If you’ve got a break booked in the capital sometime soon, shopaholics shouldn’t pass up the chance to indulge in a few hours of retail therapy. While Oxford Circus is largely thought of as one of the best shopping streets in London, fans of unique vintage finds will probably prefer the endless independent options located in stylish Shoreditch.
From longstanding stores to exciting emporiums, here’s our guide on where to shop in London’s hippest neighbourhood.
While Brick Lane is a bustling drinking and dining spot by night, in the day it’s known for being one of the best shopping streets in London for sourcing vintage items. Towards the top end is where you’ll find Hunky Dory Vintage, a beautiful boutique with trendy exposed brick interiors and shelves piled high with one-of-a-kind garments from decades gone by. Some of its stuff can be pretty pricey, but all are outstanding originals that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the city.
While not technically in Shoreditch, this popular place in nearby Stepney Green is a must-visit as it’s famously one of the best shops in London for cheap – and typically on-trend – second hand clothing. You’ll find the East End Thrift Store down an alley just off Mile End Road, and its regular fill-a-bag events ensure you get plenty of bang (or in this case, stylish jumpsuits, shirts and coats) for your buck.
Located slightly away from the hustle and bustle of central Shoreditch is Vintage Heaven on pretty Columbia Road. The charming shop and café specialises in vintage homeware, from amber hued glasses to delicate teacup and saucer sets dating back to the 1920s. The road Vintage Heaven sits on is additionally famed for its Sunday flower market, meaning you can shop simultaneously for retro finds and stunning blooms on the weekends.
Head to Hanbury Street to discover ATIKA (formerly Blitz), a two-storey emporium jam-packed with over 20,000 vintage treasures. As well as fun and frivolous fashions from world-renowned brands, ATIKA is also a great spot for picking up unique kitchenware. If you’re shopping on a shoestring budget, make sure you head down to the bargain basement to rummage through various discounted designs.
Now an international household name among vintage clothing collectors, Beyond Retro actually started out as a small shop in a disused dairy in East London over 30 years ago. It’s well worth popping into its flagship store on Cheshire Street if you’re in the Shoreditch area to peruse the brand’s reasonably priced recycled gems. Think wool coats, dungarees and plenty of retro denim looks for all occasions.
You’ll find a handful of Leonardo Hotels spread across London, including the Leonardo Royal Hotel London Bridge that’s only a thirty minute stroll away from Brick Lane or a 20 minute bus ride to Shoreditch High Street.
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