The Best Thrift Stores in London

7 Awesome Vintage Stores in London

By Adam Stokes

Discovering vintage clothing in London has become so much more than just milling around a charity shop. Today, thrift stores come in all shapes and sizes, offering retro clothing, second hand furniture, books, homeware and much more. Figuring out where to go in London for all your vintage and retro needs has quickly become a difficult decision, so we’ve narrowed down the best thrift stores the capital has to offer. Don’t forget to check out our vintage shopping tips on when you’re shopping for vintage items. For further research and guides visit RetroGeekery.com.

#1 | The East End Thrift Store | Stepney Green

The East End Thrift Store offers a wide range of vintage clothing at some of the most competitive prices in the capital. Based in a converted warehouse, The East End Thrift Store have sacrificed décor and style for unbeatable prices on their clothing. Open till 6pm between Sunday and Wednesday and until 7pm Thursday through to Saturday, you can even get a bargain on your way home from work.

Where:  unit 1A 10-30 Assembly Passage, London E1 4UT, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 11am-6pm, Thursday-Saturday: 11am-7pm

#2 | Beyond Retro | Brick Lane & Dalston

With more than 10 years’ experience, 4 stores dotted throughout London and those automatically recognisable bright yellow bags, it’s likely that you’ve been to Beyond Retro at least once, (though we hope much more!). The shop boasts trends for the teens, twenties and even above, meaning you can take the whole family and still be satisfied.

Where: Brick Lane, 110-112 Cheshire St, E2 6EJ | Dalston, 92 -100 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 7pm, Thursday: 10am – 8pm, Sunday: 11:30am – 6pm

#3 | Absolute Vintage | Soho

Absolute Vintage claim to have the largest collection of shoes and bags in the UK. To count and prove them wrong could take a very long time, so we’ll just agree. With heaps of clothes (literally) starting from as little as a fiver, you’re guaranteed to find the vintage dress or retro scarf you’re looking for. Prices can climb, however, so hit up Student Tuesdays if you’re lucky enough to qualify and make some savings.

Where: Absolute Vintage: 15 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR | Blondie an Absolute Vintage Boutique: Unit 2, 114-118 Commercial Street, E1 6NF
Opening Hours: Both open 11am to 7pm Monday to Sunday

#4 | Crazy Man Crazy | Crystal Palace

Crazy Man Crazy (CMC) is a men’s urban outfitters that is dedicated to American 40’s and 50’s style clothing. Selling everything from leather and bomber jackets to iconic denim jeans, you’ll probably find shopping there an absolute delight as the 50’s rock ‘n’ roll blasts out the retro radio.

Where: 18a Church Rd, Upper Norwood, SE19 2ET
Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm

#5 | Leftovers | Brixton

Located in the heart of Brixton, Leftovers is a dainty little shop where you can find 50’s style dresses galore as well as collectible items and other vintage stuff. If you want to go really original, you can buy individual lace collars and attach them to your own dresses for a truly unique feel.

Where: Unit 71, Brixton Village, SW9 8PR
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 11am – 5:30pm, Sunday: 12 – 4pm,  Monday & Tuesday: Closed

 

#6 | Blitz | Brick Lane

Opening its doors in 2011, this beautifully renovated 5 room Victorian warehouse has it all. From second hand furniture, to second hand books and an array of clothing items, you can revel in your surroundings while finding affordable, original items. To take an online tour of Blitz and see what all the rave’s about, click here.

Where: 55-59 Hanbury Street, E1 5JP
Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 11am-7pm, Thursday – Saturday: 11am-8pm, Sunday: 11am-7pm

#7 | Music & Goods Exchange | Notting Hill

For something offering a little more than great clothes and furniture, there’s the Music & Goods Exchange. With a few dotted around the capital, (Notting Hill, Soho, Greenwich), you’re never too far away – meaning you can go in with CD’s and come out with a dress, or vice versa! The beauty of it is its shear versatility from records to books, CD’s, DVD’s and fashion – perfect for all.

Where: 20-34 Pembridge Road, Notting Hill, W11 3HN
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 8pm

Top 5 Online London Vintage Shops

• Etsy UK
• Love Miss Daisy
• Tanaka Vintage
• Oxfam Online Shop
• Beyond Retro

Twitter Accounts to follow:

Secret London – @secret_London
East End Thrift Store – @assemblythrift
Beyond Retro – @beyondretrouk
Absolute Vintage – @VintageAbsolute
Blitz – @BlitzLondon