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Jan 30th, 2010, 12:44 PM
#1
bhbarr
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MARKETS.... Can anyone explain difference Portabello, Camden, Borough
We are arriving in London on a Saturday morning in late March. I was thinking we could go to one of these markets on Saturday or Sunday, but I am so confused!! Can anyone tell me about each of these markets and the best day, times to go? I love art, antiques and my girls would love vintage anything and of course we all love to eat!!!! Do they only take cash at these places?
Also, can anyone tell me about Covent Gardens? Is the area close to the theatre district? Is it also a market area? The more I read the more confused I get!!
Thanks for the help!!! Planning is hard work!
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Jan 30th, 2010, 01:16 PM
#2
tuscanlifeedit
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There are those here that are much more expert than I. I can only tell you that we had a blast a Borough Market, but it is all food.
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Jan 30th, 2010, 01:18 PM
#3
jgg
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Camden Market has a bit of a punk vibe. There were tons of shops and tons of people. My teenage daughter loved it, particularly taking her picture in front of the Camden Locks sign that Kate Winslet was in front of for the American Express commercials.
Portabello Market is mostly about antiques so you may enjoy that.
My personal favorite was Convent Gardens area and the Apple Market STalls there. A lot of handcrafted items (jewelry, clothing, art) which is what I like best to shop for. Also, really liked the overall neighborhood with cute streets and shops.
We were at Camden on a Sunday- very crowded. We were at Portabello and Convent during the week - so not as crowded but also not as many vendors out, I suspect.
Not familiar with Burough.
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Jan 30th, 2010, 01:20 PM
#4
zinfanatic
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Not to be missed is Neals Yard Cheese. There is a small "booth" actually in the Market that sells the most delicious melted cheese sandwiches. The real treat is the shop itself on a side street near the market. The Borough Market is a foodie paradise and good local color and people watching.
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Jan 30th, 2010, 02:26 PM
#5
jamikins
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If you arrive on Sat morning it may be tough to get to Portobello market.
Borough market is all food, but its all day. Camden has a larger variety.
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Jan 30th, 2010, 02:45 PM
#6
Poconolady
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Covent Garden, and the Apple Market (located inside Covent Garden) operate all week, however, Sat & Sun has the most (and in my opinion, the best) vendors. A freind and I actually book our European vacations so that we can either arrive or depart from London on Sundays so we can visit several of our favorite vendors, who are only there on Sundays. If you go. be sure to visit the pottery lady, her items are fantastic, as well as the lovely lady who does hand made 3 dimensional greeting cards and the fudge booth, oh yes, the booth with the handmade soaps also has great boxes of assorted soaps.
Covent Garden is actually an outside shopping/entertainment area, many name brand and local shops have locations there, there are cute places to eat and on weekends there is often entertainment in the courtyead. The area is located very near the Theater District, including the Opera (remember Eliza DoLittle in My Fair Lady selling apples outside the opera? ) Covent Garden used to be a food market at one time. I believe that most of the vendors, and of course the storefronts, will take charge cards.
Portabella Road is an antique market mainly, but also has loads of other booths. I got a wonderful Irish sweater there and some beautiful scarves in prints that you don't find other places. There are also food booths, artists displaying original artwork, etc. Most booths take cash only. Go early for the best selection if you are looking for antiques.(By the way, there is a lot of faux antique booths, beware if you are looking for the real thing). Operates on Saturdays--very crowded. At the tops of entrance street is a wonderful little tea shop with yummy tea cakes.
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Jan 30th, 2010, 03:00 PM
#7
janisj
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You probably can cross Portobello Rd off your list. It is great -- but w/ an arrival on Sat AM it is doubtful you will get there at a reasonable time.
What time do you arrive? Which airport? Where are you staying? But for discussion purposes - say you arrive around 0730 at LHR. It will probably be 1030 or 1100 or even later before you get to your hotel and well after noon before you could get to the market. And that would be at a dead rush. Portobello Rd is best visited early Saturday morning.
Covent Garden (BTW Neals Yard Dairy has a shop very near Covent Garden in Seven Dials) is near quite a few theatres. But there isn't just one "theatre district" as such. Some are near Covent Garden, or in Soho, or near Victoria Station, and spread around central London.
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