The Kat and Ella guide promised the two of us (I was there with a sprightly Leicester lass) an insight into the hand-made jewellery stalls, hidden vintage shops and antiques peddlers at Portabello Market.
The Kat and Ella shopper asked a few questions to get a feel for our tastes, but I questioned whether a walk through puddles in a world of non-returnable goods would compare to the indoor comfort offered by my beloved Brent Cross Shopping Centre. And sure enough, it was drizzling.
As I desperately zipped-up and clutched onto my handbag, I pushed through hoardes of tourists carrying overgrown cameras, feeling quite annoyed.
The sight of a living statue dressed as Charlie Chaplin, waving over as I walked into a stall, was surreal — and despite myself, I was entertained.
But then the worst happened. In the midst of human traffic, I became disconnected from my guide.
Surprisingly, that was no bother, probably because I had come across a Greek lady selling silver and gold jewellery. I was particularly distracted by an unusual charm bracelet. The Greek vendor clocked my interest and went in for the sale.
Immediately, I had to hone in my Tel Aviv Carmel market bargaining skills. She won, but I was happy. I left with the beautiful silver cuff bracelet that I am wearing as I write this.
It occurred to me that my mother and grandmother would love gazing upon the lines of trilby hats, second-hand candelabras and vintage specs if only they would venture here.
As the weather improved, so did my mood.
The smell of street-food — from falafel to curry and paella — was so tempting that at that moment, it made no sense to eat lunch any other way.
Trekking up-and-down a hill as well as weaving in-and-out of stalls isn’t for everyone and this is something that Neal’s Yard Remedies know all too well.
They offer exhausted shoppers quick bursts of organic-product-infused relaxation. I reasoned that it would be a shame to pass-up such an opportunity, so I opted for the deep-tissue back massage.
Reinvigorated and still alone, I made my way past the shops revered by the likes of Kate Moss and Fearne Cotton. They offer piles of second-hand Manolo Blahnik shoes, Chanel bags and Burberry trenches.
Around the corner I spotted a parade of shops that was more up my street — they offer seats, sales assistants and changing rooms — and what’s more, the shops aren’t found in Brent Cross.
I stumbled across American retailer Club Monaco and after an enjoyable hour of rummaging, I bagged a navy polka-dot jumpsuit.
The highlight of the day was a trip to Columbia Road Flower Market. The rain only added to the fresh scent of flowers — something I never thought I would enjoy. I bought a beautiful long-stemmed orchid — which retails for about £15 in north-west London — for a measly £5. I spotted a pot of hydrangeas for £10 — and bought two. Three weeks later, the purple flowers are still blossoming outside my family home.
I have vowed never again to buy a bunch of tulips from Marks & Spencer for £8 — it’s a criminal waste when London offers such blooming alternatives.
Soaking wet, I travelled to the final stop — a photographer’s studio in Notting Hill for a creative tutorial. David Brook is a fashion and street photographer who specialises in outdoor shots and profile pictures of celebrities. His mission was to teach me how to take a photograph. As it was pouring he suggested I strike a pose as he explained the tricks of the trade. I explained that sultry poses, often posted on Facebook or taken at simchahs, make me recoil with embarrassment. So he took personality-laden alternatives.
Once I got past the physical distance, the problematic parking, the getting lost and even the rain — I realised that some things are certainly worth the trek.
LONDON TOUR
STAY: The Royal Park boutique hotel.
Rooms from £180-£420
Tel: 020 7479 6600
www.theroyalpark.com
GUIDE: Kat and Ella offer bespoke day trails. A guide takes you through the city for the day on a whirlwind tour. The cost is £100 per person based on a party of four.
They also offer creative street photography tutorials
Tel: 0207 193 1456
www.katandella.com
