In case you haven’t already heard the news, fast fashion is out and second-hand fits are firmly in. The rise of sustainable fashion hasn’t been quiet. Vinted is taking over, eBay had a revival thanks to Love Island, and across London the beige aesthetic is giving way to something more nostalgic, expressive and characterful. I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve always been a fan of a bargain. Growing up in Kilburn meant I was raised on charity shop finds, looking out for a deal and helping my nan with a car boot or two. If you’re living in NW6, or thinking of moving here, this is my insiders guide to the best local spots to thrift, rummage and furnish your home on a budget.
St Augustine’s Car Boot Sale, Kilburn, NW6
An NW6 Institution. About 10 years ago, NW6 car boot sales were everywhere. Now, St Augustine’s is the only one still standing, and there’s a good reason as to why. You, of course, get the one-off sellers (people moving home, new mums offloading baby clothes and holiday fundraisers), but the real stars are what I like to call “the staples”. These are the regulars who do car boot sales weekly and know their stuff. Think antique stalls, vintage leather bags, watches, jewellery and the occasional find that turns out to be worth more than you paid for your monthly rent.
When I first moved into my flat, I went every Saturday. I picked up more vases than I could carry, vintage crockery and really beautiful prints, and I don’t think I paid over a fiver for any of them.
West End Lane, West Hampstead, NW6
For those in pursuit of a more high-end bargain, the West Hampstead Charity Shops are for you. With West Hampstead being as affluent as it is, the charity shops here reflect that. I have no doubt that you’ll be able to scoop a Lulu Lemon number, an oversized blazer or a trench coat that could pass for Burberry with ease.
There is one thing that charity shops in West Hampstead do really well: books.
The Oxfam on West End Lane is one of the best charity shops in NW6 for readers; I genuinely can’t remember the last time I bought a book brand new. Whether you’re after The Kite Runner, Where the Crawdads Sing, The Alchemist or Mary Berry’s baking bible, there’s a book for every taste and mood on those shelves (and they're all neatly categorised!),
The West End Lane charity shops are the kind of places you pop into for a quick look and emerge with a bag full of fiction, a pair of Levi's jeans, and a cake stand you never knew you needed.
Kilburn High Road, Kilburn, NW6
Kilburn High Road is home to not one, not two, but six charity shops and, of course, I’ve been to them all.
Here’s the run down:
- Crisis is where you go for something “groovy”. Glitter dresses, bold art tees, a brilliant vinyl playlist and hands down the best browsing playlist in NW6.
- British Heart Foundation is crockery heaven. I’ve scooped more than one Le Creuset gem here.
- Oxfam is Zara central. I don’t know what deal they’ve struck, but you’ll always find a Zara number here for £2. I can safely admit that Oxfam has been a key player in most of my holiday outfits.
Kilburn’s shops might not feel as polished as West Hampstead’s, but if you have the time to rummage, you’ll be rewarded tenfold. The best finds aren’t always obvious, but that’s all part of the thrifty thrill.
British Heart Foundation, Cricklewood, NW2
Furnishing your new pad sustainably and giving to charity at the same time? It’s a double win. The Cricklewood British Heart Foundation only sells furniture and electricals and if you’re a renter like me, furnishing your home on a budget is key. Sometimes we don’t want to hire a boat and sail the Thames to secure a wardrobe from Facebook Marketplace, having this place around the corner was a lifesaver.
You’ll find:
- Beds
- Wardrobes
- Lamps
- Coffee Tables
- The occasional wild card (like a solid oak dining table which now resides at my parent's house)
If you’re a crafty, creative soul, you absolutely have to visit this for your next upcycle project. Grab an electric sander and a tin of paint, and you’ve got yourself a bespoke piece tailored to your style.
Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking to refresh your wardrobe or home without breaking the bank, West Hampstead and its neighbouring postcodes of Kilburn and Cricklewood are bursting with pre-loved treasures.
From Satuday car boot sales to mid-week rummages, I can't think of a better place to thrift-seek than our very own North West London. Now that I’ve spilled all my secrets, I’d better get a move on and grab a few new bits before you do!
Got a favourite local spot I missed? A thrift find you simply have to share? Drop me an email or pop by the Paramount office on West End Lane, I'm always up for a chat about the local area!
