Lex in the City: Notting Hill, London Second Hand Thrift Guide

Notting Hill might be best known for its pastel-colored houses and the famous Portobello Road Market, but it’s also one of London’s best neighborhoods for secondhand shopping. Whether you’re hunting for designer vintage, affordable charity shop finds, or the perfect Y2K statement piece, this West London hotspot has something for every type of thrifter.

Portobello Road Market

VINTAGE MARKET

$ – $$$

⭐ 4.5 (28,705 reviews)

📍London W11 1LJ, United Kingdom

At the heart of Notting Hill’s secondhand scene is Portobello Road Market, one of London’s most iconic destinations for vintage shopping. The famous market stretches through the heart of the neighborhood and features vintage clothing vendors, antique dealers, jewelry sellers, and collectors offering one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you’re searching for vintage denim, antique accessories, or a unique souvenir from London, this is the place to wander, browse, and see what catches your eye.

Pepper Tree London

CURATED VINTAGE SHOP

$$ – $$$

⭐ 4.9 (260 reviews)

📍Unit1, 253 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LR, United Kingdom

Owner Melynda hand-picks every piece and it shows – vintage Marc Jacobs, designer shoes and bags, all in A+ condition. But Quirk is also running the People’s Free Boutique out of their fourth floor space, helping Angelenos who lost homes in the fires rebuild their wardrobes. This shop has a soul. One reviewer found their new start here after losing everything. Wed-Sat only, fourth floor – worth finding.

Y2K Vintage

Y2K + VINTAGE FASHION

$$

⭐ 4.7 (116 reviews)

📍217 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LU, United Kingdom

For anyone embracing the return of early-2000s fashion, Y2K Vintage is a must-visit. The shop specializes in nostalgic pieces that feel straight out of the early 2000s, including baby tees, cargo skirts, low-rise denim, sporty jackets, and vintage accessories. The inventory is trend-forward while still feeling authentic, making it a favorite stop for both locals and tourists searching for statement pieces.

Goldsmith Vintage

VINTAGE CLOTHING SHOP

$$

⭐ 4.6 (26 reviews)

📍196-198 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LA, United Kingdom

Goldsmith Vintage is known for its impressive collection of wearable vintage staples. The shop carries a mix of men’s and women’s clothing, with racks filled with denim, leather jackets, graphic tees, knitwear, and casual everyday pieces. If you’re looking to build a vintage wardrobe filled with versatile staples rather than hunt for a single statement piece, this is one of the best places in the neighborhood to start.

Rellik

Designer Vintage

$$$ – $$$$

⭐ 4.4 (65 reviews)

📍8 Golborne Rd, London W10 5NW, United Kingdom

Located on nearby Golborne Road, Rellik is worth the short walk for serious vintage collectors. For shoppers looking for investment pieces and rare designer finds, it is one of London’s most iconic vintage boutiques. The shop specializes in luxury and archival fashion from labels such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, and Comme des Garçons. Even if you’re not planning to make a purchase, it’s worth stopping in simply to admire its museum-worthy collection.

FARA Charity Shop

CHARITY SHOP

$

⭐ 4.2 (38 reviews)

📍10 Elgin Cres, London W11 2HX, United Kingdom

FARA is proof that some of the best secondhand finds come from charity shops. The store offers an ever-changing selection of donated clothing, accessories, shoes, and home goods, often featuring contemporary brands alongside occasional designer discoveries. Because inventory rotates so frequently, every visit feels different, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt.

Fight for Sight Charity Shop

CHARITY SHOP

$

⭐ 4.2 (16 reviews)

📍235 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LT, United Kingdom

Located just steps from the action on Portobello Road, Fight for Sight is a hidden gem for affordable secondhand shopping. The shop carries everything from fashion and accessories to books and home décor, with proceeds supporting eye health research and services. The neighborhood’s stylish residents often result in surprisingly great donations, making it worth taking your time to browse each rack carefully.

Before You Go

Bring cash, but not a lot. Market stall owners at Portobello are still up for bargaining if you have cash on hand — it’s how you negotiate a price down. The boutiques all take card, but having £20-40 in your pocket gives you leverage at the street stalls. There’s an ATM right outside Notting Hill Gate Station if you need to pull cash before you start shopping.

Don’t exchange dollars at the airport. Airport ATMs in London are controlled by currency exchange services that charge much higher rates than a standard bank. Use a UK bank ATM once you’re in the city — most machines are free and must clearly disclose any charges before you accept.

Watch for the DCC trap. When paying by card, always choose “charge in local currency (GBP)” at the terminal, not your home currency. The merchant’s conversion rate is almost always worse.

Saturday is the main market day, but it’s the most crowded. Weekdays are quieter, but check hours before you go — several stops on this list keep irregular schedules. Rellik is closed Mondays. Fight for Sight is only open Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you’re planning a full-day loop, Saturday covers everything. Hours, days, and closures can change, so always verify current listings before you head out.

Wear layers. London weather changes fast and you’ll be in and out of shops all day.