Notting Hill Antiques

pHOTOGRAPHY BY ROZ ALCAZAR

It’s been a while since I’ve written here, but while looking through some old photos, I realised these never made the cut at the time, and what better reason to dust off this dusty blog?

Hello, my careless readers. This gal is back.

And like any good antique that finds its way back into fashion, I’m taking us to Notting Hill’s Weekend Antiques and Vintage Market, a London classic that never really goes out of style.

I must admit that as an East London girl, it is not often that I go to Notting Hill, but every time I do, I’m reminded why I love it. Notting Hill on a Saturday is not for the faint-hearted, it’s aggressively charming. The kind of chaos you have to surrender to.

For many, it’s a place best avoided on weekends (the locals will tell you to come midweek), but there’s something special about the Saturday energy, that messy orchestra of locals, tourists, and treasure hunters. Saturday is when the market is fully alive: antiques, vintage stalls, and all the characters that come with them.

Sundays, by contrast, are gentler — a smaller flea and fashion market, no street stalls, a slower rhythm. Lovely, yes. But for me, the full theatre happens on Saturday.

There are a few spots that are always there — reliable landmarks in the chaos.

Alice’s, the iconic red-fronted shop you’ve probably seen in every postcard and film still, is a Notting Hill institution. You’ll find everything from retro tin signs to oddball collectibles you didn’t know you needed until you held them.

And just by Notting Hill Gate Station, there are some of my favourite vintage stores: Retro Woman & Retro Clothing. These are the kind where you lose track of time between velvet jackets and old ferragamos, and I absolutely adore it.

But the real treasure lies up near Ladbroke Grove, where the market shifts gears. Here, it’s fashion galore, a paradise for the patient. You’ll dig through a blur of fakes, forgotten labels, and real luxury gems.

Think £30 Chanel shoes that need a cobbler’s touch but promise greatness, or a vintage Dior clutch hiding beneath a pile of forgotten scarves. It’s all about the hunt. Knowing when something is gold and when it’s just gold-ish.

Like any good find, it’s about slowing down. Pausing, appreciating, and walking away with something valuable (and memorable), even if it’s just a story.

A Bite Between Bargains?

When the crowd gets too much and your hands are full of someone else’s past life, walk over to The Pelican for lunch. Trust me it’s the perfect pause: elevated but comforting, like the market’s grown-up sibling who still knows how to have fun.

Happy weekend,
TCB xx

Queens Road Weekender

Have you ever been in a situation in which a friend asks you to meet at Queen’s Park and in the back of your head you are asking yourself: what’s in Queen’s Park? Where even is Queen’s Park?!

We feel you, I feel you. As an East Londoner myself, I recognize I live in a very sweet bubble where I have most things at my disposal. In most instances, going out of this bubble may feel unnecessary, but it can also be very rewarding.

I am a wanderer at heart, and if you are too, Queen’s Park has a lot for you to unpack. So what do you say, are you ready for a day ride?

10:00AM: Kickstart your day with an energizing workout

Whether you prefer spinning, barre, hot yoga, or even boxing, places like Psycle, Fierce Grace, and Storm offer classes to sweat away your stress, hangover, or fears, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.

11:00AM: Treat yourself Hour

As the morning progresses, head over to the Farmer's Market at Salusbury Primary School (available only on Sundays) to peruse an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delectable treats. Alternatively, #treatyourself to a pampering session at Somewhere in Queen's Park, where you can indulge in a stylish new hairdo.

12:00PM: Satisfy your food cravings at Milk Beach

After working up an appetite, satisfy your brunch needs with a delightful brunch at Milk's Beach. From savory classics to innovative twists on brunch favorites, their menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and fuel your adventures ahead. You can read our full-review of this restaurant (and get a glimpse of what you’ll get!) here.

2:00PM: Brews and Banter, It’s ‘Liquid Leisure’ Time!

With brunch behind you, embark on a journey of libations and leisure. Start with a beer tasting at Wolf Pack's Brewery, where you can sample a variety of craft brews in a laid-back setting. Then, make your way to Alice House Gastropub for a cheeky pint and lively ambiance.

4:00PM: Playful pursuit with Mini-Golf and Shopping in Kilburn

For a dose of fun and nostalgia, challenge your companions to a round of miniature golf or explore the nearby Kilburn area for some second-hand shopping. Traid and Crisis offer refined charity shops where you can uncover hidden treasures while supporting a good cause.

6:00PM: Discover the local creativity at Kiln Theatre

As the evening approaches, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Queen's Park. Catch a show at Kiln Theatre and experience thought-provoking performances that celebrate diversity and creativity.

9:00PM: Savour the night delights with a food feast

If you still have energy to spare, treat yourself to a culinary adventure at one of Queen's Park's renowned eateries. Indulge in excellent sushi at Michiko Sushino or savor a Middle Eastern feast at Carmel, where bold flavors and warm hospitality await.

In Queen's Park, every moment is an opportunity to relax, indulge, and explore. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or tranquil escapes, this vibrant neighborhood offers a wealth of experiences to enrich your day and leave you with lasting memories.

TCB xxx

The Hackney Series: De Beauvoir Town & Haggerston

photography by roz alcazar

With a blink of an eye, September is once again upon us. Where did summer go? Some may say it has just arrived to London, whereas others are already thinking about their costumes for Halloween, myself included.

As I return back to my London home, I can’t help myself thinking how lucky I am to call this beautiful and vibrant city home. I know that the moment I step foot in London, there will be something extraordinary waiting for me to explore, and that’s a feeling I like, a feeling that I crave.

Those of you that have been reading my stories may know that Haggerston in Hackney is my home base. What I may not have told you, is how much the area has changed since I moved here more than 5 years ago.

Oldies like myself will tell you that Haggerston was a passersby neighborhood in between Shoreditch and Dalston. Nowadays, it is a destination on its own. Don’t believe me? Then try it for yourself by spending a day (or a few) visiting the area and trying my favorite spots. All you have to do is pick-and-choose from my favorites below. By the end of the day you’ll feel there so much more to explore.

You can thank me later. For now, enjoy the ride.

The perfect day in this East London outpost starts with a coffee, or with coffee and breakfast.

Coffee lovers out there, you have two main options: Shed and Batch Baby.

Shed is located by Haggerston Overground station, whereas Batch Baby is located in the midst of De Beauvoir Town. Both coffee shops are run locally and serve specialty coffee. Shed usually has more of a coffee-on-the go vibe and serves Caravan coffee, whereas Batch Baby is a multi-roaster cafe ser and has more of sit down and enjoy space. If you wish, you can also co-work in both spaces.

Now, if you are looking for a more substantial meal, then you should try out De Beavoir Deli. Here you’ll find coffee, bagels, pastries, and new york style sandwiches and toasties that will fill you up with a smile on your face. After brekkie, you can also splash the cash with some bougie grocery shopping. Perello olives, a charcuterie counter and Dusty Knuckle bread are on offer her. All pleasure to my ears and my palatte.

Both Haggerston and De Beauvoir Town are residential neighborhood with lovely shops and restaurants around. I would say that it is a beautiful area to have walks, but not necessarily to do historical sightseeing, if that is what you are after. However, you can embark yourselves in lovely long paths by the canal and there are two parks where to relax with friends or alone reading a book: Stonebridge Gardens and Haggerston Park.

If you are seeking to do an activity, The Big London Bake offers a unique ‘British Bake Off’ experience. Sooner than you think, you’ll find yourselves competing to make the best cake of the day.

However, if baking isn’t your jam, there are a few more things you could check out on the activity front:

• Otherworld, an immersive virtual reality experience you can play alon or with others

• Tripspace, a Yoga and Dance space to explore your innerself in a deeper matter

• N1 Garden Center, a plant heaven to explore which new creatures you’ll like to take home and take care of

Got your clothes dirty while baking? Check out The Steam Room, a dry-cleaners turn clothing shop only a few meters away from the venue. All I will say is that it is worth a visit, even if you don’t leave any items in the wask.

Is it time to eat yet? A glass of wine or a pint anyone? We heard you.

Not one but THREE favorite pubs: De Beauvoir Arms for its cozy evenings in leather sofas and delicious and affordable steak and wine, Scolt’s Head for a beautiful afternoon in the garden and the Rosemary Branch for a good roast and a theatre night

A glass of wine is always welcome and for that I’d like to introduce Hector’s and Finleys. Excellent selection in a cute little setting.

If you are more of a cocktail animal, then you’ll be in your element at A bar with shapes for a name, which in less than a year has made it to the Top 50 bars in the world. For the tequila lovers, Hacha and its mirror margarita is a must.

Hold on a minute, we went into ‘eating is cheating’ mode? No, no, no. A good meal is a must.

Berber & Q will be my forever love affair with Middle Easter meets African meets Mediterranean food, in a space under the arches that will make you feel like you are ready to party.

Caravel is a romantic restaurant set up in a barge by the canal and it holds a special place in my heart. Certainly a unique, special place serving delicious continental food.

The Sea & The Sea is the new kid in the block and only for those who’d like to splash the cash. If willing, it’s supposed to be incredible good. Seafood menu and chef’s table style. Only seats a very few so it’s definitely one for special ocassions.

The day its advancing and its time for a boogie. We got you covered for pretty much any day of the week: The Jago for unusual music events on a weekday, Brilliant Corners on a Friday for audiophile lovers and renowned DJs, The Glory on a Saturday for the love of queerness and The Haggerston on Sundays for great Jazz sessions.

Not enough? You can wrap up the night with a night cap at the members-club (not so members-club) at The Kings Head.

Bonsoir careless readers, hope you have fun.

TCB xx