If there's one place in London where retro charm practically spills onto the streets, it's Portobello Road. This famous street, situated in the heart of Notting Hill is more than an appealing backdrop for Hugh Grant films. It's an ideal destination for those who appreciate antique treasures and gifts.

Saturdays are the time when the streets come alive. The market is a treasure hunt. The air is suffused with people talking and the smell of freshly baked pastries from the bakeries. I always begin in the antique section where rows of stalls shimmer with silverware, antique jewellery, and old clocks. They're not just things but items of history you can hold in your hands.

For the curious gift-buyer Retro stalls are pure magic. You may find an Art Deco Tea Set next to a stack 1970s vinyl records or an unloved suitcase awaiting its next adventure. I've discovered old typewriters which still work perfectly, and Tin toys that make anyone's eyes shine.

Portobello Road has a lot of personality in each piece. Many traders are collectors who like to tell the stories behind their collections. This kind of background makes a gift seem so much more personal.

And it's not just antiques. Scattered among the stalls are independent shops selling reimagined antiques fabric, old prints turned into cushions, reclaimed wooden pieces made into jewellery boxes, vintage prints remastered for modern walls. It's where creativity and nostalgia meet and you can pick up an original gift.

If you're headed to Portobello to shop for gifts retro my advice is simple Take your time. Explore slowly take a break for coffee at one of the tiny cafes, and keep your eyes open. When you're not in a hurry, the best finds are usually located. You'll leave with something that cannot be bought in a department store -something that is a story an interesting story, some London magic.