The capital has been a trader’s delight ever since the Romans founded it around 43 AD and put aside a large area for use as a market square, and whether you are a serious buyer or a casual browser you’ll find the best bargains in the many street markets that are scattered around the city.
London - Antique Markets - Portobello Road
Portobello’s first dealers were gypsies who came here in the late l800’s to buy and sell horses but since the 1950’s it has been noted for its antique shops and stalls which contain all manner of furniture, clothes, jewellery, masses of Victoriana, as well as an endless selection of junk - where, if you have the patience to sift through it, you might find a genuine bargain. For the serious buyer the best quality items are to be found in the indoor shops and stalls, particularly for jewellery, silver and paintings.
Market open every Saturday. Shops open six days a week. Nearest Tube - Notting Hill Gate
London - Antique Markets - Bermondsey Market
This market is huge and attracts serious antique buyers and dealers from all over the world. Generally considered the best market for quality antiques at bargain prices, it offers everything from jewellery to kitchen cabinets and if you are really serious you’ll get there very early. It opens around 4:30 a.m. - this is when the true enthusiasts arrive (complete with flashlight in winter). If you prefer to arrive at a more civilised hour of around 9 or 10 a.m. there is still plenty of action, with the crowd relaxed and more concerned with browsing than striking a hard deal.
Fridays only. Open from 4am to 3 pm but starts closing around noon. Nearest tubes - London Bridge, Borough, Elephant & Castle.
London - Antique Markets - Camden Passage
Wending its way market through picturesque narrow alleys. this market is known for good quality antiques with prices to match. More a market for small pieces and collectors items, there is a good selection of silver cutlers, jewellery, prints, china and clocks.
With its old pubs and arcades this picturesque area was rescued from demolition in the 1960’s by a vigorous campaign and is now a favourite spot for Londoners and visitors alike. It has a particularly relaxed and pleasant ambience - perhaps because of the proximity of the Camden Head, the market’s adopted pub!
Wednesdays and Saturdays. Nearest Tube - Angel.
London - Antique Markets - Alfies
A good place for Art Deco and porcelain, this indoor antiques market is in Church Street (NW8) There are more than 350 stands. Overheads are low and there are bargains to be had. Alfies is an attractive place to visit, even if you are not buying. Built on three levels around a pretty waterfall it has a rooftop terrace restaurant with panoramic views of London.
Alfies is good for antiquarian books and maps, scientific instruments, lace and linens, antique and costume jewellery, as well as Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian furniture.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-6pm
London - Antique Markets - Grays
Grays, in Davies Street, occupies a beautiful terracotta Victorian building close to Bond Street underground station. Here you can choose from a large range of antique jewellery. But it is also known for silver and gold, maps and prints, bronzes and ivories, armour, scientific instruments and tools, and a fine selection of Oriental, Islamic and European porcelain and majolica.
Nearest Tube - Bond Street
London - Antique Markets - Greenwich
If you want to visit an excellent antique market without getting up at the crack of dawn, this might be the place for you. Held on Saturdays and Sundays, it doesn’t really get off the ground until 9 a.m. Prices are very reasonable. Dealers sometimes stock up here and re-sell the goods at more expensive places. A good spot for furniture; if you’re looking for a reasonably priced Victorian leather-topped desk this is the place to come.
Weekends only. Nicest way to arrive is by boat from Charing Cross or Westminster Piers. Nearest Tube - Greenwich.
Good hunting!
Cathy Smith - I have Miss McGinn to thank for my becoming a writer. I was in her class for only two years from age nine to eleven. In what we called ...
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