Portobello Road: your local supermarket

Saturday morning

Shopping on Portobello Road.

I love that Portobello Road is my local supermarket. But I’ve now learnt that through the wide array of cheeses, oils, German sausages and discounted crisps it’s a hit and miss situation that requires experience. You have to make a few wrong choices to know what’s oh so right. 

I’ve been stung buying tomatoes (3 for £2) and stale bread.  But I’ve also picked up bargains (12 bananas for £1) and croissants that melt in your mouth.

There are several key buying spots and local hints:

1. There are two discount food stores place selling hugely marked down products. The ham for £2.50 is brilliant. Lots of irregular shapes and off cuts but fresh and juicy off the bone and not reconstituted with water like supermarket ham. I’ve even seen these packs for sale in a reputable butcher at twice the price.  There are other crazy bargains here but always check the ‘Use by’ dates.  The mozzarella balls that expired the day of sale were particularly heinous.
2.  The two bread stalls sell excellent brownies and croissants. The southern one has 3 croissants for £2.50 and these are wonderfully buttery and light. The bread, particularly the French sticks, are disappointing. For the best bread, walk around the corner to the Grocer on Elgin (Elgin Road). Their sourdough bread is divine.
3.  Fruit and vegetables are hit and miss dependent on what’s left and what’s cheap on the wholesale market. I will walk past the stalls twice on a Saturday. One at around 10am to cherry pick the best offers (5 avocados for £1). Then again at around 6pm when traders are packing up and looking to discount. There are bowls of fruit and vegetables at the front of the stands for £1 which can be exceptional.
4. The French cheese shop offers 3 portions for £5 which are always exceptional quality. It’s best to shop there in the morning as once they’re gone they are not replaced and the choice is limited. And if you want to brush up on your French at the same time, go for it!

Oh, one more thing. If you are purchasing on Portobello Road before 10am make sure you have small notes or coins.  The traders will not accept a £20. If you get stuck, pick up the Times from Cafe Nero and break your note there.