Portobello Road

This morning I went to London to join a friend on a Portobello Road Gastrotour. Portobello Road, spotlighted in the movie Notting Hill, is well known for its famous markets, vintage clothing, antiques and food shops. We all met at an Italian café where we started with Italian coffees and bruschetta, then went on to a very well stocked shop called Garcia's that had such a vast range of Spanish foods. This area historically had the largest Spanish population in London. We visited a mushroom vendor where most people bought some of his unusual mushrooms - I bought some fresh ceps (porcini) which you never find in a supermarket these days. We saw an eclectic cook book shop, and a shop selling original and different tableware.  We ended up at a modern day gin distillery where they served cocktails (it was lunch time by now) with snacks.

I was home by early afternoon, and it was a lovely experience to discover this part of London which was new to me. And yes we did see the famous doorway where Rhys Ifans came out wearing only his boxers - although the original blue door has since been sold, and a new blue door is in its place.

Although my Monday evening camera club is still being held via zoom, tonight I am meeting in person for the first time since February 2020 with my camera group. It will be lovely to see everyone again.