Monday 25 February 2013

London Day 1: Portobello Road & Southbank

First things first, as our first day was a Saturday, I had to take my cousin Livvy to the infamous Portobello markets! It seems a sin to come all the away to London and not pop by. The vibe is always amazing, the music, multicolored buildings, street food, stalls... everything!

During the week, the markets are aligned for locals to buy their fruit and veg, but on a Saturday the street comes to life as the road is transformed for the famous antiques market. It's lovely walking down the cobbled streets hearing whispers of foreign languages and gaining inspiration from everyone's quirky style!

We stumbled across movie locations from the 1999 film 'Notting Hill'! The infamous blue door where Hugh Grant's character lives & the 'The Travel Book Co' where he works.

One thing you should know about Portobello, is that it won't be long before your tummy starts rumbling! It's virtually impossible to reach the end of the markets without buying a snack, or in our case, three! First, Livvy and my dad opted for a peri-peri chicken, tomato and rocket chiabatta for £5.50. We then picked up a bunch of vanilla Hummingbird cupcakes. Although they were £2 each - I can honesty say it was the best cupcake I've ever eaten! I finally opted for two slices of margarita pizza for my lunch from "Arancina", for £3.60.

If you ever fancy going to Portobello, take the underground to 'Notting Hill Gate' and follow the exit signs to 'Portobello Markets'! 

Afterwards, we hopped on the District line to 'St.Paul's Cathedral' to walk to London Bridge station. This way, Livvy would get her first chance to walk over the Millennium Bridge, get a glimpse of the London Eye and Big Ben. During our little detour, we saw countless street performers and buskers. We also found ourselves in the midst of South bank's daily book fair - underneath Waterloo Bridge. It's such a romantic place to buy a Dickens or Shakespeare!

rings: turquoise (accessorize), 'D' (urban outfitters), wooden (from Athens)

By the way, if you were wondering why my chai latte says 'Tom Cruise', it's a game me and my Dad play... I still think he should have said Beyonce!


Have you ever been to Portobello? Where's your favourite place in London?