I reach this city when Empire Windrush dock. The real ting never lose value. We only could afford old sofa, but dat sofa hold story. Modern people love shiny tings. Step in Portobello, funky accent chair bright like carnival. Not glossy, but dem real. When London swing 1960s, Armchair pass from father to son. Every scratch talk story. Cold, snow pon street, vintage style armchair but dat sofa warm half community. Mi can hear di spring creak when man drop heavy.

Design mix by area. Chelsea go fancy, wid velvet accent chair. Dalston funky, stylish upholstered seating wid sofa in bright clash. Dem soulless ting? Mi tell you straight – rubbish. Retro sofa carry life. Listen dis, mi back di old ting every time. When you pass market, stop an look round, and contemporary leather armchair watch it age same way as you.