Here in Kensington and Cheslea, we’re proud to host and manage successful local markets and cater to isolated street traders who all offer vibrancy and culture in our communities.
In 2022, following a process of engagement with the community including traders, residents and visitors, we launched a Markets Plan (2022-2027) which outlines our key priorities and deliverables to continue supporting business and trade in the borough and enhance our existing offers.
Our markets
Portobello market and Golborne Road
The Visit Portobello website offers everything you need to know about our world-famous market which continues to sell antiques as it has done for almost 80 years as well as new goods and food. Read about the market’s 160-year history, search what events are coming up and more to explore on our favourite hidden gem for vintage and food – Golborne Road.
World’s End Community market
A new weekly market that caters for the local community on Word’s End Estate and beyond. We host a market outside the Chelsea Theatre, every Friday from 12pm with a rotation of different stalls every week offering something different, as well as our staple fruit and veg offer.
We have partnered with local charities who will be on the market offering face to face advice on a range of services available to support healthy affordable living.
Healthy Start
Our partners at the NHS are enabling the use of healthy start vouchers to spend on the market. If you receive a qualifying benefit, are pregnant or have parental responsibility for at least one child under 4 years old, you can apply now for a Healthy Start card.
Other independent markets
The Council is not responsible for all markets in the borough.
These include:
- Notting Hill Gate Farmers' Market
- Bute Street (South Kensington) Farmers' Market
- Portobello Fashion Market below the A40 Westway flyover
- Acklam Village Market (Portobello Fine Foods)
- Partridges Food Market
- High Street Kensington Farmers' Market
Apply to be a trader
Before you apply to work on our markets, we advise that you visit our markets in person to fact find and research the area.
You will need to send us:
- a full description of the goods you want to sell
- images of your goods (as an attachment) - we do not need an image for every item
- your web address if you have one
- full contact information
Portobello and Golborne
Casual Traders
We are currently not open to applications for street food sites and have limited availability for other products. Casual applications are currently on hold for Fridays and Saturdays.
If your application is to trade Monday – Thursday, please state clearly.
All applications will receive a response within two weeks. To apply, email [email protected]
We are not registering stalls of the following products for Portobello or Golborne, but you can consider our other site on World’s End.
- jewellery including charms, crystals, precious and semi-precious gemstones, and adornments
- ladies clothing
- hats
- bags and handbags of any kind
- sunglasses
- souvenirs
- candles
- soaps
Permanent Traders
In order to apply to be a Permanent Trader, you need to first become a registered Casual Trader and trade on Portobello and Golborne Market. Please be aware that there is a long waiting list for currently registered Casual Traders who wish to become a Permanent Trader.
World’s End Market
We are open to applications from various new and established traders for our weekly World’s End market. With more than 8,500 residents living on the estate and being situated right in front of the Chelsea Theatre, there is a huge opportunity for success, with access to great facilities and support. The estate is based at the end of the famous retail sector of King’s Road and has bus travel access from surrounding train stations including Fulham Broadway, West Brompton, Earl’s Court, Gloucester Road, and South Kensington.
Here are some of the benefits of working with us at World’s End:
- We offer pitches with full gazebo coverings, electricity and tables
- We are open and flexible and have day/casual licences for traders
- A great chance to network with the local community and help make a difference
- Each market has several subsidised/free stalls available on a first come first served basis
Contact [email protected] for more information.
How we process applications
All new registrations for are considered in the order received. What you want to sell is considered and weighed up in relation to other traders in the market already selling those goods.
If the market has too many of the same product your application could be declined.
If your goods are accepted, you will then receive an email invitation to attend the office to complete your registration.
You will need to bring:
- the confirmation email we sent you - a printed copy or on your phone
- proof of your address such as a recent utility bill or bank statement - we don't accept mobile phone bills or goods invoices
- proof of your National Insurance number such as your NI card, a pay slip, or P45
- your passport, National ID card, or driving licence photocard
- NMTF card or public liability insurance certificate with a minimum cover of £5 million
You can buy public liability insurance from an insurance broker or from:
- National Market Traders Federation
- Marketline
- Marketinsure Starter
- Combined Markets
All street traders must comply with our market standard conditions.
Operational information
Frequently asked questions Markets and street trading FAQs | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (rbkc.gov.uk) and waiting list policy.