A local’s guide to beautiful vintage shopfronts in London; from perfume shops to vintage clothes, these are wonderful shop windows to admire!
I can’t remember exactly when history became a passion of mine; I’ve loved geography my whole life, but it’s only by living in London and Rome that historical sites became such an important part of my life.
In the past, I’ve shared with you lots of old school, retro places in London, and today’s the day I’ve chosen to tell you about the most beautiful vintage shopfronts.
If you happen to visit London at Christmas, you’ll find that the whole city brightens up with wonderful lights and decorations – even vintage shops.
However, no matter the season, you’ll find these retro and vintage-inspired shops retain ethereal, bygone beauty all year round.
London’s 10 Cutest Vintage Shopfronts, A Blast from the Past
From Marylebone to Clerkenwell, you’ll find that the prettiest vintage shopfronts of the city are not located in places like Oxford Street or Regent Street.
Rather, these are quirky independent shops you come across while walking around more secret areas, places in which each item, each offering is full of character.
In this guide, you’ll find old cheese shops and historic perfume shops, vintage clothes, stationery and grocery stores – a little bit of everything, all with the charm of the old.
Vintage Shopfronts in London: Paul Rothe & Son, Marylebone, Central London
Paul Rothe & Son is located on the quaint, village-like Marylebone Lane, only minutes away from Oxford Street’s shops – the entire street looks like a fairytale, with plenty of cute cafes and indie shops.
Founded in August 1900 by Paul Rothe and run today by his grandson, what was a pioneering deli for Marylebone’s German community still sports formica-topped tables from the 1950s, preserves and condiments, with soups, salads and sandwiches to go.
- Where? 35 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2NN
- Nearby?
- James Street, one of the most colorful places in London
- Oxford Street, with its hidden gems and shops
- St Christopher’s Place, a hidden shopping and dining court
Cute Vintage Shopfronts in London: Floris London
Founded in 1730, Floris London originally offered fragrances, shaving and beauty products, and is still located in their original location on Jermyn Street, close to Piccadilly in Central London.
Those of you who would be on the hunt for beautiful mosaics in London would do well to admire the mosaic tiling in the entrance.
The building itself is Grade II-listed, with 19th century features, and cabinets and glass display cases purchased at the Great Exhibition of 1851 that took place at the Crystal Palace.
- Where? 89 Jermyn St, London SW1Y 6JH
- Nearby?
Vintage Shop Windows in London: The Vintage Showroom, Clerkenwell
The Vintage Showroom is located in the historic area of Clerkenwell, not too far from Barbican and West Smithfield.
The showroom is only accessible by appointment, but you can still pop by to admire the vintage window displays.
- Where? 17 Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4SP
- Nearby?
- Historic Smithfield area
- Sir John Soane’s Museum (Holborn)
- Italian places (Clerkenwell is dubbed Little Italy)
Cute Vintage Shopfronts in London: Cheeses of Muswell Hill, North London
Cheeses of Muswell Hill is nestled on Fortis Green Road, Muswell Hill, in what is probably one of the cutest village areas of London – an independent, family-run cheese shop.
Established in 1982, Cheeses sports an Edwardian-inspired shopfront with curved glass frontage, colorful lettering and mouthwatering displays of cheeses, quinces, jams and preserves.
- Where? 13 Fortis Green Rd, London N10 3HP
- Nearby?
- Muswell Hill charity shops
- North Finchley area
- Concept stores like Londonworks
Vintage Shop Windows in London: Jambala Bookshop, Bethnal Green
Jambala Bookshop is one of the best charity shops in Bethnal Green, attached to the London Buddhist Centre – its location close to the station makes it a must-visit if you’re in the area.
After an Italian breakfast at Quarantacinque, admire the shop with its windows with glazing bars, its soft blue color and take some time for secondhand book shopping before wandering the Bethnal Green area.
- Where? 247 Globe Rd, London E2 0HU
- Nearby?
- Brick Lane Street Art
- Beautiful Bethnal Green Library
- Kahaila Coffee Shop, Brick Lane
- Roman Road Market
Cute Vintage Shopfronts in London: Colairo’s Deli, Upper Norwood
Hidden in South East London’s Upper Norwood, close to Crystal Palace Park, Colairo’s Cafe Deli is a wonderful family-run coffee shop that also doubles as an afternoon tea spot, and one of the most secret cafes in the city.
At street level, one of the cutest bakery displays await you, with wonderful croissants, cinnamon buns and other red velvet doughnuts, while on the first floor, a floral decor makes for the perfect background for afternoon tea and a chat with a friend.
- Where? 1 Westow St, London SE19 3RY
- Nearby?
- Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs
- Disused Station at Crystal Palace
- The Vaults Collective, a secret cafe, plant and homeware shop
Vintage Shop Windows in London: Paxton & Whitfield
If you’re looking for historical shops more than vintage vibes only, Paxton & Whitfield, St James’s famous cheesemonger, should be next on your bucket list – it’s particularly renowned for its Victorian retail architecture.
Established in 1797, Paxton & Whitfield has been at its current location on Jermyn Street since 1894; its artisanal cheeses, antique display cabinets and dark woods paneling elegantly complement the black and gold facade.
- Where? 93 Jermyn St, London SW1Y 6JE
- Nearby?
- Mount Street Gardens, Mayfair
- Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair
- Sakurado, a Japanese patisserie on Shaftesbury Avenue
Vintage Shop Windows in London: Choosing Keeping, Seven Dials, Central London
Nestled in Seven Dials close to Covent Garden, Choosing Keeping has since long garnered fame for its vintage-inspired shopfront… and its selection of wonderful stationery bits.
The large windows let the eye wander on carefully-curated displays of glass pens, decorative papers, and luxurious notebooks.
Japanese stationery is also available at Choosing Keeping, behind the timeless elegance of the black and gold facade.
- Where? 21 Tower St, London WC2H 9NS
- Nearby?
- Covent Garden Itinerary in 10 Spots
- Vintage shops in Covent Garden
- Seven Dials Market for street food
Cute Vintage Shopfronts in London: Penhaligon’s, Covent Garden
Those searching for properly British perfume shops in London would do well to pop by Penhaligon’s on Wellington Street.
There’s another branch inside the Apple Market in Covent Garden, but this one boasts that vintage shopfront we’re after.
High-end fragrances, scented candles and stunning perfume bottles are to be discovered behind a dark and gold window, just steps away from Covent Garden’s hidden gems and breakfast spots such as secret Bageriet.
- Where? 41 Wellington St, London WC2E 7BN
- Nearby?
- Apple Market and Jubilee Market
- Kryolan makeup store
- Long Acre, a great shopping street
Vintage Shop Windows in London: Tessa Metcalfe Jewellery, Laystall Street
Located in Clerkenwell, Tessa Metcalfe Jewellery was established in 2016; and yet, its pastel shopfront makes it look much older.
Visits to the jewelry shop are by appointment only.
Inside, the boutique showcases the nature-inspired designed of Tessa Metcalfe, including the signature Pigeon Claw series, which seamlessly blends vintage and avant-garde pieces – a must-see for art lovers.
- Where? 6 Laystall St, London EC1R 4PA
London’s 10 Cutest Vintage Shopfronts, A Blast from the Past
There you have them, the prettiest places to find vintage shopfronts in London – you’ll hopefully have found here a few shops you hadn’t heard of before.
Most of these are independent shops, while some are recently-established brands: in any case, they make for superb photo spots… and unexpected places for souvenirs!