A Vinyl-Lover’s Dream: Old Spitalfields Market in London

If you’re after a Friday that blends vintage charm with modern flair, Old Spitalfields Market in East London is the place to be. And if you’re a vinyl enthusiast, well, you might just want to move in. Every Friday, this historic market transforms into a vinyl treasure trove, with stalls dedicated to rare and classic records. Whether you’re hunting for a first-pressing of Exile on Main St. by The Rolling Stones or chasing down that elusive, limited-edition Taylor Swift vinyl you’ve been dreaming of, Spitalfields delivers. Yes, Swifties – this place is absolutely for you.

The Market: A Blend of Old and New

Stepping into Old Spitalfields feels a little like walking through time. The market itself dates back to 1638, and while the architecture still nods to its Victorian roots with exposed brick and wrought iron, the vibe is unmistakably contemporary. Indie designers, food stalls, and vintage sellers make up the market’s eclectic DNA. On Vinyl Fridays, the square hums with the soft crackle of records being tested on portable players and the occasional burst of a classic riff from a nearby booth.

As we wandered between stalls, crate-digging became a full-blown adventure. A collector selling rare pressings from the '60s caught our attention with a near-mint copy of Sticky Fingers – complete with the original Andy Warhol zipper cover. But just a few stalls down, we spotted a pastel pink Lover vinyl by Taylor Swift. Only 500 copies were pressed on that color, and finding one in the wild felt like winning the lottery.

Retail Therapy: Byredo & Percival

No visit to Spitalfields is complete without a little retail therapy. After securing our precious vinyl haul, we made a quick detour to Byredo, the effortlessly cool Swedish fragrance house. Their boutique at Spitalfields is sleek and minimalist, with rows of fragrance bottles perfectly aligned like works of art. We couldn’t resist picking up a candle – Bohemia, with its warm notes of opopanax, rum, and vanilla, felt like the perfect scent to burn while spinning our new records at home.

Next stop? Percival – a must for anyone who appreciates timeless menswear with a modern twist. Known for their playful patterns and British heritage vibes, Percival’s pieces are wardrobe staples with a wink. We left with a camp-collar shirt in a dusky olive tone – easy to dress up or down, and the perfect addition to our summer lineup.

The Perfect Matcha Send-Off

Shopping and vinyl-hunting work up a thirst, so we wrapped up our market adventure with a stop at Grind – the Shoreditch-born coffee empire. Their market stall serves some of the best matcha lattes in East London. We ordered ours iced, of course – the grassy, creamy goodness was the ultimate cool-down after a sun-soaked market stroll.

Why You Should Go

Whether you’re a vinyl collector, a fashion enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a perfect Friday vibe, Old Spitalfields Market offers the ideal blend of nostalgia and style. From rare records to contemporary fashion finds, this East London gem serves up a day to remember. Just make sure to leave a little extra room in your bag – you never know when you’ll stumble upon a vinyl you can’t leave without.

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Words by Sal F.