Sunday morning boot sale in Stoke Newington. Photo Credit: Anna Pitton

“What is that? A mousetrap?” my companion Chiara asks me, as we do our best to figure out what this tiny weird device is. Apparently, it’s a plate hanger, whatever that means. You can find all sorts of wacky gadgets at the car boot sale in Stoke Newington.

Second-hand books, clothes and shoes pile up in the boots of the sellers’ cars, alongside dusty household appliances, old toys and collectible records. I feel like I’m plunging back into the 1980s when I come to this market, but it’s a funny trip with plenty of the good old days’ memorabilia. And it’s also a pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning, if you manage to wake up at a decent hour.

Every once in a while you can also find a bargain—most of the goods cost 50p or a couple of pounds. But you could just as easily spend your time guessing why someone would sell a half-used bottle of foot lotion. I find second-hand books the most interesting of all the wares, but also jewelery cases and posters seem to be popular.

If you can’t endure the morning breeze, you can warm up with a hot tea or coffee and a pain au chocolat or a sausage at the food stall. And when you’re done with your purchases, you can always join the mass at the Church inside the school. A welcoming black woman will most likely invite you to come inside and have a sit while a preacher sings and passionately delivers his speech. “Everybody’s welcome,” she told us, “no matter what faith you believe in.”

Alternatively, you can put yourself in the sellers’ shoes, get your butt off the bed at 7 in the morning and sell your own old glories, while trying to make ends meet in this astonishingly expensive city. You will have to pay a fee of £8 if you come just with a sheet and your stuff. If you have a boot, and a car of course, it will be £10.

The market takes place every Saturday and Sunday morning in the courtyard of Princess May Primary School, just off Stoke Newington Road. The entrance is 50p after 9 a.m.

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