Their Days are Numbered

I saw an article in Evening Standard yesterday that made me sad. It was brilliantly written but despairingly true. (ES article http://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/simon-jenkins-markets-must-be-the-lifeblood-of-any-great-city-8193932.html)

That the days of street markets are numbered.

On the article it says that "150 market stalls in Portobello Market is about to be demolished to make way for an All Saints store." I love All Saints store,they sell fantastic items and of great quality. Surely things that are for keeps. But to actually remove 150 individual stalls! That's 150 set of goods ranging from food, textiles, antiques to knickknacks is just gloomy. Imagine the chance of finding a gem in scouring 150 stalls compared to just one.

Imagine the joys of actually browsing and visiting all 150 of them. To dig and squeeze and pull and push and fight your way into finding an item or visiting a stall. What it felt like after hours of searching to finally find what you're looking for.

 I remember, my first trip to Portobello Market was actually because of a churros stall. I've heard great reviews and I was craving so bad that I decided to check it, and my what a crowd to fight to get through it! From the start of the road to the middle where the stall was located took me hours. Due of course to the fact that I stopped on almost every stall and checked their goods. Who could resist, when they were lovingly displayed for all to see. Eventually, the churros itself was good but because of the hassle I went through and the effort I had to get it, it tasted ten times fold as good.

So you see, these mundane experience that makes memories, lasts. Going to a store with labelled isles won't be just the same. It would probably just take me 10mins, I'll go into the churros isle buy it and get out. Convenient yes, but, where's the fun in that. I will totally miss out on the experience of exploring and discovering.

And if this could happen to Portobello Market, who knows which could be next.

So the day that the market stalls will go will be a sad day. For as much as big, glassy and sophisticated buildings are beautiful and classy it will never be personal, unique, and cosy.

Open markets indulge your senses.

 Authentic