As part of my adventures around London during my semester abroad, I’d like to touch on one of my favourite pastimes (even in Singapore)—Thrifting! It’s always thrilling to find that hidden gem tucked away in the multitudes of colourful fabrics or trinkets, even more so when its price tag is kind on your pocket. While I still have so much more to explore in London (ahem Camden and Shoreditch, I’m looking at you), I thought that it would be fun to recommend some shops in some of the areas I’ve visited before.
- Portobello Market at Notting Hill
I know what you’re thinking–Wen Xuan, everyone already knows about Portobello Market in London, but for those who don’t already know, Portobello Market is a bustling market situated along Portobello road, along you can find many stalls and stores selling an assortment of items. Here, you can find second hand jewellery, trinkets, prints, old cameras and more! Feeling peckish from the intense shopping? Food options in the form of both street food and small shops are available around the middle of Portobello road. With the number of produce stalls around, you could probably also get your weekly grocery trip covered. If you’re not really into thrifting, you could seek refuge in a nearby Rough Trade to flip through some vinyls, or even that piercing you’ve been mulling over at Love Hate Social Club all within the same area!
With this more informal setting (that somewhat reminds me of Pasar Malams back in Singapore), bargaining for deals seems to be more acceptable at the stalls. I myself have tried my hand at bargaining for second hand jewellery with a store owner, eventually snagging 2 silver necklaces for 58 pounds instead of the original 65 pounds. Do note however that not all stalls will tolerate bargaining, so be discerning or look out for signs that warn against bargaining.
I’ve gone down to Portobello Market on two separate occasions, and the busyness of the street never fails to surprise me. Despite this, I’d recommend coming down early on a Saturday (since that’s when most of the stores are open, but the market is generally open from Monday-Saturday) so that you can beat the crowds and have more time to spend at stalls you like. Some stores are also tucked away in arcades that have 2 levels, so make sure that you take a walk inside and properly explore the market. Honestly, there’s so much to see (because of how long the street is and how many stalls there are as a result) that I’d recommend spending a full day here or even coming back several times for new finds.
What you can find and where:
First half of Portobello road: Jewellery, prints, trinkets at stalls. Second hand and new clothing in boutiques. Food stands.
Second half of Portobello road: Jewellery, music, many second hand clothing stalls right at the end of the road.
- Notting Hill Charity Shops
Continuing with Notting Hill because it has so much to offer, I’d say that you have to check out the various charity shops in the area. These shops contain a variety of goods ranging from housewares to clothes to books which were donated and are now being sold for a good cause. They are mostly located around the middle of Portobello road and many (Oxfam, Red Cross, Cancer Research UK) are located opposite to each other on both sides of the road, making it easier to pop in between the shops.
In the area, you can find Oxfam, Cancer Research UK, Retromania Fara, Mary’s living and giving, British Red Cross, Royal Trinity Hospice and Vision Foundation. Personally, I really liked the selection of clothes at Retromania Fara as they had more interesting pieces as well as some second hand designer goods. My friends and I also really like Notting Hill’s Oxfam for their wide selection of books and even audio material (CDs, cassettes). Cancer Research UK also has a good mix of home items and clothes–I even picked up a Twilight saga blu-ray box set there for only 3.50 pounds!
Do also note that Mary’s Living and Giving seems to be closed on Saturdays even though it’s stated to be open–both times I went down on a Saturday and it was sadly closed.
- Charity Shops in Chelsea
Continuing with the charity shops, there are fewer shops present in Chelsea, but the items that you can find here also differ from those at Notting Hill. While both are located in affluent areas (and thus you get clothes donated from rich people), in my personal opinion, you’ll be able to find more second hand designer at the shops in Chelsea. The shops here also seem to have a heavier focus on clothes above all else, so this might not be the area for you if you’re interested in more general thrifting. My personal favourite out of all of them is the Mary’s Living & Giving shop which is further down the road from Oxfam, Royal Trinity Hospice and Cancer Research UK. They have a very nice selection of unique pieces and the shop staff whom I met then was very helpful and polite.
If you’re a fashion fan, why not drop by the Vivienne Westwood World’s End shop while you’re in the area? The shop may be small, but it has so much historic value and a quaint but unique shop front that you’ll want to feature on your candid instagram stories. Maybe even do a little splurging if you’re in the mood because some collections in the store are store exclusive. I’m sure that the very friendly and knowledgeable staff in the boutique will be more than willing to assist you in finding your special piece.
While I personally have not shopped in the Kensington area myself, I’ve heard that it’s relatively near to Chelsea and that it also contains thrift shops that are worth stopping by. If you like walking, perhaps you could consider planning your shopping trip across Kensington and Chelsea, and maybe even drop by a Pret a Manger halfway through for an afternoon coffee and a short rest.
I’ve come to the end of this short article, but if you’re interested in London (or in thrifting), stay tuned for more updates on places you should check out while you’re here! In the meantime, I’ll continue to explore London for more hidden gems that I can share with all of you!