Ooh, we sure do love a market here in Londondon’t we? We’ve got them all, really: food markets, flower markets, long markets, little markets, I-could-quite-easily-spend-all-my-time-and-money-here markets… the list goes on.
A particular favourite of ours lies inside a former department store in Marylebone. One of London’s true hidden gems, many people don’t even know it’s there. But Secret London by name, Secret London by nature. So listen up, folks – we’re about to let you in on one of London’s best kept secrets. Aren’t you lucky?
Alfies Antique Market
Back in 1976, Bennie Gray snapped up a semi-derelict former department store in Marylebone in the hope of turning it into an unpretentious indoor antiques market. I mean, it was an interesting choice of location if he was aiming for unpretentious but clearly it worked, hey? Originally occupying just one floor of the building, Gray named the spot after his father, Alfie – and he rest, my friends, is history.
Almost 50 years laterthe market now spreads across all four floors of the building, covering a whopping 35,000 square-feet – and is home to almost 100 dealers and vendors. It’s the largest indoor market in London and is bursting at the seams with antique treasures and vintage gems, waiting to be uncovered.
Credit: @alfiesantiques via Instagram
Inside the market
The four storey eclectic emporium is bursting at the seams with antique treasures – so much so that the market often spills out of the building and onto the pavement outside. Spend an afternoon getting lost in the labyrinth of stalls and having a rummage through the plethora of unique items. Meet the friendly vendors who are selling everything from vintage furniture, jewellery and clothing to postcards, memorabilia and collectables. And when you inevitably need to refuel and rehydrate after an intense retail therapy sesh; Alfies also boasts a pretty gorgeous rooftop café, serving up snacks, drinks, and some pretty lovely views across the city.
Alfies Antique Market also offers a range of other services including workshops, tailoring, picture framing, and jewellery repairs. It really does do it all, and so it’s unsurprising that Alifes attracts shoppers from far and wide, and is a favourite amongst interior designers and specialist collectors.
Credit: @alfiesantiques via Instagram
Just take this one piece of advice from us: go with a full wallet and an empty bag; you’ll definitely be putting both to good use.
Alfie’s Antiques is open Tuesdays – Saturdays from 10am – 6pm. Find out more and plan your visit here.
📍 13 – 25 Church Street, NW8 8DT.
🚇 Nearest station is Marylebone.
