We present to you the crème de la crème of London vintage shops for vintage fashion and pre-loved accessories – whether you’re looking for an old pair of beat-up Doc Martens or a silk Lanvin scarf from the ‘90s, look no further than this definitive list.
1. Beyond Retro
As far as vintage shops go, Beyond Retro is one of the capital’s most successful chains. Their new Dalston store features an endless selection of vintage and second-hand clothing, plus a pretty café that serves up gluten-free treats and other savoury snacks. Free wi-fi available.
Tip: Head over to their Brick Lane Outlet shop for up to 70% off.
92-100 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB
2. Little Paris
Little Paris is an eclectic mix of vintage French furniture, whimsical home décor and accessories. From 1950s wooden school desks to French rococo mirrors, this place is indeed “a little piece of Rive Gauche in London.” Restocked every three weeks with new deliveries from France, Parisian charm is never lost here.
39 Park Road, N8 8TE
3. Blitz
Spread across two floors and filled with clothes, shoes, bags and accessories, this former Victorian warehouse is now home to Blitz. Come here for vintage denim and classic Barbour jackets. The Blitz Remix concession is also available at Topshop Oxford Circus.
55-58 Hanbury Street, London E1 5JP
4. The Vintage Emporium
Part dainty tearoom, part luxe vintage boutique, this is a hidden gem just off Brick Lane. It’s pricey, but you’re guaranteed to find one-of-kind pieces from Europe. Tip: Go on Fridays for live music, poetry recitals and performances by local East London artists.
14 Bacon Street, E1 6LF
5. East End Thrift Store
Vogue calls it “the legendary cult vintage store” and we couldn’t agree more. The East End Thrift Store is what cheap thrills are made of, with tons of variety to choose from. Tip: Like their Facebook page for the latest updates. You won’t want to miss their giveaways and impromptu sale announcements.
Unit 1A, Assembly Passage, E1 4UT
6. Blackout II
If you’re ever in Covent Garden, Blackout II is a must-go (and one of Paloma Faith’s favourites!) With a vast collection of 1920s dresses and men’s suits from the 1940s, this place rarely disappoints, but be prepared to spend some time digging through their overflowing racks for treasure. Not that we’re complaining, of course.
51 Endell Street, WC2H 9AJ
7. Pelicans & Parrots
Pelicans & Parrots in Dalston is a carefully stocked mix of classic vintage fashion, furniture and home décor sourced from around the world. Tip: A secret door leads to a rum bar in the basement. Open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11pm – 1am. Its no wonder Vogue Italia says this is the “coolest place in London”.
81 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8AD
8. Leftovers
This is girly vintage personified. Stocked with things like cotton-lace collars from the 1930s and boat dresses circa the sixties, it’s hard not to love Leftovers. The owner, Margot Waggoner, handpicks her stock from New York and Paris leaving us with one conclusion: she’s got impeccable taste.
Unit 71, Brixton Village, SW9 8PR
9. Absolute Vintage
Formally a modest market stall along Notting Hill’s Portobello, Absolute Vintage now has three stores (two in East London) but this Soho boutique is our favourite – carefully edited 1920s to 1950s pieces alongside vintage designer wear. Tip: Students take note! Get 20% off on Tuesdays. Check out their website for more info.
79 Berwick Street, W1F 8TL
10. House of Liza
Exquisitely preserved designer vintage wear from the late seventies to the nineties here, featuring brands like Comme Des Garçons, Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo and Céline. Expect nothing but the cream of the crop of vintage fashion. Preview and shop a curated edition of their boutique online via Farfetch.
9 Pearson Street, E2 8JD
