"In for a penny, in for a paahnd." East London's jumble: value for money?

  

Petticoat Lane

A joke about Petticoat Lane did the rounds in the 50’s, back when it was rife with pickpockets. People quipped that if you entered the market wearing a fancy watch, some glinty eyed stallholder would've pilfered it and sold it back to you by the time you reached the opposite end. The joke was befitting of a market with a chequered past. Only in recent decades has Petticoat Lane's bad rep with the boys in blue petered out. Cramped between dismal tower blocks and walls of graffiti, it's a far cry from Portobello Road; you know you’re in the East End here. But that’s all part of its charm.




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 Come here for leather goods (Aldgate East side), high street clothes at knock-down prices, furs, toys, watches, jewellery and children’s clothes. For fabric, Petticoat lane is a godsend. There are wall-to-wall textile shops here, selling everything from plain cottons to bold African prints. When it comes to electrical goods, be discerning; even Delboy would be wary of this stuff.

You’ll hear a fair bit of cockney being bandied around, and there’s a nice amount of showmanship among the stallholders. Look out for stands selling authentic Caribbean, Asian and Jewish dishes. The market has charted its local demographic, adopted first by the East End Jewish community and then strengthened by the wave of Asian immigration in the 1970’s.

Snooty buyers: don’t be repelled by the Stacey Slater items on some stalls. PVC puffa jackets might not be your thing, but the key is perseverance. And remember, ALWAYS haggle.

Address: In the main, Middlesex Street, London E1. On Sundays, the market expands to the surrounding streets.

Opening times: Sun 9am-2.30pm

Mon-Fri 10am-2pm



Spitalfields Market

Spitalfields is, in many ways, the antithesis of Petticoat Lane, though they share the same breadth of history. Bordered by big name shops and eateries, the revamped Spitalfields market is always litter free and well presented; there’s a distinct lack of zebra print leggings and graffiti here. That’s not to say Spitalfields is void of personality; it’s a lovely place to spend a Sunday afternoon. It’s just a more genteel, leisurely kind of shopping experience – a place to take your granny, or your organic-only friends.

The East end of the market is less polished, retaining more of its original charm – if it’s clothes you’re after, come to this side. In the main, the West end stalls are better for gifts, food and accessories. Scented candles, pretty soap, homemade cakes, hair accessories and trinket necklaces are in good supply. There’s even an oyster bar. If you want something more substantial, nip into Leon for a bite to eat. A chain restaurant, I know, but it’s first class for seasonal, locally sourced food.

In conclusion: for oysters, go to Spitalfields. For jellied eels, go to Petticoat Lane.

BEAR IN MIND THAT SPITALFIELDS' PRODUCE ALTERS FROM DAY TO DAY, SEE OPENING TIMES FOR DETAILS.

Address: Old Spital Fields Market, Commercial St, London E1 6BG
Opening times:
Mon-Wed: All shops, no stalls open
Thurs: Antiques and vintage
Fri:Fashion and Art
Sat:All shops, no stall open
Sun: BUSIEST DAY, all shops and stalls open

The East End Thrift Store

If you cross the road outside Whitechapel tube, turn left and walk ten minutes along the high street, you’ll eventually come to Assembly Passage. It’s an unpromising looking alleyway, but down here you’ll find The East End Thrift Store. If any of you have been mourning The Brick Lane Thrift Store on Sclater St since it got boarded up, weep no more, pop your circa 1950 silk handkerchief back in your pocket: this is its successor.

While you’re browsing (this is a good sized store with a lot packed into it, it takes a while to cover all the bases: shift dresses, denim shirts and baseball jackets beckon) take a moment to ask a member of staff about their fill-a-bag vintage jumble sales. These beauties are held on the upper floor over sporadic weekends, for details of the next one check their FACEBOOK UPDATES, as upcoming dates aren’t listed on the website. Get there EARLY – otherwise you get the dregs – choose your £10 or £20 bag, and cram it as full as you dare. Stamina is crucial, the clothes are piled higgledy piggledy across the floor. No kicking or rugby tackling please. Last weekend, I came across a great charcoal mac, a double button red wool coat, two summer dresses and a tan cord blazer.

Address: Unit 1A Assembly Passage, London E1 4UT

Opening times: Sun-Wed 11am-6pm

Thurs-Sat 11am-7pm

VISIT THE EAST END THRIFT STORE