Our markets
Photos from the 'RBKC Markets' group
on Flickr
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 Saturday farmers' markets
at Notting Hill Gate (9am to 1pm)
and South
Kensington (9am to 2pm), the renowned Portobello Green Fashion
market that crosses Portobello Road by the Westway (operating from
Thursday through to Sunday), the new Acklam Village Market
(Portobello Fine Foods) under the Westway on Saturdays and Sundays,
and Partridges Food Market
in Duke of York Square (King's Road) on Saturdays.
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. To celebrate last year's
first-ever national Love Your Local Market fortnight, we've
produced a handy Guide to Markets in the Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea. You can download the Guide to markets [PDF] (file size
1.5Mb) or pick up a copy at your local market. In 2013, Love Your
Local Market will take place from 15 through to 29 May. Email
marketevents@rbkc.gov.uk or
see our Street Trading home page for details (link below).
Portobello and Golborne Road market general opening times
- 8am until 7pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and
Saturday
- 8am until 1pm Thursday (7pm on 16, 23
& 30 May and 6 June 2013!)
These times vary depending on weather conditions and the season.
The street markets are normally closed on Sundays, UK Bank
Holidays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
How to get there
Portobello Road and Golborne Road markets are adjacent and can
be approached from either end. See
Directions to the market.
Portobello and Golborne Road markets throughout the week
NEW: Market traders have recently launched
Shop Portobello, a website
to help visitors and customers find their way round the markets,
see what's on offer (and when), put together shopping lists, and
find unique items and bargains!
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
normally 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
the latest Portobello Wall Arts
Project installation 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 normally closed,
but there is a bustling market featuring original and vintage
fashion, accessories and jewellery under the Portobello Green
canopy by Thorpe Close and international street food at Acklam
Village Market under the Westway by Acklam Road.
How to register as a street trader and get a street trading
licence
For information on how to register as a street trader and get a
street trading licence go to Street
Trading home page.