If you’ve ever watched Paddington (2014) or its equally delightful sequel, Paddington 2 (2017), you’ll remember Mr. Gruber’s Antique Shop—the charming, wood-panelled haven of trinkets, teapots, and treasures, where the world’s politest bear finds both warmth and wisdom. But while Mr. Gruber himself is a fictional character from Michael Bond’s beloved books, his shop has a very real-life counterpart: Alice’s Antiques on Portobello Road in Notting Hill.
A Shop with Character (and Possibly a Talking Bear?)
Alice’s Antiques, a striking red-fronted emporium at 86 Portobello Road, has been a staple of London’s vintage scene for over half a century. It was chosen as the exterior location for Mr. Gruber’s shop in the Paddington films, making it something of a pilgrimage site for fans of the marmalade-loving bear. Step inside, and while you won’t find a talking Peruvian bear sipping cocoa, you will discover a world crammed with curiosities: Victorian furniture, antique toys, rare books, old signage, and all the kinds of knick-knacks that could easily have been collected by a kindly old Hungarian antique dealer (if he were real).
Jim Broadbent as Mr. Gruber
In the Paddington films, Mr. Gruber is brought to life by the brilliant Jim Broadbent, whose warm and whimsical portrayal perfectly captures the antique dealer’s gentle wisdom. Broadbent’s Mr. Gruber is a kind, twinkly-eyed figure who offers Paddington guidance and friendship, much like his literary counterpart. His shop serves as a refuge for the little bear, a place where old objects hold stories and every visit comes with a lesson (and, often, a cup of cocoa).
Portobello Road: The Heart of London’s Antique Trade
Alice’s Antiques isn’t just a film set in disguise—it’s part of the long and storied history of Portobello Road, one of London’s most famous antique markets. The street’s history dates back to the 19th century, when it transitioned from a quiet rural lane to a bustling marketplace. By the mid-20th century, it had cemented itself as the go-to destination for antique dealers, treasure hunters, and anyone with a taste for the eclectic.
Portobello Market operates six days a week, but Saturday is when the antique dealers come out in full force. The street transforms into a kaleidoscope of stalls selling everything from delicate porcelain to retro movie posters. It’s easy to imagine Mr. Gruber himself pottering between them, exchanging knowing nods with traders as he searches for a rare gramophone or an obscure map of Peru.
Alice’s Antiques: A Film Star in Its Own Right
While Alice’s is now famous for its connection to Paddington, it has long been a cinematic darling. Its old-world charm and Dickensian clutter make it a dream location for film and television productions looking for an authentic slice of London nostalgia.
The shop’s bold red façade, weathered signage, and delightful disorder inside make it the kind of place where one might genuinely stumble upon a lost artefact from the British Museum—or at least a 1930s biscuit tin that once held someone’s secrets. The atmosphere inside is pure storybook magic: creaky wooden floors, a scent of old paper and polish, and an ever-changing stock that means no two visits are the same.
The Legacy of Mr. Gruber
In Michael Bond’s original Paddington books, Mr. Gruber is Paddington’s closest adult friend, a Hungarian immigrant who owns the antiques shop on Portobello Road. He serves as a gentle mentor to the young bear, offering him life lessons over hot cocoa and buns. Their friendship is a reflection of Bond’s own appreciation for London’s immigrant communities and the warmth they bring to the city. The real-world Alice’s Antiques might not have a Mr. Gruber, but its well-worn charm and eccentric collection of curios make it a fitting tribute to Bond’s vision.
Visiting Alice’s Antiques Today
If you fancy stepping into Paddington’s world, a visit to Alice’s is a must. It’s open most days (though it’s best to check ahead), and even if you don’t leave with an Edwardian clock or a vintage toy soldier, you’ll almost certainly walk away with a story or two. The surrounding streets of Notting Hill are also packed with cafés, independent bookshops, and of course, stalls selling classic Paddington-themed souvenirs—perfect for fuelling up on marmalade sandwiches.
Whether you’re a Paddington superfan, a vintage enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good story, Alice’s Antiques is one of those rare places where fiction and reality beautifully intertwine. It’s not just an antique shop—it’s a little piece of magic on Portobello Road.
And who knows? If you listen closely, you might just hear the faint sound of a small bear saying, “Thank you very much indeed.”
Leave a Reply