For the widest choice of vintage clothing and accessories, head to East London around Brick Lane. All the vintage stores are grouped together here and there are great places to stop for a caffeine fix in between rummaging. (We like Allpress Espresso Bar, 58 Redchurch Street). You can walk the entire stretch of Brick Lane and find a variety of offerings from ’50s and ’60s dresses to retro menswear and antique jewellery and bags. However, it’s worth turning off from Brick Lane and heading down to the mother of all vintage: Beyond Retro (110-112 Cheshire St; +44 20 7613 3636).  

Location

Shoreditch is the ultimate in East London hipster-cool. Buildings are covered with impressive graffiti art; streets are frequented by pretty young things shooting scenes for music videos and indie films; and the eating, drinking and boutique shopping is all about independent owners rather than chain brands. Catch the overground train to Shoreditch High Street or, for the tube, get off at either Liverpool Street (five-minute walk) or Old Street (15-minute walk).

See also: 11 Insider Spots to Visit in London

Image: James Cridland

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