Hackney Wick Flea Market

Hackney Wick styles

Hackney Wick flea market is a far cry from the heaving Sunday masses of Spitalfields. On a smaller scale than its Shoreditch counterpart, it offers a more informal and relaxed atmosphere and is nowhere near as commercial.

The market is just a five-minute walk from Hackney Wick station. It has been held in a number of different locations in the area but White Post Lane is its current home. The day that I visited was, according to organiser Luk Man Hon, one of the quietest yet. Previous events have hosted live music and performances and hundreds of bargain-hunters, though it’s hard to imagine it ever being chaotic – Hackney Wick is just a little bit too out of the way for the hordes to really descend.

The stalls (often someone’s wardrobe spread unceremoniously across the pavement) can number up to thirty on a busy day. On sale is the usual mish-mash of flea market staples – clothes, accessories, books, records and household wares with women’s clothes making up the bulk. There have also been Thai massage, food-stalls, DJs and even fortune telling at past events. Most of the sellers are based in the area which is home to a large artist’s community so there’s plenty of colourful, random stuff to route through.

One of the best things about the market is the dirt-cheap flea market prices – there was a suitcase full of clothes selling for 50p per item, a rail of five-pound dresses and haggling is always an option. The only negative is the journey – Hackney Wick is not very well-connected. If the overland rail isn’t running (which it wasn’t last weekend), then check TFL for bus services – the no 30 and 26 will take you there.

If you’re interested in either buying or selling at the next event join the facebook group – reserving a space costs a fiver and you need to email Luk Man Hon at FLEAMARKET@VINYLPIMP.CO.UK beforehand.

Another great product from Cincopa Send Files. Cincopa video hosting solution for your website.