Setting up camp at south London’s Vinegar Yard every weekend, Flea Vintage Market is a hot spot for all things one-of-a-kind.
Only a stone’s throw from London Bridge station, Flea is a weekly wonder for anyone looking to shop sustainably. Each week, it’s carefully curated with European influences and takes its picks from up and coming artists and designers, as well as those with a keen eye for fashion. It’s the sort of place where you can spend hours searching through oddities of every size, shape and colour.
Inside, there’s a wonderful mix of vintage coats, dresses, furniture, ceramics and, the holy grail of any market wander, antiques, vintage brocante, ceramics, signage, artworks, spectacles, books, magazines and vinyl. Basically: it’s impossible to go home empty-handed. Devote a Sunday morning to wandering around Flea and you’ll definitely walk away with some preloved goodies.
The long list of traders includes Eclectic Ray, Hartex Clothing, Rust & Dust, Smoking Gun Vintages, Hartex Clothing, Hot Haveli, Vintage Paradise, Doc Cotton, Love Menu Art, Atomium Books and Dinos, amongst many others.
It’s not like your typical flea market full of homeowner’s leftovers – each individual stall at flea has gone to the effort to source good quality, unique items. On their website, they describe themselves by saying: “Here’s the thing about flea markets: they’re usually a bloody darn pain. Who has time to rummage around dust-covered rubbish in hopes that you’ll find that one gem amongst moth-eaten gingham dresses? Flea is cutting out the crap.” And who are we to suggest otherwise?
You can also trawl through stalls full of local goods and paintings by London-based artists. If you’re looking for some new arty adornments for your house, it’s an easy and fairly affordable place to do so. It’s also a great place to pick up a low cost plant or two.
Some of the favourite vendors might come back week in and week out, but others will show up for a one-off – so there’s no telling what to expect each time you visit. And once you’ve finished wandering, make sure you’ve left some time to sample the food. Portuguese restaurant Cafe Douro is a favourite for many, or order a G&T and relax in the sunshine.
Location: Vinegar Yard, St Thomas St, London SE1 3QU. Nearest station is London Bridge. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: 11am-6pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday.
Prices: varies by stall.
More information: on their website.
All images: @Flealondon