Portobello sits in the Notting Hill district of West London, a cluster of curving streets lined with shops, arcades and stalls.
The market began as a place that sold fresh food, then gradually antiques took centre stage as wares dealers arrived and Saturday mornings drew collectors from across London. Communities inhabit Portobello through trading and visiting.
Today, Portobello market stretches almost the length of Portobello Road, with bric-a-brac, vintage clothing, vegetable stalls, other food and household essentials threaded between permanent shops.
It is one of London’s notable street markets and remains the main attraction for many visitors to London markets.
Key takeaways
- The Royal Borough manages Portobello and issues street trading licences.
- Portobello is often described as the largest antiques market in the UK and a magnet for bric-a-brac.
- Expect antiques near the southern end, with new goods and fruit and veg concentrated in the centre, and fresh food toward the north end.
- Standard pitch gazebos are 3 by 3 metres, with Category A sites at 2.75 metres square, and rules on power and waste.
- Food traders must register with the Royal Borough at least 28 days before trading.
- Portobello Road runs from Chepstow Villas up to Golborne Road, with Westbourne Grove and Kensington Park Road framing the nearby area.
- Segments run roughly parallel and weave through meandering roads that are squeezed tightly on peak days.
- At the southern end, the antiques arcades and shops predominate, while the north end sees more second hand clothes and some fresh food.
The market focuses on antiques, fashion and street food, with a substantial number of stalls offering bric-a-brac across available space along the street.
Along Portobello Road, you will also find one of Britain’s oldest cinemas, the Electric Cinema, a landmark of Notting Hill that underlines the area’s heritage.
Portobello Market also claims to be the largest antiques market, drawing crowds year-round. For antiques, Portobello Road is a well-known shopping and planning destination among visitors.
Getting there is simple. Notting Hill Gate is on the Central, Circle and District lines. Ladbroke Grove sits on the Hammersmith and City line and the Circle line.
Westbourne Grove marks a key approach to the southern end. The streets twist through a more formally planned layout near the arcades, while farther north, a formally planned layout gives way to open stretches for stalls. This part of Notting Hill connects well to other street markets across West London.
How to set up a stall at Portobello Road Market
Who runs the market and permits
Portobello and Golborne are operated by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. You need a borough street trading licence. The council manages casual and permanent traders for Portobello Market.
Eligibility and required documents
Bring proof of ID, right to work and address, National Insurance number, and photos of your goods. Public liability insurance must be at least £5 million per current guidance. Food traders will need food hygiene training. Electrical or gas safety evidence is required where relevant.
Fees and pitch details
Pitch fees are set by the council and charged to licensed street traders. Gazebos are typically 3 metres by 3 metres, with smaller Category A sites at 2.75 metres square. Power is via market bollards where available, and overhead or overground cabling is not allowed. For current fee structures, see the council’s markets and street trading guidance.
Application process step by step
- Email the council’s street trading team with details and images of your wares.
- Await approval and attend the office to register.
- Obtain insurance and complete any inductions.
- Pay fees as directed and secure your allocation.
- On the day, check in with the market office and set up within your licensed site.
On the day
Arrive in the stated window, unload within 20 minutes and move your vehicle immediately.
Keep within your pitch, use approved structures and keep gangways clear. Sites 1 to 164 on Portobello Road must trade until 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
All traders are expected to trade until at least 4 pm. Use market waste and recycling bags and clear by the stated time, usually 7.30 pm.
Parking follows permit rules and, on Fridays, the pay-by-phone bays between Westbourne Grove and Colville Terrace in the antiques section.
Food traders' extra requirements
Register your food business with the Royal Borough at least 28 days before you start.
Hold Level 2 food hygiene training, follow allergen rules including Natasha’s Law labelling for PPDS foods, and meet gas and electrical safety expectations for hot food.
RBKC expects a 5-star food hygiene rating. If not achieved after inspection, traders have three months to rectify for re-inspection.
Provide hand washing and temperature control.
Trader checklist
- Licence or approval
- Public liability insurance certificate
- ID and right to work documents
- Gazebo, tables, weights
- Power leads with PAT where permitted
- Card reader and float
- Stock labels and signage
- Waste and recycling bags
- Arrival and parking details
- Weather plan and covers
Final thoughts
Portobello Road Market is more than a shopping street; it is a living part of Notting Hill. Blending antiques, food and fashion, it continues to draw locals and visitors who want the authentic atmosphere of one of London’s most iconic markets.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Portobello Road Market, and how long is it?
It runs through Notting Hill, between Chepstow Villas and Golborne Road, covering almost the length of Portobello Road with stalls and shops.
Which day is best for antiques?
Friday and Saturday are strongest for antiques and bric-a-brac, with Saturday as the main attraction for collectors and casual browsers.
Can I trade if I sell second-hand clothes or bric-a-brac?
Yes. The market has second-hand clothes and bric-a-brac throughout, but you must apply, meet licence rules and fit within the balance of trade.
Who issues licences and what insurance do I need?
The Royal Borough issues street trading licences for Portobello. Minimum public liability insurance is £5 million per current council guidance.
Is there street food at Portobello?
Yes. Street food and other food are common, especially near the central sections, alongside vegetable stalls and shops selling household essentials.
