For generations, Notting Hill has been shaped by a vibrant community of artists, designers, makers and traders. Portobello Road became a symbol of the neighbourhood’s eclectic and creative character, where antiques, fashion, music and independent businesses helped create its unique identity. Today, the area’s innovative spirit lives on through its remaining local creatives, including designer and antique dealer Jerome Dodd.

This People of Portobello feature explores neighbouring Golborne Road, where you’ll find Jerome’s antique shop, Les Couilles du Chien. Celebrating over 30 years on the street, Jerome offers a glimpse into the real heart of the community-led area – one as characterful and diverse as Jerome’s own curated antique finds.

Discover Jerome’s story:

 

I was born in the south of France. My mum had a successful career as a TV producer there, before she fell in love with an Englishman. We then moved to London when I was six years old.  

It was here where my Mum started what became one of the largest antiques import and export businesses of the time. They dealt in an eclectic mix of antiques. I remember going with my mum to Kent to view a once-stolen airplane linked to a Second World War escape from a prisoner-of-war camp. The next day, there was a full-size Messerschmitt sitting in their warehouse.

Although fascinating, I always told myself from a young age that I would never own an antique store.

 

In my early adulthood, I had an acquaintance who needed someone to take over an empty stall on Portobello Road. When I stepped in, I filled it with antiques and vintage pieces, and it turned out to be a great success. Portobello Road had a real magnetic energy - it felt like a true creative hub.

When I decided it was time to take a step back, the plan was to just take one year out, set up shop on Golborne Road and showcase a few of my favourite antique pieces, now here I am celebrating the 30^th anniversary of Les Couilles du Chien.

 

Les Couilles du Chien is a treasure trove of unusual, beautiful, and unexpected objects. Every visit offers something new. The shop celebrates pieces that bring character to a space through craftsmanship, creativity, and rare materials, but also remain accessible and offer genuine value. I love vintage and antique pieces that bring personality into a home.  

We also display bespoke pieces created in our workshop, including our framed butterflies, which feature specimens ethically sourced from breeders across the world.

 

The objects we sell aren’t just decorative; each one carries a history of its own. One piece I remember was an antique African Dogon ladder. It looked like a contemporary sculpture, and every step had been worn smooth by hundreds of years of use. That’s what fascinates me. For me, it’s never just about the price, it’s about the object’s history and the life it has already lived. 

What I love about these pieces is that when an object finds a new home, its story continues. It becomes part of someone else’s surroundings, memories and life, rather than simply another item in a room.

 

The name Les Couilles du Chien is the literal French translation of the English expression “The Dog’s bollocks” – a phrase which describes something exceptional or the best of its kind.  to celebrate the best of everything. The phrase doesn’t translate in French, and its unusual translation creates intrigue, which is part of the shops unique character.

 

Some of my standout pieces include a six-foot stork designed by Anthony Redmile in the 1970s. It was made from malachite and seashells and to me, that level of creativity is inspiring. An honorary mention must go to my full-size lobster set in a perspex block, which is one of the most unique items in my collection, but one that never fails to strike up a conversation. 

One of the most memorable pieces I regret selling was a Victorian ostrich skeleton that stood nearly seven feet tall. Every bone was individually wired, so when you walked past it, the whole piece would shimmer and move with the light.

 

I hope when people visit Les Couilles du Chien, they discover something that they truly connect with. If I’ve contributed to people’s interiors, made them think about something they hadn’t considered before, and if I’ve encouraged them to step outside their comfort zone, it feels like mission accomplished.

 

The area has always had a strong sense of community. While it has lost some of its rough edges, Golborne retains a creative flair without the ego often found in some of London’s more fashionable areas. It has developed a vibrant independent food scene, supported by businesses that reflect the character and diversity of the area. 

If you search for local restaurants on social media or Google, you’ll often find the more polished or trending spots. But the true spirit of Golborne can be found in its independent shops, cafés and restaurants. These places continue to serve a diverse mix of residents, preserving local character rather than catering exclusively to tourists or a more affluent clientele. 

I’m always more than happy for people to reach out to me via Instagram if they’re looking for any recommendations, or to pop into the shop and say hello!

 

I always encourage people to go beyond Portobello Road and experience Golborne for themselves. One of the best restaurants for authentic Italian food, for example, is Panella, run by an Italian couple who use a traditional Sicilian cooking to curate their menu. They also provide free lunches for those in the community who are in need. It’s humble and personal, which is a different experience from many of London’s restaurants.

Lisboa is a long-standing Portuguese café and bakery, producing freshly baked goods every day, including their famous pastel de nata - some of the best in the city - and at a fraction of the price. Floral Studio is another independent, modest flower shop that serves local residents without the premium price tag.

Lastly, one of my favourites is Golborne Deli. It doesn’t get much better than buying a bottle of wine from their wine shop and sitting outside on a summer evening on their street tables, soaking up the atmosphere.

 

Over the years, so many different communities have shaped the street. We’ve had Irish, West Indian, Portuguese, Moroccan and Somali families, all leaving their mark. I’ve known some of the families here for generations, so I feel deeply rooted in the neighbourhood.

 

When The Laslett opened a decade ago, Tracy approached me to commission unique, contemporary pieces for the hotel. The idea was to bring the essence of Portobello Market into the space, which we achieved by sourcing antique and vintage objects for the rooms that tell a story rather than simply decorate them. We call these pieces ‘curiosities’ or ‘curios’. 

One of my favourite commissions is the deconstructed 18th-century clock movement now on display. It is an antique mechanism sourced from Portobello Road that was reimagined into a contemporary artwork and housed within a Perspex case.

 

Finding somewhere to stay in London that feels personal and locally led rather than corporate, while still offering a high level of service, is a rarity. The Laslett reflects the character of the area beautifully, which is exactly what you want when choosing a hotel in a London neighbourhood.

 

Through his antiques, curiosities and bespoke creations, Jerome’s Les Couilles du Chien embodies the creativity and individuality that have long defined the neighbourhood. Jerome’s curios can be found throughout The Laslett, where they form part of the hotel’s celebration of local character and the people who continue to shape the neighbourhood’s identity.