Yahoo News Vintage markets in London: Best flea markets and retro clothes sales, from Spitalfields to Portobello Road
London’s markets are a gold mine of vintage pieces with affordable price tags — if you know where to look.
Many of the capital’s markets have been operating for decades, drawing in crowds week after week without fail, and each spot has something different to offer.
Whether you're after clothes, furniture, antiques or jewellery, there's a good chance one of London’s vibrant sites will deliver.
Below is our pick of vintage and second-hand markets for those who aren’t afraid to have a good old rummage.
Old Spitalfields Market
This lively East End spot has been running for more than 350 years and, despite restoration on the original Victorian buildings, market hall and roof, it still has plenty of old world charm. Open seven days a week, Old Spitalfields Market promises both vintage trinkets and new pieces from independent designers. On the first and third Friday of the month the space hosts a vinyl market, with plenty of retro and rare vintage records for visitors to sift through. Thursday marks the weekly antiques market, with 80 stalls offering books, collectables, clothes and furniture.
16 Horner Square, E1 6EW, oldspitalfieldsmarket.com
Portobello Road Market
A Saturday stroll down Portobello Road is a gorgeous thing. The market stalls stretch for a mile all the way down Portobello Road and round the corner into Golborne Road. The west London site is most famous for its antique and bric-a-brac stalls, but it's also home to books, music and fashion — all at reasonably affordable prices. This market is certainly one of the more scenic spots in London, with the colourful shops acting as the perfect Instagram backdrop.
Portobello Rd, W10 5TA, portobelloroad.co.uk
Hackney Flea Market
A post shared by The Big London Flea (@hackneyfleamarket) on Jan 20, 2019 at 11:23am PST
Antique furniture is back in fashion and Hackney Flea Market is the place to find it, as bargain hunters can grab throwback pieces from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Furniture aside, the market is also home to stalls selling jewellery, vintage fabrics, ceramics, zines and prints. The monthly markets are held at Abney Hall on Stoke Newington’s Church Street and, unsurprisingly, they attract a fashionable crowd.
3A Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0AS, hackneyfleamarket.com
Greenwich Market
This market is worth venturing further out for because it’s the only historic London market set in a World Heritage Site. Tuesdays at the south east London market focus on antiques, with vendors like Half-Brick images selling inter-war vintage prints, and Jane Fairheads Headwear flogging vintage hats. Fridays and Saturdays see other antique traders pop up with all kinds of charming pieces, from antique chinaware to jewellery and accessories. The eclectic mix of stalls means that Greenwich Market never falls short on variety.
5B Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ, greenwichmarket.london
Bermondsey Antiques Market
More than 200 stalls line Bermondsey Square every Friday, offering china, silver, furniture, glassware and pottery treasures. This market attracts all kinds of colourful characters from antique traders and tourists to fellow bargain hunters. Trading kicks off at 6am but regulars will know that getting there as early as possible is the key to scoring the best deals.
11 Bermondsey Square, SE1 3UN, bermondseysquare.net
Deptford Market
This long-standing spot pops up three days a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and pays homage to east London’s traditional market culture. The bric-a-brac and second-hand market on Douglas Way is a definite highlight and is a treasure trove for vintage goods. Just be sure to get there before noon as many of the traders are done for the day by lunch.
Deptford Market Yard, SE8 4BX, deptfordmarketyard.com
Brick Lane
A post shared by Brick Lane Vintage Market (@bricklanevintagemarket) on Oct 6, 2018 at 8:45am PDT
Brick Lane market is a true east London gem and is well-known for its vintage clothing and second-hand furniture. The market comes alive on a Sunday with more than 200 stalls selling clothing, accessories, music, art and crafts, and there’s truly something for everyone, from vintage leather jackets and old magazines to retro memorabilia. There are plenty of bargains to be had and the lively street performers make shopping all the more enjoyable. Just don’t forget to refresh and refuel with a legendary Brick Lane bagel.
91 Brick Ln, E1 6QR, bricklanemarket.com
