Homegirl London’s Market Snoop: Bermondsey Antiques Market. Homeboy and I were out exploring last Friday when we stumbled across Bermondsey Antiques Market. We weren’t intending to buy anything but ended up purchasing three items. If you’re looking for London antique markets, Friday markets or things to do in Bermondsey, you should pop along for a rummage. Since I wrote this article in 2017, the market has become smaller but it’s still worth having a look if you are in the area.
Toby Jugs
Bermondsey Antiques Market Stalls and Stock
I must say that the stallholders at this market are noticeably friendly. In terms of stalls and what’s available to buy, you can pick up small items of furniture such as bedside tables. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a few unusual curiosity objects like this bear holding a shaving brush. Even if you don’t want to buy these curiosities, they make great Instagram pictures!
Curiosity Objects
Vintage interior lovers may be interested in something like an old-fashioned shop cash register. Or a little wooden imperial folding ruler for your home office might be a nice touch. I was drawn to a vintage Brownie camera which I snapped up to display in my living room next to my Remington typewriter.
Vintage Cash Register
Industrial enthusiasts will be drawn to the metal storage trunks, which are useful for coffee tables and general storage. There were a few industrial lamps in good working order.
Metal Trunk
If you’re interested in antique dinnerware and tableware, you will be in for a treat. The stalls are brimming with bundles of cutlery, floral decorated dinner sets, substantial serving plates and silver trays.
Cutlery and Silverware
Decorative objects included adorable figurines, kitsch dog ornaments and traditional Toby jugs. The colourful glass vases were stunning. Or perhaps you might be interested in a bright glass paperweight. With an array of pretty trinket boxes and Wedgwood’s heart-shaped dishes, you can buy a lovely birthday gift for a friend while you’re there.
Kitsch Ornaments
Fashion buys included costume jewellery such as beads along with more delicate pieces in gold and silver with precious stones. There were a few racks of vintage clothing and some bags.
Jewellery
Overall, the selection of merchandise was varied enough to please most tastes. The stalls were very well-presented and not too cluttered. I chatted to a stall owner who said she regularly changed her stock and would bring new pieces to the market to keep customers interested. This makes the market a place which you can return to often without getting bored. I’ll certainly be going back and will take my mum along, she’ll love it!
Bermondsey Antiques Market Buying Tips
Market Stalls
If you want to grab a bargain or treasure, you must arrive early. Get there just before 6 am because the market gets set up very quickly. Antique buyers and keen collectors will undoubtedly get there first to buy up the best pieces. The traders seem happy to do you a good deal. I bought a vintage camera, and we were looking at a Chinese decorated tin and a pack of playing cards, and the stall owner gave us a great price.
Bermondsey Antiques Market Information
To find out more about the market, visit the Bermondsey Square Website. The address is Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN. The nearest stations are London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines plus the train station), Bermondsey (Jubilee line) and Borough (Northern line). This market is hosted on Fridays from 6 am until 2 pm. Much of the market is outside so take an umbrella if rain is predicted. There is one part of the market inside, so make sure you also explore that. It’s a great place to browse, so put it on your to-do list! You might want to read my Ten Things To Do In Bermondsey List for more places to visit where you are in the vicinity.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Homeboy, for visiting with me.
