Where to look for vintage?

London played, perhaps, a key role in establishing the business we loved. And before we moved, we had to look at about thirty options for apartments with furniture and all the necessary equipment. Even then I noticed how designer furniture and antiques are so well combined in the local houses. And later I discovered that the Kensington flat we were staying in overlooked the Sinai and sons antiques showroom. I don't think there was ever a time when I walked past the laconically decorated shop windows that I didn't look inside.

I quickly settled in and was delighted to find that there were many antique shops in the area. And on Saturdays crowds of tourists and locals flocked to the famous Portobello road, a ten-minute walk from our house. By the way, that is where my first interior finds came from: plastic Louis Ghost chairs by Philippe Starck, then a rococo chest of drawers and a walnut coffee table from the last century.

London is perfect for the hunt for antique treasures. Although Portobello road remains the mecca of antiques dealers, to me it's a tourist attraction where everything is overpriced and every other person tries to find the Hugh Grant bookshop from Notting Hill. No one would guess that the real riches are hidden a little further away - you only have to walk north to the neighbouring Golborne Road. A must-see item on the program is to see every shop. Everything here lives a quiet, measured life, so it's impossible to deny yourself the pleasure of becoming part of this beautiful routine.

After chatting to the owners and regulars, I never left without the best pastel de nata (Portuguese puff pastry with custard) in town. It's easy to remember the uncomplicated name, and the appearance is so simple that it's unmistakable - Lisboa Patisserie.

Another ideal place to find unique vintage items is Alfies Antique Market. Nearly a hundred vendors are housed in the Edwardian Art Deco building of the former Jordans department store. There is a huge selection of silver, jewellery, ceramics, glass, furniture, advertising posters and film posters. Many nearby showrooms also specialise in antiques and art. If the hunt for rarities tires you out, head to the roof of the market, where you'll find a cosy café with a view over Marylebone.

Lovers of old books should plan a visit to Bloomsbury. True connoisseurs will notice the antiquarian showcases (and there are plenty of them) from afar.

The next stop is a must at Pollock's Toy Museum to say hello to Eric, the oldest teddy bear in the world (1904), and at the same time admire rocking horses, Hungarian gingerbread molds, dollhouses, Japanese acrobats and a fascinating collection of lithographs by Benjamin Pollock.

A great alternative for finding the unique and unique is the beloved Shoreditch, which continues to be a hub for fashionistas in skinny jeans. Old Spitalfields Market delights in abundance on Thursdays. My advice is to always be there when it opens so you can get a chance to buy something really rare.