Local Shops & Businesses

Aqua Sheko Fish Spa Aqua Sheko Fish Spa
Fish can be good for you in more ways than one. Aqua Sheko Fish Spa just off Kensington Church Street is the latest eco-friendly, sustainable and chemical-free way to get a pedicure and gentle massage. “The fish feed off your feet, so you have no dry or flaky skin. The fish are fed and you end up with soft feet, so everyone’s happy,” explains To Chan, co-founder.
14 Holland Street, London W8 4LT  020 3489 8336  www.aquasheko.co.uk
Chelsea Galleries Chelsea Galleries
Looking as much like a fascinating museum as an antiques market, it is pretty hard to walk past Chelsea Galleries on Portobello Road without taking a peep at the wares of the 40 traders operating inside. Opened back in 1984 by the delightful Peter Dixon, this marketplace offers collectors everything from Victorian ceramic and silver curios, through to clocks, Islamic pieces, paintings, lead soldiers and teddies.
67-73 Portobello Road, London W11 2QB  020 7229 7762
Garbstore Garbstore
The Garbstore is a unique and fabulous clothes boutique; simply a must if you are shopping in Notting Hill. Proprietor Ian Payley says that his focus is squarely on product and quality. His pieces have a foot in the past and a look to the future – and the influence comes not from the fashion world but from what can be coined ‘unfamiliar vintage’.
188 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2ES  www.garbstore.com
Graeme Hunt Graeme Hunt
There’s probably nothing finer than a sleek, classic car that’s been lovingly restored and maintained. Graeme Hunt, who’s been part of the classic car world for more than 20 years and has run his Kensington showroom for close to a decade, is the man to consult when one requires a smart vintage automobile. Truly independent, he can buy and sell the cars he loves with no restraints.
18-23 Radley Mews, London W8 6JP  020 7937 8487  www.graemehunt.com
Orsini Orsini
Creating a thriving vintage clothing company from scratch takes a great deal of know-how, but Sophie Bulley has managed hit the nail on the head. “Six years ago I took a risk and bought a vintage theatre shop”. Since then, Orsini has become the place for graceful one-off vintage pieces, frequented by the likes of Victoria Beckham and Trinny Woodall hunting for something special for a big night out.
76 Earls Court Road, London W8 6EB  020 7937 2903  www.orsinivintage.co.uk
Paere Dansk Paere Dansk
It’s difficult to walk past Paere Dansk on Stratford Road office without peering through the windows for a glimpse of the beautiful Danish furniture. Danish-born Oliver Olsen opened the shop specialising in vintage Danish rosewood furniture in 2004 and his collection is particularly well suited to local homes. “The pieces that were designed in the 50s and 60s were made to fit into contemporary apartments.”
13 Stratford Road, London W8 6RF  www.paeredansk.com
Pavlova Diaries Pavlova Diaries
Instead of having to stop and tell everyone about a campaign to save Portobello Road, the latest great café or restaurant, or anything interesting or quirky in the area, Mary-Lu Bakker and Amanda Waggott decided to launch a website. Coming up to its first anniversary Pavlova Diaries has 1,000 visitors every week. Not bad for a small, upbeat website offering news, views and reviews about the local area.
www.pavlovadiaries.co.uk
Portfolio Cards Portfolio Cards
In this social networking age, receiving a well-designed card with a handwritten message is a pleasure. At Portfolio, you can pick up unique artist-designed cards and interesting gifts. “Portfolio’s a little treasure trove” says owner Jayne Diggory, a graphic designer who has injected her creative spirit into the company. She has developed her own range of cards with local artists, perfect for every occasion.
105 Golborne Road, London W10 5NL  020 8960 3051  www.portfoliocards.com
Thesleeproom.com
Local entrepreneur Charlie Marshall once wasted a whole Saturday trawling the shops in search of the perfect bed. Realising how much easier the process should be, he sprang into action and in January 2009 thesleeproom.com was launched. Aiming to take the hassle and expense out of buying a decent bed, his company offers a wonderful range of beautiful, well-made beds direct from its website.
www.thesleeproom.com
Unique Boutiques Blog Unique Boutiques Blog
Sam Lawrie was inspired to launch her blog after a disappointing trip to Barcelona where the only shops she could find were bland high-street chain stores. Felt somewhat let down by hotel concierges and guidebooks that only stated the obvious, Sam set out on a journey to unearth fantastic ‘unique boutiques’ and relate their story. The blog is an indispensable read for every curious shopper!
 www.uniqueboutiquesblog.com
Vanessa Kandiyoti Vanessa Kandiyoti
“I have always worn one and my grandmother has one pinned to her bra,” says Turkish jewellery designer Vanessa Kandiyoti, describing the importance of the evil eye that brings good fortune to those adorning themselves with this talisman. Vanessa’s jewellery design company has turned her distinctive evil eye bracelets and necklaces into bestsellers in Kensington and Chelsea’s boutiques and galleries.
www.vanessakandiyoti.com