Miracle on Regent Street (62 page)

Evie’s Vintage London Address Book

I love living in London and thought it would be nice to give you a little peek into the places that I hang out the most. It should come as no surprise that the places that I
know like the back of my hand (Or should that be ‘like Hardy’s stockroom’?) are those hidden treasures nestled in the depths of London’s vast attic of streets, frequented by
people who, like me, love looking at the city through sepia-tinted spectacles. So here is my hidden London . . .

Shops

Annie’s Vintage Costume and Textiles

12 Camden Passage, Islington, London

www.anniesvintageclothing.co.uk

I adore this little shop that specializes in gloriously delicate dresses from the 20s and 30s, along with lace slips and fabulous vintage accessories like feather capes and
sequined shrugs. Kate Moss is a regular, as are many top stylists and fashion designers. It’s expensive, but if you’re looking for inspiration, like I always am, or searching for
something really special like a vintage wedding dress, you’re sure to find it at Annie’s. Take a trip on a Wednesday or Sunday to see the Camden Passage antiques market in full swing,
too.

Absolute Vintage

15 Hanbury Street, London

www.absolutevintage.co.uk

If you’re after a pretty pair of peep-toes then come and worship at the vast second-hand shoe shrine at Absolute Vintage. Most of my shoes that I too long kept hidden in
The Wardrobe came from here. Just a stone’s throw from Spitalfields market, not only has it got the biggest selection of vintage shoes and handbags in the UK, there’s also bulging rails
full of retro dresses, skirts, tops and jackets, not to mention belts and jewellery too. And all at bargainista prices.

What Katie Did

26 Portobello Green, 281 Portobello Road, London

www.whatkatiedid.com

Hardy’s lingerie department manager Jane has been a fan of this place ever since I told her about it – so much so we’re considering stocking their underwear
in Hardy’s. Specializing in wonderful faux vintage lingerie, corsets and stockings, it’s a must-go for great undergarments. They even run fascinator workshops if you’re into the
Make Do and Mend trend!

Deborah Woolf Vintage

28 Church Street, London

www.deborahwoolf.com

With a veritable treasure trove of ephemera from every era, this fabulous pocket-sized shop, nestled away in North London, specializes in beautiful costume jewellery from the
50s, 60s and 70s and is the perfect place to look for a beautiful statement necklace or accessory. But Deborah doesn’t just stock jewellery, there’s also a wonderful array of clothes,
bags and vanity items, as well as toys, vintage prints, pictures and magazines, furniture and textiles and other curiosities. It’s the perfect place to get lost in the past.

Fairs and Markets

Frock Me

Chelsea Town Hall, King’s Road, Chelsea, London

2nd Sunday of every month

www.frockmevintagefashion.com

The first vintage fashion fair in London – and still the best. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with stylists, celebrities and costume designers who all know that this
is
the
vintage fashion fair to frequent in London. So whether you’re after a 1920s flapper dress, a glamorous 1950s Mad Men-esque ensemble or some 80s retro style, this fair is stuffed
to the rafters with a cornucopia of collectible clothes from every era.

Primrose Hill Vintage Fashion Fair

Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London

www.vintagefashionfairlondon.co.uk

I can’t mention vintage fashion fairs in London without giving a nod to my (ex-) local event. At just two years old it is a mere baby compared to Frock Me, but
don’t let that stop you. Run by Marilyn, who used to own a vintage shop in Battersea called Nostalgia, this wonderful fair is the perfect place to pick up a piece of beautiful vintage
clothing. And with Primrose Hill’s famously fashionable residents bound to be in attendance, you’re sure to be in great company.

Alfie’s Antique Market

13-25 Church Street, St John’s Wood, London

www.alfiesantiques.com

Not so much a hidden delight as a well-known wonder, Alfie’s is a regular haunt for all vintage lovers, whether you’re a serious collector or not. Its maze of
antiques shops has world-renowned experts selling beautiful 20th century design and collectibles. It’s a must visit and the perfect place for a meander on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Afternoon Tea

Soho’s Secret Tearoom

Upstairs at the Coach and Horses, 29 Greek St, London

www.sohossecrettearoom.co.uk

Don’t tell Lily, but Sam and I have been known to sneak to this hidden gem for a little afternoon rendezvous when we want a bit of privacy. With its 1940s inspired
décor, vintage crockery and delicious array of homemade scones, jams and fairy cakes, this charming, vintage-inspired tearoom appeals to all my romantic imaginings of days gone by.

Drinks & dancing

Bourne and Hollingsworth

28 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia

www.bourneandhollingsworth.com

Since the success of Hardy’s makeover, Evie’s Elves haven’t been having their weekly meetings at The Lamb. Instead, we’ve found this jewel of a basement
bar hideaway, right around the corner from Hardy’s. And to be honest, these days, we can be found supping on their delicious cocktails-out-of-teacups more regularly than once a week! With a
fabulous retro interior – all floral wallpaper, vintage teacup candles and tablecloths, it’s like taking a step into your granny’s living room. Named after the department store
that once stood on its site, it’s the perfect place to drink once you’ve finished shopping at Hardy’s. I can highly recommend The Gatsby (vodka, grenadine and raspberries shaken
with champagne). Yum!

The Candlelight Club

This clandestine pop-up cocktail bar has no address because it is located in a secret den, the whereabouts of which will only be revealed to ticket holders who book in advance.
With a gloriously decadent 1920s speakeasy feel, it’s the perfect place to experience an authentic Jazz Age experience in London. Pull on a flapper dress (from Annie’s perhaps?) grab
yourself a Gin Fizz and go!

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