Although this vintage treasure trove for retro finds has been around for years (having recently moved to Mare Street from Curtain Road), it still lies undiscovered by many. The spacious shop offers women’s and men’s clothing and accessories from the ‘20s to the ‘80s. There’s a particularly good selection of flowery summer dresses, and a fair range of shoes, handbags and gloves displayed on mismatched, kitsch sofas, chairs and tables. On Saturdays, the boutique runs a cheap alteration service, vintage make-up and hair styling in store. It's not just about the clothes, though - there's a café, bar and events space too, with parties known to be thrown.
I'm a big fan of places what aren't exactly as they seem first. I like that there is a little secret, but the place is still accessible for people who know what they are looking for.
Paper Dress Vintage is this kind of place.
The venue is tiny, so it's advised to arrive earlier, but the cool vibe and the intimacy it creates makes it up. There are open mic nights on Sundays where I love how supportive the community is. The performers are amazing every time.
A vintage shop by day, gig venue at night. The whole place has an air of authenticity about it from it's avant-garde style, to the staff, and the intimate space. Quirky without being contrived.
Is there anything more 'London' than a vintage clothing store with a bar and venue that hosts live music? There's a very relaxed feel to the place, the staff are lovely and there are very few quirkier places around to see live music
Paper Dress (Vintage Bar & Boutique - to give it its full title!) is the sort of place which prior to visiting you might imagine only exists as somewhere depicted in a film rather than a real life establishment. To use a film example it's kind of like Empire Records, just with vintage clothing rather than records! As the full name suggests there's just as much if not more emphasis on the bar(s) as the boutique, and during the day the downstairs bar also serves as a quaint coffee shop.
As an evening venue, they have an incredible monthly line up usually with live acts on most nights. It seems bands tend to get the main billing though I have also seen comedy and burlesque style nights there too. It has to be one of the coolest venues for intimate gigs, as with the clothes all still lining the walls it gives the feel of spontaneity like it was all agreed only hours before they took to the stage. No deliberations over the number of stars, this one's a solid 5!
Great selection of vintage stuff both quality and quirky, plus a really fun atmosphere and great live music as a bar in the evenings - what's not to love??
Paper Dress just ticks all the boxes. The decor in there is gorgeous, the staff are lovely, the drinks are good, the whole layout is so well thought out. It's whimsical and authentic and the live music they put on is eclectic. We need more places like this.
It's not just my favourite place in Hackney, it's my favourite place in London! A glorious haven of vintage clothing, cocktails, craft beers, superb live music, and ridiculously warm, friendly people.
This has to be one of the coolest places on the planet to see a gig. Opposite Hackney Central overground, it naturally looks like a vintage clothes shop. Except ..... it has a bar downstairs and an awesome gig venue upstairs. Hey, upstairs has two Camden Ale beer pumps too. Last night I attended a showcase presented by Karousel Music. I simply loved the venue and was blown away by one of the performers. Mancie Baker at just 17 years of age performed with confidence and style, singing her own excellent compositions. Watch out for that name.
Have visited this place multiple times to do some afternoon shopping and am always amazed by the lovely stock of drinks and cakes at the bar, amazing service and the beautiful clothes. Have also really enjoyed the comedy night here too on the last night of the month. Would recommend this place to anyone looking for an eccentric, unique night/afternoon out.
Also there is a monthly Rockabilly night there called Aliens Ate My Cadillac featuring London's best up and coming bands. Expect slap bass, Gretsch guitars and greasy quiffs. It is the last Thursday of every month. facebook.com/AliensAteMyCadillac
