5 Things for Vintage Lovers to Do in London

1. Go on a shopping spree!

London is awash with treasure filled vintage stores to suit all budgets. Alfie’s Antiques Market in Marylebone is a staple, loved by vintage vixens and stylists alike. Brick Lane has lots to choose from and Stoke Newington’s Church Street is worth a visit even though it's slightly off the beaten track.

Camden Passage in Islington is another must-browse and a nice way to spend a lazy afternoon. Keep an eye out for the frequent vintage fairs and jumble sales that pop up all over the city at weekends.

2. Get a Mad Men make-over

If, like me, you’re hooked on Mad Men and desperate to add just a spritz of Betty and Joan’s glamour to your beauty regime, try a vintage makeover! Vintage stylist twosome Lipstick & Curls run pop-up salons all over and are available for private parties and bookings.

Alternatively, book an afternoon’s pampering session at Nina’s Hair Parlour in Marylebone. Victory rolls, glamorous up-dos and scarlet lips aplenty!

3. Party like it’s 1939

Forget an average night at the pub and head to one of the many vintage themed events around the capital. The Blitz night, held once a month in a secret venue, is always a sell out and vintage dress is a must. If you have a quiet few drinks in mind, opt for a speakeasy themed bar and soak up the atmosphere. The Nightjar in Shoreditch features live music on Thursdays and Saturdays. Cocktails and cabaret? Yes please!  

4. Enjoy an afternoon tea for two

A visit to a vintage tearoom is a fun way to spend a Saturday. Cafés such as Café Vintage in N5 or The Vintage Emporium in Brick Lane comprise everything a girl could want – coffee, cake and clothes!

I love the deliciously kitsch café/bar Drink, Shop and Do in Kings Cross – everything you see is for sale and there are lots of fun activities on offer such as musical bingo and ‘knit night’. Keep an eye out for their Vintage Pin-Up makeover nights.

5. Swing the night away

Swing dancing is enjoying a revival, with societies such as The London Swing Dance Society and Swingland attracting a much younger crowd. Drop-in classes are on offer so get a gang together one evening and give it a go.

The Rivoli Ballroom in Brockley, South East London hosts monthly jazz and swing nights with live bands and lots of dancing – the perfect place to try out your new steps! 

Anita Doherty is originally from Donegal on Ireland’s North West coast but now lives in London. She works full time in publishing, indulging her passion for writing and travel as often as she can.

Images from Flickr users French Tart, Le Petit Poulailler and x-ray delta one.