Portobello Road is a place in London that has a retro charm that literally spills over onto the streets. This famous street, situated in the center of Notting Hill is more than an attractive backdrop for Hugh Grant films. It's a haven for anyone who is a lover of vintage treasures and presents beginning with s. Saturdays are when the streets come alive. The market is a treasure hunt. The air is suffused with chatter and the smell of freshly baked goods from the bakeries. I always start at the antique section which is where stalls sparkle with silverware, antique clocks, and antique jewellery.

These aren't just objectsthey're objects from the past which you can hold in hands. Retro stalls are a treasure trove for people who love quirky gifts. You might find an Art Deco tea set next to a pile of 1970s vinyl records, or a leather suitcase that has been battered waiting for its next adventure. I've discovered old typewriters which are still working perfectly, and a the tin toy that makes anyone's eyes sparkle.

What I like most about Portobello Road is the personality in each purchase. The traders are usually collectors themselves who are eager to share the story behind a item, whether it came from an Georgian townhouse or flea market in Paris. This kind of story makes the gift more personal. There's more than just antiques. Scattered among the stalls are small-scale shops that offer reimagined vintage -- old fabrics turned into cushions, reclaimed wood made into jewellery boxes, vintage prints that have been remastered for modern-day walls.

It's where creativity and nostalgia meet and you can pick up a unique gift. Take your time if you're going to Portobello to shop for gifts. Wander slowly and stop for a coffee in one of the tiny cafes and keep your eyes open. The best finds are often found when you're not trying to hurry. And when you leave you'll be carrying something in your bag which isn't possible to buy at a department store -Something with a soul with a story, some London magic.