If there's a spot in London where retro style spills over the pavement and into the streets, it's Portobello Road. The famous street that lies in the center of Notting Hill is more than a pretty background for Hugh Grant films. It's a haven for those who appreciate vintage treasures and gifts.

Saturdays are the days when the roads come alive. The air is filled with chatter, the smell of fresh pastries drifts from small bakeries, and finally, the market stretches ahead like an endless treasure trail. I always start in the antique section, where rows of stalls sparkle with antique silverware, old jewelry, and old clocks. They're not just things they are pieces of history you can hold in your hands.

The stalls in the retro gifts era are a treasure trove for curious gift-buyers. There's a chance to find an Art Deco Tea Set next to a collection of 1970s vinyl records, or an unloved suitcase awaiting its next adventure. I've spotted vintage typewriters here that work well, as well as Tin toys that add a sparkle to any eye.

The thing I love the most about Portobello Road is the personality in each purchase. Many traders are collectors who like to tell the stories behind their objects. This kind of information makes gifts feel so much more personal.

And it's not just antiques. In the stalls are independent shops selling reimagined antiques fabrics that are transformed into cushions, reclaimed wood turned into jewellery boxes, and vintage prints remastered for modern walls. It's where the past meets the present and you can find the perfect gift.

Be patient if you're going to Portobello to shop for gifts. Wander slowly and stop for a cup of coffee at one of the little cafes, and keep your eyes open. If you're not in a rush, the best treasures are usually located. And when you leave you'll have something in your bag that you can't buy in an outlet store -something with a heart, a story, and a little bit of London magic.