kensington Church Street is home to Antiques Dealers Association which consists of over 60 antiques dealers and under their offer you can find Oriental art and ceramics, British and Continental furniture and paintings, books, clocks and much more. The week of 14th – 21st November is the National Antiques week – if you’re planning your visit around this time it will be the perfect opportunity to find the best dealers and amazing finds!

Adjacent to Kensington Church Street is the Kensington Palace – a royal residence with a long history of redevelopments and refurbishments which now plays host to various exhibitions – currently you can take a look at royal wedding dressed and discover the Enchanted Palace – an exhibition telling stories about the palace’s princesses, with Chris Levine’s artwork, performances and contemporary fashion pieces. The perfect end to your Kensington visit should be an afternoon tea at the Royal Garden Hotel – another 5 star London hotel known for its relaxed atmosphere. The tea is served in the Park Terrace lounge overlooking Kensington Gardens – there is no greatest pleasure than sipping a delicious cup of tea in the midst of autumnal gardens! However come prepared – your tea has to be booked.

Magda Wrzeszcz