Off-the-beaten-path vintage stores in London
Brick Lane and Portobello Road are known as vintage hotspots in London, but if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path a little, you can find the most amazing, lovingly curated boutiques.
As someone who mainly buys second-hand clothing, I’m a big advocate for vintage clothes. The garments are often made from long-lasting, natural materials and have already stood the test of time. They’re also a great way to create your own personal style, rather than copying whatever is happening on the high streets (fleeting microtrends, usually made from unsustainable, synthetic materials). By shopping from vintage boutiques, you’re also supporting small businesses and keeping existing clothes in circulation.
These vintage stores are all ones I’ve personally been to and adore, and I’ve purchased clothes from many of them too. I hope you love them as much as I do.
Hunky Dory, Shoreditch
Beyond having a fabulous name, this gorgeous boutique is one of my favourites for classic vintage dresses. They specialise in the older stuff, we’re talking 1940s to 1970s menswear and womenswear, exclusively from the UK, Italy, and France. Located at the top end of Brick Lane (away from the super busy section) and established by vintage die-hards Ian Bodenham and Ian Johns in 2008, Hunky Dory oozes old-world charm and is perfect for anyone seeking a truly unique outfit.
House of Vintage, Broadway Market
Tucked away in a side street off Broadway Market in Haggerston, House of Vintage is a beautifully curated vintage store for the more understated fashionistas. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve always got a few striking pieces, but they tend to stock mainly timeless items in classic fabrics – think denim, wool, silk and cotton. I’ve bought a few things there and have never been disappointed with the quality.
Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney
This store will always hold a special place in my heart because it’s where I bought my wedding dress. Paper Dress Vintage is a classic vintage store with dresses hung up along the walls, rails filled with vibrant colours and patterns, and a fun checkerboard floor that makes you feel like you’re in Alice in Wonderland. They’ve also got a fully stocked bar and a beer garden out the back, and they do live music and club nights. What’s not to like?
Somewhere in Hackney
This one-woman store is a treasure trove of vintage womenswear. Tucked away under a railway arch in Hackney, just a short walk from London Fields, Somewhere in Hackney is small in square meters but big on quality. You’ll find everything from cowboy boots and leather coats to silk wedding gowns, corsets and kimonos. Everything in the shop has been hand-selected and there’s something for every style, whether you prefer boho chic or glitzy glamour.
Alfies Antique Market, Marylebone
Hardly anyone I’ve spoken to has even heard of this place, but Alfies Antique Market is London’s largest indoor antique and vintage market. An Aladdin’s cave of vintage clothing and antique furniture, art, books, jewellery, collectables and more, Alfies is a rabbit-warren of tiny corridors lined with antique dealers over four floors. This is the place for those wanting proper antique items – you won’t find any 90s streetwear here.
Foundry, Notting Hill
Away from the bustle of Portobello Road, this gorgeous little store is tucked away on a side street off Westbourne Grove. Foundry is first and foremost a vintage mid-century furniture and homeware store, but the owner, Rebecca Denholm, also sells a small collection of stunning hand-picked vintage (mostly designer) clothes there too. This is the place for anyone with a healthy budget wanting to make a particularly special purchase.
GOOD, Queensway
At first I thought this was a really well-curated charity shop, but I soon realised GOOD is a chain of vintage stores across London. The Queensway store is one of my favourites because I’ve always found amazing pieces in there for a reasonable price. I bought my favourite pair of jeans there for 15 pounds, as well as a soft olive-green cashmere cardigan. They usually have a rail of designer items as well as reduced items in there too.
Rellik, Notting Hill
If it’s designer items you’re after, then look no further than Rellik. Far from the luxury boutiques of Knightsbridge and Mayfair, this one is definitely off the beaten path and can be found at the end of Golbourne Road across from the iconic Trellick Tower – which gives the store its playful name. The first time I visited, I couldn’t believe the sheer volume of designer items in there. Rail after rail was filled with Prada, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and more. Make no mistake, it’s not somewhere for the budget shoppers, but it’s right on the money for those in the market for spectacular vintage designer items.