The Secondhand Circuit

There’s nothing better than entering Oxfam with a heady sense of adventure about the the delights one is about to discover. Knocking aside the elderly and the young in a greedy quest to rifle through the rails, all the while gathering great swathes of questionable but utterly brilliant items in your arms.

Yes, I’m talking about the secondhand circuit. London is full of hidden gems when it comes to charity and secondhand destinations and we’re going to be devoting a regular slot to exploring the city and spotlighting some of the best.

In London you have to work that bit harder to find a good charity shop. Everything too central is classed as vintage/reclaimed/thrift and stuffed full of a carefully ‘curated’ and extortionately priced selection of floral tea dresses and ironic sportswear. Where’s the fun in that? The joy of a good find is often in the rummage.

From personal (and somewhat extensive) charity shop experience, Catford has been very successful, as has South Woodford and Crouch End. Really, as long as I return with a bulging carrier bag of bizarre yet exciting finds I’m happy as Larry.

To kick off our charity shop adventure, there’s a newbie on the circuit – the Cancer Research shop in St John’s Wood. The shop was opened just before Easter by Shoreditch native and cancer scientist Dr Larissa Moniz who came armed with a bag of her own clothes to donate. Happily, Cancer Research is working on a high street expansion plan, opening shops in new areas, so expect to see lots more springing up.

Keep an eye on the Shopping & Style section for our mini guides to the best places in London to find those secondhand items, from lamps to jumpers. The best finds are those you can play with, chop up, and make your own. And all the while you can ponder ecstatically over the fact that you purchased something for less than the price of a sandwich. How infinitely satisfying.

The new Cancer Research store is  at 53 St John’s Wood High Street, so pop in when you’re next in the area!