If you have never been to an antique market, it offers many perks that shoppers and passersby can enjoy. Depending on the size, most markets have between 10 to 100 vendors or even more. While most see the many vendors as competition, it functions as a huge collaborative opportunity. Antique markets offer shoppers a chance to have any question you have answered since everyone is good at something. London has several markets spread throughout the city, providing residents with a huge creative community.
Shopping at an antique market offers a unique experience you can’t get from other retail outlets. You can get lots of suggestions and help from vendors to enhance your shopping experience and offer guidance to every decision. Different vendors also offer discounts on certain items, especially during the holiday season. Here are some antique markets for you to visit, whether you are a local or visiting.
Old Spitalfields Market
The Old Spitalfields market was previously referred to as the East London market and comprised local creatives, small producers, independent retailers, and popular brands. Built-in the late 19th century, the original East London market is located in one of the most historic areas in London. The Old Spitalfields market is cobbled between Bishopsgate and Brick lane, giving everyone who visits the place a taste of the Victorian feel.
Today, the Old Spitalfields market allows visitors to experience guest markets, such as sustainability, vintage, art and makers markets, design and lifestyle stores, fashion brands, and independents. Unique restaurants and bars offer the best cuisines and a welcoming feel that spills into the market’s atmosphere.
Flat Iron Square
Explore this one-of-a-kind dining hotspot in Southwark, and discover an electric array of street food stalls, screening of major sporting events, pub quizzes, and live DJ sets. This hugely popular open-air market relocated in January 2022 down the road to a new location, formerly St Felix Place. The new location is only 200 feet from the previous location and features improvements like authentic Lebanese cuisine, burgers made from sustainably sourced wild game, and New Orleans-inspired sandwiches.
After enjoying the delicious meals, wash it with a pint of beer from the taproom and on-site brewery. The Flat Iron Square also provides a regularly changing roster of seasonal events for you to enjoy. Book a table in advance in the Arch areas of the market, Taproom, or Garden for a chance to experience London open-air market in Southwark like never before.
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is the true definition of what to expect in an antique market. It is colorful, fun, and packed with tasty food and arts and crafts. Discover the best collection of British designers showcased in this shopping haven located in Southeast London. Whether you are looking for handmade gift ideas, or homewares and accessories, this is the place for you.
This covered market is surrounded by independent shops, cafes, and bars, providing the ideal place to enjoy a day out. Aside from the tasty street food spanning cuisines from around the world, such as gluten-free and vegan options, visitors are treated to a relaxing and scenic boat ride or train. This is the quickest way to travel from the London bridge, taking only eight minutes. There are also regular events and breathtaking attractions and sights, including the Royal Observatory, the Old Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark, and more.
Covert Garden Apple Market
The Covert Garden Apple Market was popularly known for fruits and vegetables, and it continues to support market traders by offering unique handcrafted goods throughout the week. The market operates from Tuesday to Sunday when all the handmade jewelry, watercolors, prints, and beautiful crafts are displayed. Mondays is a special day for those looking for collectibles and antiques, giving them a chance to get their hands on one-of-a-kind items.
Various stalls are opened weekly, selling products such as jewelry, handmade soap, handbags, a magician stall, hand-knitted children’s clothing, artwork, and homeware. Familiarizing yourself with the day-to-day program is advisable to ensure you get what you need. Monday is dedicated to antiques; Tuesday to Friday, it operates as a general market with traders selling essential items like household goods and clothes. During the weekends, visitors can shop for intriguing arts and crafts.
Alfies Antique Market
London has a lot of history, and Alfies Antique Market is one of the ideal places to hunt for vintage treasures. Located in North London, Marylebone, this is one of the city’s largest antique markets, with four floors filled with amazing items. Unlike other antique markets that diversify merchandise, Alfies Antique Market has almost one hundred dealers specializing in antiques. While it has only been trading for four decades which is not a long time, it is an established market in the city.
Suppose you are looking for a place to browse vintage fashion, antique jewelry, art, accessories, textiles, ceramics, collectibles, glass and silverware, and interior furnishings. Take time and stop for a delicious snack as you enjoy the breathtaking views of London’s skyline at Alfies Rooftop Kitchen. This contemporary café has a large terrace, giving visitors a front-row seat to the city.
Bermondsey Square Antiques Market
Most people living in the city have busy schedules, leaving weekends the only time to engage in hobbies and other personal activities. If this is the case for you, the Bermondsey Square Antiques Market is open every Friday from 4 am to 1 pm. Traders gather weekly, displaying goods from various eras, such as Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian.
Some traders diversify slightly from antiques and offer china, silver, and glassware. You can expect traders to be at the market setting up every morning, giving antique collectors and enthusiasts from around the world a chance to get the best bargains.
Camden Passage
This antique market comprises stalls and shops that line up along Camden Passage in Islington, providing visitors with an opportunity to browse contemporary and vintage pieces. This picturesque London street is regularly brimming with vendors from antique shops, market stalls, boutiques, bars, and eateries. Camden Passage is a well-known go-to-market for affordable collectibles from different eras and is also home to contemporary traders selling clothing, jewelry, stylish homeware, and food.
You can also explore the open market within the street, including Camden Passage Market, where traders deal in vintage collectibles, clothing, and bric-a-brac. Take a break as you enjoy the delicious coffee and Australian cake at Kipferl, or head to Fredrick’s restaurant for a more substantial meal.
Hampstead Antique and Craft Emporium
The vibrant Hampstead Antique and Craft Emporium is the ideal place for antique and vintage enthusiasts to browse for treasures from more than 20 traders. Located in the Northern part of the city, it is easily accessible for anyone looking to pick up a silver photo frame, Art Deco lighting, or any item you wish to add to your collection.
Hampstead Antique and Craft Emporium is an indoor market specializing in a wide range of products. If antique and vintage treasures are not what you’re looking for, browse an excellent selection of glassware, ceramics, paintings, furniture, and accessories like hats and jewelry. Once you are done with your purchase, unwind at Tania’s Café over a cup of coffee and sumptuous Lebanese food.
London Silver Vaults
Are you a fan of antique silver? London Silver Vaults is considered the largest retail collection of antique silver in the world. Regardless of what you are looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. The list of items is almost endless, from a full-sized silver armchair to silver champagne swizzle sticks.
While English silver predominates, you can find silver specialists from across the globe offering silver from every period and style. The London Silver Vaults are undoubtedly the most unusual, interesting places to visit. Come and see what makes this market the finest center for silver in the world.
Northcote Road Antiques Market
There’s a reason why the locals refer to it as “Northcote Road’s best-kept secret.” The market is located in South London and has 30 traders offering a wide range of collectibles and antiques priced from €5 to €5,000. Regardless of your budget, there’s always something for everyone.
Northcote Road Antiques Market is open throughout the week, allowing shoppers to pick up various items anytime. Items include Art Deco, furniture, prints, stripped and painted pine, pictures, lighting, and more. Pop in and enjoy great deals, or get advice on a particular issue from the vendors.
Portobello Road Market
Rummage for treasures and snap up some amazing bargains at the popular street market, Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill. Dating back to the 19th century, it is considered one of London’s oldest antique markets. The market’s popularity made it the preferred setting for the 1999 hit movie Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Since then, Portobello Road Market has become a buzzy celebrity magnet, attracting the likes of Elton John and Meghan Markle.
The market operates from Monday to Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm, with vendors selling anything from fruits and vegetables to bric-a-brac and household goods. The main trading day is Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, so arrive early to beat the crowds. If you’d like a heads start, browse vintage and new clothes, antiques, food, and other collectibles on Friday, the second busiest day.
St James’s Church Piccadilly
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, St James’s Church has a spacious courtyard where the Piccadilly Market is held every Monday to Saturday. Since it opened in 1684, the courtyard has been used for various events, from concerts and lectures to events like trading. Come and experience the church’s rich history as you browse through various treasures and food. As one of the oldest churches in London, it offers visitors a feel of the Georgian era and a chance to shop on church premises which is not something you do every day.
Church Street Market
Church Street Market is located in the city’s center, making it one of the most accessible open-air markets. Its central location offers visitors a friendly and lively street market experience, with great transport links and proximity to areas such as Hyde Park, West End, Regent’s Park, and St John’s Wood. Accessibility is one of the reasons Church Street Market is a great place for shopping if you are in the city.
The market stretches from the renowned Marylebone antique district at the church’s eastern end through the vegetables and fruits stall close to Edgware Road. Whether you are a local or it’s your first time in London, Church Street Market has a variety of offerings guaranteed to satisfy your shopping and collection needs.
The Furniture Cave
If you are looking for furniture dating back from the 1900s up to the present day, then The Furniture Cave is the place for you. With treasures from the bygone eras combined with modern designs in a three-floor building, visitors have numerous options guaranteed to suit their tastes. The 30,000 square feet of antique and reproduction furniture shops is one of the most popular antique markets in London when it comes to furniture. Other unique features of the Furniture Cave market include a café and a restoration department for an enhanced shopping experience.
While most antique markets in London are different, they offer numerous benefits to shoppers. As the holiday season nears its peak, it is time to consider gift options for friends and family. If you don’t want to end up in a never-ending queue at the mall, consider any of these antique markets for your shopping needs. Get amazing stuff from different periods at a bargain, and enjoy an open-air market experience like no other. Don’t waste time moving from one mall to another looking for different items on your shopping list; get all your items under one roof without breaking the bank. However, it is advisable to devise a feasible strategy for getting a huge item to your place.
