London’s best vintage shops to peruse, from East to West

Nordic Poetry, Shoreditch

Founded by Swedish-born entrepreneur Ameli Lindgren, Nordic Poetry is a vintage shop created for the Instagram generation but with more depth and meticulous thought than its picture-perfect pink interiors belie. The rails are stocked with a carefully curated mix of beautiful designer pieces from every decade and major brand. Perhaps the second-hand shopping world’s worst-kept secret, the shop has a fiercely loyal and fast-growing cohort of fans, as well as an easy-to-use website packed full of outfit inspiration for anyone who doesn’t have a trip to the neighbourhood on the cards anytime soon. We spotted 2000s Tom Ford co-ords, a Christian Dior satin slip dress and a Vivienne Westwood mini skirt on a recent perusal. There’s also a limited selection of vintage menswear, in-store only.

Address: Nordic Poetry, 141 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E2 7DG
Website: nordicpoetry.co.uk

Beyond Retro, Shoreditch

Best for: nostalgic streetwear

Paradoxically, Beyond Retro manages to stay one step ahead of the trends, filling its stores with leopard-print coats just before the powers-that-be announce animal print as the hottest must-have this season. Furthermore, it sources all its stock from charity shops and recycling companies, so it has both style and eco credentials. Loyal customers swear by the original store on Cheshire Street (near Brick Lane) for floral shirts, Levi 501s, dungarees, flannel shirts and Americana bomber jackets. “It’s an Aladdin’s cave of clothes and accessories,” says Martha Ward. “It’s inexpensive, which is crucial, and has endless rails of pieces from all eras so the depth and breadth of range is immense.” Browse second-hand band tees, fabulously maximalist faux fur coats and flimsy summer dresses in the women’s section, and preppy varsity jackets, comfy sweaters and preppy quarter-zips in the men’s.

Address: Beyond Retro, 110-112 Cheshire Street, London E2 6EJ
Website: beyondretro.com

Mero Retro, Dalston

It should come as no surprise that the achingly cool streets of Dalston are clad with vintage shops and independent boutiques, and Mero Retro certainly merits its place among them. Particularly noteworthy for its collection of Asian-inspired garments that includes kimonos, printed tees, shirts and accessories – all of which are fair trade and handmade – the shop is well-loved for good reason. You’ll find lots of ‘unisex’ clothes here, which makes shopping easy-breezy, as well as groovy sunglasses, Indian brass earrings, 100% wool berets and old leather notebooks.

Address: Mero Retro, 2 Bradbury Street, Dalston, London N16 8JN
Website: meroretro.com

Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney

Step off the streets of Hackney and back in time as you traverse the rock-and-roll-inspired rails of the Paper Dress Vintage shop. Their eclectic collection, with all pieces sourced from the 1900s to the 1980s, is complemented by the black-and-white chequered floors and supremely knowledgeable staff. Expect bright colours that promise a hit of dopamine, vintage leather and great accessories. There are even in-house alterations to tailor your find to fit you perfectly. And though by day the space is a vintage shopping experience, by night the shop becomes a music and arts venue, with craft beers, classic cocktails and outdoor space to soak up the balmy summer evenings.

Address: Paper Dress Vintage, 352a Mare Street, London E8 1HR
Website: paperdressvintage.co.uk