Overwhelmed by the crowds and the choice? Use ELL’s map to break down Brick Lane’s Vintage hotspots, and read on for the essential top 5 highlights.

Best for a bargain: The Vintage Basement

Shoppers entering the Vintage Basement Pic: Dina Nagapetyants

A hidden gem in one of Brick Lane’s best side streets, the Vintage Basement is packed with jeans, jackets and suitably retro tops mostly from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. It is also very reasonably priced; at the time of ELL’s visit, all items in the downstairs basement were £10 and under. Great deals aside, the Basement is a must if only to soak up the vinyl-and-disco-ball atmosphere of the downstairs floor while trying on your new finds. Alternatively, shop through their Depop.

7 Cheshire St, London E2 6ED

Open 11am-7pm daily.

Best for variety: Brick Lane Vintage Market

The entrance to Brick Lane’s Vintage Market Pic: Dina Nagapetyants

The sign does not lie: venture into the Vintage Market and prepare to spend the better part of several hours making your way through the multitude of stalls that make up this sprawling vintage shopping destination. Whether you’re looking for a special piece or a full look from a certain era, if you can’t find it here, it’s unlikely to be anywhere else. From floaty lace gowns to ’60s mod styles and genuine military pieces, the Vintage Market has it all. The only downside is finding yourself wanting to buy everything…

85 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL

Open 11am-7pm daily

Best for denim: Beyond Retro

Just some of the denim selection at Beyond Retro Pic: Olivia Campbell

A Brick Lane institution operating out of a former dairy company, Beyond Retro is an essential stop on any vintage shopper’s itinerary. As with the Vintage Market, the selection and range is vast here, but ELL suggests to make a beeline for their jeans and jackets in particular- Beyond Retro’s specialised denim section is unrivalled in the neighbourhood.

110-112 Cheshire St, London, E2 6EJ

Open 10am-7pm Monday-Saturday, 10am-8pm Thursday, 11:30am-6pm Sunday.

Best for special, one-off pieces: House of Vintage

Browsing in the House of Vintage’s aisles Pic: Olivia Campbell

If you find yourself with a bit more cash, in search of a quality vintage piece and classier shopping experience, let the House of Vintage be your destination. The selection here is beautiful and very curated, giving the best chances of finding a stunning one-off piece in mint condition. Expect lots from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, though there is also a chance of finding something from even earlier. What’s missing is the ubiquitous loud shiny sportswear – this is a place for the refined vintage shopper.

4 Cheshire St, London E2 6EH

Open 12-7pm Monday-Friday, 10:30am-7pm Saturday, 10am-6pm Sunday.

Best for designer vintage: Serotonin

Hard to miss: Serotonin’s storefront Pic: Dina Nagapetyants

On the other hand, if loud, proud, and logoed is what you’re after, no-one does it like Serotonin. This small but popular spot is packed with designer vintage invoking the more-is-more aesthetic of the early 2000s: look out for clothes and accessories by Moschino, D&G, Versace, Fendi, Burberry and many, many more. Unable to visit? Look out for them on Depop.

Brick Ln, Weavers, London E1 6SA

Open 11am-8pm Monday-Saturday, 1-8pm Sunday.

Follow our ‘Mad about Vintage’ series this week to find out more about the eclectic world of vintage fashion. #MadAboutVintage