Our markets

A picture of Portobello Market

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is one of the best places to shop in the capital, and has much to offer beyond the typical high street. Whether you're going shopping or just looking for a day out, the busy markets are a great way to experience the Borough's vibrant local life.

The Council manages two adjacent markets: Portobello Road market is one of the most famous markets in the world, and is renowned for its antiques and vintage fashion. Golborne Road market features food stalls during the week and has busy second hand and bric-a-brac sections at the weekend. Privately operated markets in the Borough include farmer's markets at Notting Hill Gate and South Kensington (both open Saturdays from 9am until 1pm), as well as the Portobello Green market that crosses Portobello Road by the Westway (operating from Thursday through to Sunday).

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General market opening times

08.00 until 19.00 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
08.00 until 13.00 Thursday

These times vary depending on weather conditions and the season. The market is closed on UK Bank Holidays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The markets throughout the week

Monday through to Thursday Portobello and Golborne Road markets serve mostly local residents with fresh fruit and veg, day-to-day items and - in Golborne Road - an international selection of hot foods. Although the street markets close at 1pm on Thursday, there is a small book, art and plant market under the Portobello Green canopy that stays open until 5.30pm.

Friday is the busiest weekday, with a greater number and variety of stalls. A gap in street trading may exist beyond Oxford Gardens, but Golborne Road is a destination well worth the extra five minute walk. On your way, take time to inspect Claire Morgan's photographic installation Mandala along the long brick wall.

Saturday is the busiest day by far, when the stalls, shops and arcades of the antiques section are buzzing from early morning. The rest of the markets are generally full, especially in fine weather. An eclectic mix of vintage and second-hand fashion and new goods can be found north of the Westway. This is also where the newest traders enter the markets, so don't spend all your money before you get there!

Sunday the street markets are closed, but there is a bustling market featuring original and vintage fashion, accessories and jewellery under the Portobello Green canopy.

Whether you live locally or are just visiting, please support the area's local independent merchants! Shopping at your favourite market stalls and neighbourhood retailers is one way you can help to secure a thriving, vibrant and sustainable future for the heart of our unique and diverse community.

Upcoming events in the markets and market streets

Notting Hill Carnival 29-30 August 2010
Please note that Carnival is run independently of Portobello and Golborne Road markets. Further information can be accessed by following the link above.
Barclays Cycle Hire Roadshow 4 September 2010 09:00-17:00

Come to Tavistock Plaza, just off Portobello Road by the Westway, to find out all you need to know about the scheme. You can sign up and get tips on using the cycles and staying safe.
Launch party for Portobello Road: Photographed in the Sixties by John Petty 27 September 2010

Anyone interested in taking part please contact the Portobello Antique Dealers Association. Copies of the book are available for purchase at local independent bookshops, including The Travel Bookshop and Lutyens & Rubinstein.
Celebration of English Apples 22-23 October 2010

Watch this space for details. National Apple Day, held on 21 October each year, was initiated in 1990 by UK charity Common Ground.
Portobello Road market celebrates National Antiques Week 20 November 2010
Keep checking this page for updates!

Recent events in the markets

Taste of Summer Festival 16-17 July 2010

Market shoppers were delighted by samples of deliciously prepared fresh seasonal produce from author and television presenter Celia Brooks Brown, local womens' group Multicultural Kitchen, caterers Chefs on the Move, and the Fat Badger pub. Visitors also had a chance to pick up sustainable and economical cooking tips from Love Food Hate Waste. Many samples were handed out right at the fruit & veg stalls by a corps of dedicated volunteers to whom we offer a heartfelt Markets thank you! Please visit your favourite colourful costermonger throughout the Summer for the freshest seasonal produce and fabulous recipe idea cards for summer fruit and vegetables from Portobello cook and food blogger Jo Harrison. To receive information on upcoming events, email street.markets@rbkc.gov.uk
InTransit Festival 19 July - 1 August 2010

For two weeks, acclaimed performance company Slung Low, in partnership with Notting Hill's Gate Theatre, had a 'sweetshop' in Portobello Square for 'street bound adventure' The Knowledge Emporium, part of the Arts Service's InTransit Festival.

Combining drumming, movement, theatre and recycling, The Living Junk Project play music and act out scenes on whatever they can find. Move Me was a 20 minute promenade performance piece at various locations, in and around Portobello Road, evolving each time with audience intervention and through new constructions.