In a city that sometimes seems hell-bent on demolishing the old to make way for the identikit new, Alfies Antique Market is a glorious exception—a time capsule of curiosities tucked away on a corner of Church Street in Marylebone. It’s not just London’s largest indoor antiques emporium; it’s a place where you can stumble upon a Deco drinks trolley, a Bakelite telephone, and a flapper dress all in one afternoon—and feel like you’ve lived a hundred lives in the process.
From Department Store to Dealer’s Paradise
Before Alfies was Alfies, it was Jordan’s, a grand department store built in 1880. It stood for decades as a go-to for household goods and fashion, the kind of place your great-aunt might have visited for a sensible hat or a set of cutlery.
But like many high street stalwarts, Jordan’s fell out of step with the times. Cue Bennie Gray, a man with a love of antiques and, crucially, a vision. In the 1970s, when other buildings of similar vintage were being unceremoniously flattened, Bennie saw potential. He bought the building and in 1976 transformed it into the eclectic market we know today—naming it after his father, Alfie.
The idea was simple but bold: give antique dealers a permanent, affordable space to sell their wares, and give Londoners a place to rummage, explore, and discover forgotten beauty. Nearly 50 years later, Alfies is still going strong.
Four Floors of Fabulous Finds
Step inside and the outside world slips away. Alfies is less a shop and more a labyrinth of wonder: four floors, almost 100 dealers, and enough vintage velvet, silver, and mid-century modern magic to make your heart race.
There are art deco cocktail shakers. Venetian glass. Islamic textiles. Pop art prints. 1970s space-age lamps that look like they belong in a Kubrick film. One stall might specialise in Victorian mourning jewellery, the next in 20th-century African sculpture. And it’s not just decorative—fashionistas will lose hours combing through vintage clothing, while collectors drool over rare watches, records, and retro toys.
The charm of Alfies lies in its mix of the deeply stylish and the delightfully odd. A pink porcelain bulldog wearing a monocle? Sure. A Georgian snuff box? Obviously. A taxidermy fox in a waistcoat? Don’t be surprised.
Each dealer curates their own space with a personal flair, meaning no two stalls feel the same. Some are gloriously chaotic; others are minimal temples to one particular aesthetic. All are catnip to the curious.
The Rooftop Café: A Slice of Calm with a View
Just when you think it can’t get better, Alfies hits you with a rooftop café that feels like a secret garden above the city. Head upstairs, past the last of the booths and baubles, and you’ll find a sunny terrace and a surprisingly peaceful spot to rest your legs (and give your wallet a break).
There’s coffee, tea, sandwiches, and panoramic views over the rooftops of Marylebone. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel smugly in-the-know, like you’ve discovered a hidden part of London others haven’t quite clocked yet.
A Community, Not Just a Market
Part of Alfies’ enduring magic is that it isn’t a museum of dusty relics—it’s a living, breathing community. The dealers are not just sellers; they’re storytellers, historians, and in many cases, obsessives. Ask them about the provenance of a particular chair or the odd little carving in the corner of a display, and you’ll be rewarded with tales of trade fairs, lost estates, and once-glamorous households.
Alfies regularly hosts events, talks, and pop-ups. It champions new dealers alongside seasoned ones, offering younger antique-lovers a foot in the door of an often-intimidating world. It’s about passing on knowledge, not just possessions.
When to Go (and How to Get There)
Alfies Antique Market is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 6pm. You’ll find it at 13-25 Church Street, NW8 8DT—a short walk from Marylebone or Edgware Road tube stations. Weekends tend to be busier, but if you go mid-week, you’re more likely to get the place (almost) to yourself.
Top tip: take cash as well as card, especially for smaller dealers. And don’t be afraid to haggle—done politely, it’s all part of the fun.
Why Alfies Still Matters
In an era of fast fashion, IKEA flatpacks, and Amazon same-day delivery, Alfies stands as a joyful rebuttal. It’s a place where things have stories, age is valued, and you might come away with something completely unexpected—a 1950s teapot, a Greek amphora, or a new obsession.
Alfies Antique Market isn’t just a shopping destination—it’s a love letter to the past, a sanctuary for the curious, and one of London’s most quietly magical places. Go for the furniture, stay for the oddities, come back because no two visits are ever the same.
Want more hidden gems and secret spots across the capital? Keep exploring with us at Londonopia.co.uk—we’re here to help you fall in love with London all over again, one curious corner at a time.
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