Known for her unrivalled style and love of vintage clothing, fashion icon Lady Amelia Windsor shares her must-stop spots in one of London’s most shoppable districts. She tells us where to find eco treasures in Notting Hill.
As one of London‘s most popular neighbourhoods, Notting Hill is known for its vibrant atmosphere, annual carnival and, of course, as the backdrop for Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant’s iconic ’90s on-screen romance.* Fast forward to 2019 and it’s home to some of the city’s best charity shops, eateries and markets, with the wonderful Portobello Road attracting more than 100,000 visitors every Friday and Saturday. With the festive season just around the corner, treat yourself and spend a day exploring the area, stopping off to buy one-of-a-kind gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. Tatler‘s contributing editor Amelia Windsor shares her pick of places to peruse at your leisure.
*Dress code: for full Roberts’ style, black beret, vintage sunglasses and an orange juice are obligatory
Liberté Chérie, Portobello Road
A new zero waste shop at the top of Portobello Road, where 75% of products are sourced from the UK – this shop is filled with herbs and spices as well as organic eggs. You can fill a reusable and smart tin container, and even add a personalised label to the front as a gift for a passionate cook looking to spice up their cuisine. There’s also a fantastic selection of oils (I recommend the smoked rapeseed oil) that come in beautiful reusable glass bottles. The friendliest of shop owners is also on hand to give you any tips and advice that you might need on reducing your household waste, suggesting exciting new replacements for kitchen utensils. Their bamboo toothbrushes or straws would make for a great stocking filler too.
The Cloth Shop
Located at 290 Portobello Road since 1992, this shop is known for its vast array of luscious fabrics made from mostly natural fibres.There are quilts, linen napkins and colourful vintage cabinets for a larger gift. If you’re looking for something smaller, opt for tonnes of patterned lavender bags to keep those moths at bay and to aid a good night’s sleep.
Sirplus, Portobello Road
Sirplus sells incredibly smart boxer shorts made from the surplus fabric from top shirt makers, as well as formal waistcoats that are fitted in-store; ideal to wear on Christmas day and good enough quality to wear for many a festive season in the future.
Under the Westway Vintage Market
I look forward to the early hours of Friday mornings when I can wander around the vintage stalls under the Westway. You can find unique and special pieces to suit any price point and occasion, while meeting the stall owners who can tell you the history behind each garment and treasure. It also makes for a much happier shopping experience than a massive superstore, and even provides shelter if it rains.
FARA, Elgin Crescent
My favourite charity shop in the world, beautifully curated and always playing the best music. All clothes are separated into colour palettes with some funky and more daring pieces to be found.
Portobello Wholefoods under the Westway
Best for a delicious vegan treat like a pot of almond butter or an organic olive oil. There are many essential oils and bath salts for a little eco-friendly pamper gift, and you could also buy a gift voucher, so your gift’s recipient can look forward to spending it wisely after the festive season.
Golborne Road Antique Market at the weekend
Another highlight of a weekend in Notting Hill is strolling down the Golborne Road and seeing the little trinkets one can find in the antique stalls. Why not treat a friend or family member to a vintage crockery set or a second-hand painting? For someone who has moved into a new house or flat, you could help them with furnishings from here instead of spending a fortune on something first-hand with an impossible to decode set of instructions.
The Gate Picture House Cinema Gift Card
What is more special than going to the cinema and watching an epic film? Treat someone to a gift card for the cinema without having to buy something that they don’t need for the sake of it. The Gate is super cosy and old school, always playing independent films as well as screening plays from The National. If that isn’t enough, it has a bar filled with vegan snacks and healthier popcorn as well as drinks aplenty.
Book and Comic Exchange, Notting Hill Gate
With stock bought on a daily basis, there are new treasures to be found every day at this wonderful hub in Notting Hill Gate. This is the place to go for passionate comic collectors, or to find a special second-hand coffee table photo book.
Daylesford, Westbourne Grove
Whether you book a friend in for a Christmas wreath-making workshop, or pick up some Bamford organic beauty products to enjoy yourself, there are many eco-friendly gifts to be found at Daylesford. Be sure to pick up some Daylesford chocolates or nut selections to share with your loved ones as well.
Read Danielle Copperman’s guide for tips on how and where to shop sustainably in London.
Book yourself in for dinner at one of London’s best sustainable restaurants.
Nourish your skin, hair and self with an organic, natural beauty treatment in the capital.