Every Saturday and Sunday, loads of stuff from £2 grab boxes full of stuff (I got a totally decent…read morepair of cufflinks for £4...) to properly sorted vintage clothes. There's even a bit of stuff for blokes, and at reasonable prices, too. Worth a trip out every now and then-- it's a bit hit or miss, as these things always are, but it's off the beaten track enough that you're likely to find some nice stuff.

The clock tower market has really come into its own over the last few years. But this isn't…read morenecessarily a good thing. It's doing well because the main outdoor market was closed down, and the stall vendors have either moved here, or to another market in London. Brick Lane is picking up a lot of them. Until a year ago, I wouldn't even bother walking around this place, it just wasn't worth the time. And then something happened. I'd go by on the bus and see a few vintage handbags out of the window, I'd spy some decent china instead of the rubbish that used to be there, and before I knew it I was being hidden be four market girls while I undressed in the middle of Greenwich to try on a vintage ball gown. I didn't buy it. And it was cold. I popped there at the weekend to help a male friend do some shopping, everyone was friendly, the stock was good and we left with very excellent bargains. There will always be something about a free bowtie that will brighten your day. If you've ever strolled by and thought there wasn't much here, do take another look. It might not get the same attention as the indoor market, but the guys here stock some good stuff.

Ahh, oui, oui mon petit pois!…read more Little Paris makes me want to spout Del Boy French purely to combat the pretentiousness of the store. It's a little twee shop in Crouch End, perfectly lovely and overpriced tat for the residents of the area. You know - candles, cushions, scarves, incense and, at the back, "antiques" or, as I prefer calling it, junk! No, I'm being harsh - there are some cool posters and when I was last in they had a brilliant old map of the world and an old-fashioned radio (not in working condition). The prices of the items, however, leave a lot to be desired, but perhaps those that choose to shop here have more money than sense. I'm pretty sure that's the case, anyway. Mange tout!

Little Paris has an interesting assortment of French (and non-French) antiques. I would say…read moresomething about the general theme, but I would just embarrass myself as I do not know the right terminology. Lots of interesting metal lockers, cubbies, school chairs, etc. Much of it is expensive, but we have found some very nice items here. We have also had very good interactions with the owner.

The last time I was at Ooh La La, I fell in love with a Victorian, mint green, children's frock…read morecoat. This is the caliber of stuff we are talking about here; the kind of thing usually seen in stuffy museums, irritatingly in untouchable glass cases. To be fair I couldn't touch this either because it was hanging up on the wall and I didn't ask to get it down because I couldn't afford it. When I can though, I'll go back in the hope it's still there because teamed with skinny jeans and some Westwood heels it's got New Years Eve outfit written all over it. Ooh La La is an antiques store hired out by various magpies who I imagine would do a pretty good job if they went on daytime TV gem, Antiques Roadshow. It's bursting at the seams with oodles and whatsits and gizmos galore, definitely enough to rival The Little Mermaid's collection. They have furniture, clothes, accessories, postcards, clocks, watches, pretty much every invention ever all under one roof. Also, Robbie, the man that rents the most space in the shop is really friendly and not at all like some of the grumpy old men that run antique shops and only talk to cats.

Don't be put off by the horrific name of this renowned vintage / antique shop. Be sure to have a…read moregood look around or you could easily miss a lot of this fascinating place, it's not huge but there are little things packed in everywhere. There's a fair bit of French stuff as the name suggests, but there are some interesting bits of British history too - including nice old telephones, and a small section of clothing at the back (only women's I think). The ladies might also be tempted by the collection of vintage handbags on offer, which ranged from about £25 - £60 from what I saw. All in all it is possibly a little pricey, but still much more realistic than you'd find in The Mall in Angel, and although the owner wasn't particularly welcoming, he seemed very knowledgeable - and I'm giving him the benefit of any doubt as I did hear him mention to someone else that he 'felt like shit'.

This little shop on Camden Passage is an amazing treasure trove full of beautiful antique boxes of…read moreall varieties, although jewellery and writing boxes appear to be the most common. Unlike some similar shops, the shopkeeper was happy for us to handle the antiques - even instructing us to take the boxes outside so that we could examine them in a natural light. She also clearly loved all of her products and found choosing between them almost as difficult as us! A good sign, I think. The boxes are not just beautiful objects but they are all in usable condition with working locks etc and consequently make wonderful presents. After all, who wouldn't want a beautiful box to house all of ones beautiful trinkets? However, eager box hunters be warned - this gem of a shop only opens on Wednesday and Saturday. Please don't make the trip only to be disappointed.

My absolute favorite on Pimlico Road. This interior design, furniture and art shop has a trendy and…read moremodern feel to it and the merchandise they carry is a testament to my words. In a street that is clammed with rather old-fashioned styles and slightly up tight attitude, Howe is a breath of fresh air, they offer furniture and lighting traditionally handmade in England, as well as a range of lighting. Also they usually do events that are mostly related to what they have in store, but that non-the less are really interesting and educational. Weather its a lightning exhibit, where they show the most relevant pieces that have illuminated us for centuries, or as they did in November, they held an exhibit curated by the owner of the shop. Cool stuff.

Henry Gregory is a standalone shop, that's a part of the Portobello Road Antiques Market. It sells…read morea range of goods though there is something of a focus on sporting and leather goods. It is pretty expensive but if you are looking for vintage leather luggage it is worth the trip. More generally if you like the sound of a shop that sells eighty year old footballs, aircraft propellers, antique globes and opera glasses it is worth at least coming to look around.

Nigel was incredibly gracious in helping me to find a silver tiered curate stand. The shop was…read moreclosing, and though he was already late to leave for the theatre, he took his time to wrap it carefully while energetically talking to me and my daughter about musical theatre. Although this is a high-end antiques shop, it is not stuffy at all. Truly, it is carefully curated and you will likely find something in this shop that you couldn't find anywhere else in London. The quality here is incredible, and Nigel goes the extra mile to answer questions and to be of service. I am so glad I stopped by. If you will be visiting Portobello Road, stop in to see Nigel and his shop. So fabulous!

This is a hidden gem. Take the time to speak and visit with the owners and have a mace-infused…read morePasteur & later in the hidden downstairs kitchen.

After reading at Londonist…read more(http://londonist.com/2013/06/marc-gooderhams-paintings-of-londons-east-end.php) about a little exhibition at Townhouse Antiques near Spitalfields Market, I decided to take the journey from west to east and take a look myself. I enjoyed the paintings of London houses and streets by artist Marc Gooderham (http://www.marcgooderham.co.uk/). He focuses, in his words, on "the singular beauty to be found in those neglected buildings that have fallen into disrepair as the living city of London continues to evolve around them." While I was contemplating over the paintings and browsing the books on display, another guy with a cute dog, who also visited this exhibition space, took to the piano that was standing in one corner. His play made me stay a bit longer and I like this place even more. Besides showing inspiring London paintings, Townhouse Antiques also sells books and various other stuff. Randomly, one book caught my attention: One Lump or Two? - a book about tea filled with illustrations by British artist Edward Bawden and a "series of humorous limericks for Twinings Tea". It looks like a fun "essentially British" present. Although I do not know what exhibition is on at Townhouse Antiques at the moment, I was told that almost always something is on display. If you have never been to Townhouse Antiques, you should probably stop by when you are in the area, I am sure it will be worth the visit!

The owner, Eamonn, was a talented jeweler and now owns this booth at Alphie's Antique Market. I…read moretalked to him a long time and found him to be quite knowledgeable. I purchased the highest quality Persian Turquoise Ring and earrings. I got home in US delighted with my purchases! I was a nice experience doing business with someone so fair, kind and knowledgeable. Cherie F. Texas

What a great Antique store (stall)! Every inch of the space is packed with lovely finds! The…read moreproprietors are knowledgeable, personable, and very pleasant to visit with. They have lots of wonderful things; silverware, decanters, crystal... special things. I made several purchases that I will long treasure. They have reasonably priced items and high end items. Located in Alfies Antique Market, Goldsmith & Perris is a stop I definitely recommend making!