The Market 1: Olives

The Olive Guy

It's hard not to find a good deal on something tasty down Portobello Market on the weekend; every vendor is screaming the price of their wares at the top of their voices as I walk by the stalls.

"Grapes! Pound for a pound!"
"Sweet strawberries! 60p a box!"

The Olive Guy isn't quite so raucous, but luckily, his stuff speaks for itself. He's got every possible combination of mediterranean goodness. Dark olives. Green olives. Olives with sweet chilli and garlic. Olives stuffed with peppers. Olives stuffed with anchovies. Feta cheese in olive oil and peppers. Peppers stuffed with feta and chilli. Focaccia. Artichoke hearts.

I buy myself 10 stuffed vine leaves (£2) and a small box of sweet chilli black olives (£2.70). The vine leaves are soft, without any stringiness. The olives are fantastic with a just a little spice. With not a hint of anything remotely greek or italian about him, the olive guy accompanies my purchase with a terse "Cheers, guv. Have a good weekend."

A charming stand that magically appears with the rest of Portobello Market on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on the Portobello Road. A one-stop-shop for all your olive needs and cravings.