London is filled with fantastic thrift stores and vintage shops, perfect for anyone eager to grab a few rare finds or thrifty bargains while staying in the city. In this blog, we’ll take a quick look at 15 of our favourite outlets throughout England’s capital…
Camden Market
There are more than a thousand stalls at Camden Market, and thanks to the fashionable district its situated within, the market has developed an enviable reputation for fashion of all kinds, including a wide range of appealing vintage items. Here you’ll find the likes of The Vintage Collection, the largest vintage store in Britain – ensuring there’s plenty to explore while staying at the Park Grand Paddington.
Beyond Retro
The flagship store of this much-loved vintage brand is located in Dalston, and here you’ll find a wealth of fantastic finds which are as retro as the title of the shop itself suggests. Everything about the store screams vintage, and you’re sure to enjoy rifling through the second-hand items on offer, with lots of pieces for both men and women.
Leather Lane Market
The market at Leather Lane has managed to keep its historic roots whilst also staying up to date with changing trends in market shopping. What the market lacks in style, it more than makes up for with its relaxed atmosphere and hands-on approach. The market is traditional in style, and you never know quite what you might find on your trip here during a stay at the Park Grand London Heathrow.
Rokit
This notable vintage and retro store first started life as a market stall in Camden during the 1980s, but has since evolved to encompass four stores throughout London, including locations such as Covent Garden and Brick Lane. Rokit has become something of a London icon for vintage fans, thanks to the huge selection of items on offer.
Pennies Vintage
At this delightful independent boutique, vintage really does mean vintage! The shop offers clothing which includes 1920s finds and earlier, ensuring buyers will always be sure they’ve got their hands on something truly unique. With dresses, accessories and jewellery, this is a fantastic destination to head for during any stay at London hotels where you can pay on arrival, offering the perfect opportunity to browse at a leisurely pace.
Portobello Green Vintage Fashion Market
Billing itself as the leading London destination for vintage fashion and antiques, here you’ll find a vivid mixture of young designer talent and more than 800 stalls selling the very best of local vintage, as well as fascinating items from all over the world. Catering to a wide variety of different eras and styles, this is a great place to begin your vintage shopping trip.
Blackout II
Central London’s vintage scene doesn’t get much better than this, with one of the best retro shopping experiences in the city. Having first opened almost 20 years ago, the shop offers two floors packed with items which span from the 1920s to the 1980s, providing lots of different aesthetics to try out.
Paper Dress Vintage
With a range which covers 1900-1990, the selection at Paper Dress Vintage even offers an alteration service and personal shopping, helping you to pick out the perfect vintage outfit for any occasion. There’s lots of clothing, accessories and shoes to choose from, with new additions constantly added.
Absolute Vintage
The team at Absolute Vintage describe themselves as eccentrics, and you can certainly see an eccentric flair in some of the items on offer at this Shoreditch store. Independent as it gets, the shop has been open for more than 25 years and is still going strong to this day.
Old Spitalfields Market
This famed London market is a real haven for fans of thrifty shopping, as well as providing a huge selection of vintage items, antiques and vinyl. The market is known for its support of talented home grown artists, so there’s always something new and exciting to see (and buy) while you’re here. In addition to being enduringly popular, Old Spitalfields Market has a long heritage in London, having been on this site for over 300 years. The market is covered to ensure happy shoppers no matter the unpredictable British weather.
Sunday Upmarket
First opening in 2004, Sunday Upmarket now hosts over 140 creative traders and specialises in a wide range of different items including interiors, music, fashion and accessories. Situated in trendy Brick Lane, the market is dedicated to East London’s greatest independent retailers and creators, and the fashion scene is particularly popular. There is a decidedly social edge to shopping here, so come prepared to chat with the creative minds who gather each Sunday during your stay at Park Grand London Hotels.
Atika
There are more than 20,000 items for sale at Atika, providing a real treasure trove for vintage fans. Located near Brick Lane, the store is housed in an enormous warehouse perfect for extended browsing trips while you’re staying in London.
Reign Vintage
A London mainstay for more than 10 years, Reign Vintage is known for its luxurious items and designer vintage, with ranges available for both men and women. Many of the items for sale are sourced from top European fashion houses, providing an upscale take on vintage shopping.
What the Butler Wore
Specialising in items from the 1960s and 1970s, What the Butler Wore provides a huge range of clothing for men and women, each item carefully curated for quality. The shop is petite in size, with a friendly staff and lots of costume jewellery to help you really complete an outfit.
Peekaboo Vintage
A premium vintage store first founded in 1991, Peekaboo Vintage developed from a stall at Portobello Market and has since developed a huge following. The store is dedicated to helping combat disposable fashion, taking a serious approach to vintage which allows shoppers to find great new additions to their wardrobe without damaging the environment.
