Mary Portas © Elisabeth Blanchet
London's best charity shops
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By Time Out Editors
Posted: Mon Jan 22 2007 -
Musty, yellowing and piled high with fashion faux pas - the reality of charity shops is often more disappointing than their trash-and-treasure hype. However, Time Out has rummaged and foraged to find the best charity shops in London for designer cast-offs and vintage bargains. Plus we hook up with 'Mary, Queen of Shops' Mary Portas to get her recommendations
Octavia Foundation, South Kensington
MARY PORTAS-APPROVED
A large, slightly austere space packed with designer donations from wealthy locals. Plus a 'brilliant' hushed vintage book department with oriental rugs and coffee tables covered in art periodicals and old Christie’s catalogues.
Mary's verdict ‘Yves Saint Laurent? Wow! Miu Miu! Chanel! Max Mara for 30 quid? Come on!’
Octavia Foundation, 211 Brompton Rd, SW3 2ED (7581 7987/www.octaviahousing.com). South Kensington tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun.British Red Cross, Chelsea
MARY PORTAS-APPROVED
Couture cast-offs, big-label handbags and Manolo Blahniks are presented beautifully on an airy, uncluttered shop floor, flooded with natural light.
Mary's verdict ‘It’s where a shop is based that’s the key. Just look at the incredible donations in here - you wouldn’t get this in Orpington.'
British Red Cross, 67 Old Church St, SW3 5BS (www.redcross.org.uk). Sloane Square tube. 10am-5.30pm Mon-Wed, Fri; 10am-7pm Thur; 1-6pm SunCrusaid, Pimlico
MARY PORTAS-APPROVED
Crusaid’s tiny Pimlico store, lit with fairy lights and an antique chandelier, is a real find. Nicole Farhi and Designer Warehouse Sale’s Roger Walker-Dack regularly donate unworn stock, alongside Urban Outfitters, Ralph Lauren and Hackett (often dropped off by the Hackett family themselves). Stock is perfectly merchandised in two rooms packed with on-trend designerwear and handpicked bric-a-brac.
Mary's verdict ‘It’s gorgeous! I think charity shops that try to copy boutiques lose the soul of what a charity shop is. In here you know you might just find something incredible.’
Crusaid, 19 Churton St, SW1V 2LY (7233 8736/www.crusaid.org.uk). Pimlico tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; 11am-3pm Sun. Feature continuesAdvertisementBritish Red Cross, Victoria
This branch is packed with designer labels thanks to donations from wealthy locals. Brands currently in stock include Prada, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Christian Dior, plus Manolo Blahnik shoes. A selection of bric-a-brac, handbags and hats are also up for grabs alongside a range of ballgowns.
British Red Cross, 85 Ebury St, SW1W 9QU (7730 2235). Victoria tube/rail. 10am-5.30pm Mon-Fri; 10am-4pm Sat.Cancer Research UK, Marylebone
A high-quality selection of fashion and accessories, many of them in mint condition, can be found here. The shoes are particularly noteworthy.
Cancer Research UK, 24 Marylebone High St, W1U 5RB (7487 4986). Baker St tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.
Fara
A small shop with an overbearingly pushy shopkeeper (don’t let that put you off) selling goods in aid of Romanian children. It specialises in an excellent range of kids’ and baby wear along with prams and buggies at bargain prices. There are two other Fara branches, including Retro Mania at 6 Tachbrook Street.
Fara, 40 Upper Tachbrook St, SW1V 2JS (7630 7730). Pimlico tube. 9.15am-5.15pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.
Cancer Research UK, Islington
A treasure trove of clothing, accessories and general bric-a-brac where you might even find the odd antique. Clothing ranges from designer labels, including recent Hugo Boss and Moschino, to cheaper high-street items, all still in good condition.
Cancer Research UK, 34 Upper St, N1 0PN (7226 8951). Angel tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.
Salvation Army
Two floors of sublime thrift. On the ground floor you can find brilliant shoes, including designer labels like Charles Jourdan, and great old ladies’ sandals. There are lots of faux-fur jackets, an abundance of 1970s dresses and skirts, and a fine selection of second-hand denim. Upstairs is a little more boutiquey, with luxurious finds such as floor-length fake-fur coats and glam evening bags - the latter can be snapped up for less than a tenner.
Salvation Army, Princes St, W1B 2LQ (7495 3958). Oxford Circus tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat.
Barnardo’s, Brixton
A vast and lively charity shop with an exciting, unpredictable mix of clothes and accessories, stocking all kinds of high-street brands with designer bargains going for no more than £50. The sales lady will probably give you fashion tips as she used to work at Browns.
Barnardo’s, 414 Brixton Rd, SW9 7AY (7274 4165). Brixton tube/rail. 9am-5pm Mon-Sat; 10am-5pm Sun.
British Heart Foundation, Balham
This clean (it reeks of Mr Sheen) and brightly lit branch sells a good selection of high-street and mid-range brands at very good prices. The shoes and jeans are well worth a look here. They’re all sold alongside a range of new, cheaply priced accessories, including necklaces, earrings and hairbands from £1.99.
British Heart Foundation, 184 Balham High Rd, SW12 9BW (8675 5401). Balham tube/rail. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; Sun 11am-4pm.
Marie Curie Cancer Care, Richmond
A must if you’re after designer labels. It’s previously stocked Chloé, Prada and Gucci so you may well find a hidden gem. There’s also always a great selection of designer accessories, including Mulberry handbags in near mint condition. Look out for good quality bric-a-brac as well.
Marie Curie Cancer Care, 1 Lichfield Terrace, Richmond, TW9 1AS (8940 1800). Richmond tube/rail. 9.30am-5pm Mon-Sat.
Oxfam, Dalston
This branch of Oxfam used to be a cinema in the 1950s, which accounts for its ample floor space. Men’s and women’s clothing, books, records and homewares are all up for grabs with the average garment priced at a modest £2.79. There’s a huge choice with a hotchpotch of serviceable separates, dresses and curios, plus decent plates, teapots and the like, as well as grander pieces such as suits, ballgowns and wedding dresses in the mêlée. It has something of a cult status in the area; there’s even a local blogger known as Dalston Oxfam Shop who rummages the music section for obscure tapes.
Oxfam, 514-518, Kingsland Rd, E8 4AH (7254 5318/www.oxfam.co.uk). Dalston Kingsland rail. 9.30am-5.20pm Mon-Fri; 9.30am-6pm Sat; noon-4pm Sun.
Traid, Westbourne Grove
A favourite of fashion stylists and journalists alike, and with mentions in Japanese and British Vogue, this is the charity shop to head to for superior secondhand clothing. Raising money for international development, the shop has a small, boutiquey feel, making it a great place to rummage. In particular, check out the vintage section, where you’ll find quirky one-offs. They get some impressive designer pieces: a Burberry coat recently sold for £69. There’s also its renowned remade clothing to look out for.
Traid, 61 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UA (7221 2421). Bayswater tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.
Trinity Hospice, Kensington
Revered for its ladies’ clothing and accessories, this is a great charity shop where you’re bound to unearth designer pieces. They’re currently stocking Dries Van Noten and last week staff sold a beautiful Louis Vuitton handbag for £50. There’s always a good selection of well-known designer handbags and shoes.
Trinity Hospice, 31 Kensington Church St, W8 4LL (7376 1098). High St Kensington tube. 10am-5.30pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.- Add your comment to this feature
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118 comments
I’ve just found this Oxfam shop In Drury Lane (Covent Garden). It’s a bit off the beaten track, right next to all the dance shops.
But BOY what a find!? About a 3rd of its clothes & accessories still have the original commercial retailers price ticket on them, so I presume they get loads of their donations from their neighbours – like all other Oxfam shops huh?!
Anyhow – I picked up a beautiful red Karen Millen coat for only £50! On my salary I would definitely not ever be able to afford the going price, so I’m chuffed to bits!
One word of caution though: It is still a charity shop, so even though the volunteers when I visited were very helpful – you still have to look through rails & rails worth of stuff to find the hidden gem. Everything’s a one-off.
I heard a customer ask the (well fit) volunteer if he had the same item ‘but in a size 14?’ He was so patient in explaining that all the items for sale had been donated ‘by lovely people just like you ma’am’.
Anyhow – I’m off to impress my mates with my new jacket in Olympic Westfield, and will not stop bragging about where I bought it. Just like I’m doing now!
I MUST APPLAUD THE CHARITY SHOPS ,AS A VISITOR I HAD LOOKED FOR REALLY CHEAP STUFF TOO FIT MY POCKET ,AND I HAD FOUND IT VERY HELPFUL I AM HERE IN MY COUNTRY AND WOULD LIKE TOO PROPOSE THIS IDEA TOO MY FELLOW RED CROSS AND SALVATION ARMY SO WE CAN INTEGRATE WITH EACH OTHER AND HELP POOR PEOPLE..
I am a Australian going to London to live in January 2012. I have no really good warm coat,gloves etc as they are impossible to buy in our Australian summer. Where in London would I find really good,reasonably priced winter gear? What are the latest trends and what items are identical in your cold weather in the UK?
Many thanks for the shops to obtain cheap books. I have made a list and will check them out next time i am in the area.
If anyone knows of any others I would be pleased to hear. Many thanks.
The Salvation Army shop in Wandsworth sells its books on "Buy One Get One Free" and they start at £1 each....
If you live near Beckenham the St christophers hospice shopn is great for books, but there are about 6 charity shops in all selling some good stuff. Also carshalton high street has some good charity shops too, including a hospice shop which does cheap books and lots of china, and knick knacks
The Children's Trust Bookham - Paperbacks 50p each or 3 for £1.00, Hardbacks £1.00 each
I am an avid reader/collector of books. Most of the books in charity shops i now find are quite expensive, the prices seem to be going up all the time, especially non-fiction. Does anyone know of any shops in Surrey/South London that sells "cheap" books.
For some good finds and great second hand quality you should visit the Putney High Street Trinity Hospice Shop. The set up looks like a real retro-vintage shop with lovely care for detail in the arrangement of the clothes by colour, style and fabric.
Another tip for those who like rather exclusive second hand fashion, visit http://www.deuxieme.co.uk/ on 299 New Kings road. Lovely interior and great local atmosphere. Lots of ladies from the area bring in their designer clothes. A must to visit!
Bit further out, but The Children's Trust Shop in Bookham is a little gem.
Would say the best shop is south of the river - Salvation Army shop in Wandsworth High Street. It does the lot, clothes, accessories, books, records, CDs, DVDs, electrical, furniture - even a wide range of videos....
Alot of the ones listed here seem to be overpriced/over tidy types.
the best shops in london(if you are looking for proper trashy junky shops which aren't tidy, expensive and sterilised like oxfam) are the ones which don't have tubes nearby.
South west/central, the best hotspots are Wandsworth, Walworth and Streatham to Streatham Hill.
Streatham Hill has one of the best shops in south london. (Second charity shop on the right as you arrive from Brixton Hill. (10p boxes outside!)) All in all, across all of Streatham High Street/Hill, there is about 10 charity shops.
In Walworth, they are closer together and have the Geranium shop which is always good. ..but there is probably only about 5 or 6.
Wandsworth has another 6 or 7. One great one with some batty old people running it.
Clapham's shops are completely overpriced due to the closeness to the tube. The only good one is hidden away, towards Battersea... run by a shy guy with glasses.
There is plenty though, maybe 6 all told?
Balham is similar. probably about 5, none of which are that special.
Brixton has only got 3 - Barnardoes, Traid+ the British Heart Foundation furniture store round the corner.
BHF is good. Others, pretty overpriced.
Never really managed to find much south east....but Deptford market's always good :D
i baught a real Dior vanity case worth £90 from one of the smallest cancer research stores ever in bexhill for just £3 i was so shocked!
I love the charity shops camden high st oxfam is fun selling cheap remade quirky stock.
Very useful information