London charity shops are a total lottery. Sometimes you walk into the dinkiest, most unassuming looking shop in the strangest part of London only to walk out with a Toast jumper and Loewe scarf. Other times, those shops are exactly what you expect them to be and you find yourself in a sea of overworn Per Una blouses and men’s shirts from Burton. What I mean by this is: Charity shops can be deceiving. Luckily, we’ve been keeping note of the ones that pull through every time.
And with the Queen Consort revealing this week how fond she is of the historic British institution that is the ol’ reliable charity shop, it’d be rude to argue with royal decree.
The assumed rule of thumb for good charity shop finds is to hit up the affluent areas, but truthfully this can just land you neck deep in old Barbours. Don’t be fooled by the charity shops that look pretty on the outside, either — they may be inviting, but they’re aware of this and think everything they sell could be some unknown designer, so you’ll be paying the same price for your Dior as for your Dorothy Perkins.
The real rule of thumb is as it has always been: word of mouth. So, without further adieu, here are our top picks.
Crisis, Finsbury Park
The gem of Stroud Green road, this charity shop has made a name for itself thanks to its bargains, designer finds and wacky window displays. Just earlier this year they closed for refurbishment, only to open with a window display of mannequins clad entirely in denim, wearing denim wigs, and all of the furniture inside was reupholstered with denim too. Finsbury Park Crisis really commits to a moment.
Come here for: Carhartt, & Other Stories and an unexpectedly good cheese toastie
Royal Trinity Hospice, Putney
This is one of those fancy charity shops that doesn’t *look* like a charity shop from the outside, only revealing its second hand status when you’re pouring over the clothes and turning over their labels. It’s also full of designer goodies within (thank you, yummy mummies and banker dads of the South West), from up-market suits to full on gowns. If you live nearby, or are just popping over for a stroll down the Thames, this is a safe bet for Putney punters.
Come here for: Charity shop evening wear — don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it
British Red Cross, Notting Hill
If you’re pottering around Notting Hill on a day where Portobello Road just isn’t providing like it normally would, perhaps it’s worth popping into the British Red Cross in Notting Hill. This charity shop is the personal favourite of influencer and fashion writer Camille Charriere. Not only does she shop there, but it seems you may have a shot at getting some of her old items too: “I always drop my various previously loved bits off at British Red Cross on Portobello Road,” she told Elle in 2018.
Come here for: Instagrammable Notting Hill backgrounds and fashion girlie leftovers, apparently
Mary’s Living and Giving, Primrose Hill
This picturesque little charity shop is chock full of glittery treats within, thanks to its wealthy neighbours and their seemingly overflowing stock of Burberry and old Armani. If you’re lucky, someone will have dropped one of these off before you visit and you can score it before one of the other intra-London tourists does. Then you can do a little victory trot up Primrose Hill and shout about it to the whole of London in celebration.
Come here for: A certified designer find, basically every time
Oxfam, Highgate
This unsuspecting charity shop on Highgate High Street is full of more high-end finds than you might expect from its exterior. It’s also great for homeware, with a much larger selection than your usual charity shops. You’ll emerge with a gorgeous vase with one hand and an All Saints tee in the other. Try and keep some carrying room, though, because the take-away empanada joint next door is elite.
Come here for: Loads of black jackets, homeware galore
The Salvation Army, Hackney
This surprise pick is presenter Miquita Oliver’s chosen charity shop. It is a dark hors, given that externally it looks like somewhere which would exclusively stock Primark athletic wear and M&S jumpers with holey sleeves. But it’s actually one of the most reliable charity shops in London, and this accolade should not be sniffed at.
Come here for: That one oversized Ralph Lauren jumper that stays with you forever
Octavia Foundation, Knightsbridge
This central London charity shop is a home for some of the biggest — and, critically, most current — designer brands. It routinely has a sign outside advertising its Gucci, Prada and YSL wares within. While you’re unlikely to get a Fendi monogrammed bag or Balenciaga puffer in any London charity shop (for obvious resale reasons, people aren’t that kind), this is your best bet at getting some glitzy, on-trend designer items.
Come here for: Gucci, simply put
