If there's a spot in London that retro-chic spills out onto the pavement It's Portobello Road. Tucked in the middle of Notting Hill, this famous street is more than just a pretty backdrop for Hugh Grant movies -- it's a paradise for anyone obsessed with vintage treasures and gifts that refuse to be normal.

Saturdays are when the street is alive. The market is an exciting treasure hunt. The air is filled with chatter and the smell of freshly baked pastries from the bakeries. I always start in the antique section where the stalls are adorned with antique silverware, jewelry, and old clocks. These aren't just things but items of history you can hold in your hand.

retro gifts stalls are a treasure trove of people who love quirky gifts. You can find an Art Deco Tea Set next to a stack of 1970s vinyl records or an unloved suitcase awaiting its next adventure. I've found vintage typewriters that still work perfectly, and the tin toy that makes anyone's eyes sparkle.

What I love most about Portobello Road is the personality in every purchase. Many traders are collectors who are eager to tell the stories behind their items. This kind of story makes the gift more personal.

There's more than just antiques. There are also independent shops that sell vintage fabrics that have been reimagined - old textiles made into cushions and reclaimed wooden jewellery boxes retro wall art transformed into modern designs. It's where the past meets the present and you'll be able to find an original gift.

If you're going to Portobello to shop for gifts My advice is straightforward: take your time. Keep your eyes open, wander slow, and stop for a cup of coffee at one of the small cafes. If you're not in a rush, the best treasures are usually found. When you leave you'll find something which isn't possible to buy at the department stores -- something with a soul with a story, an element of London magic.