An Antiques Oasis with Global Appeal

Since 1976 Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone has attracted inquisitive customers from across London and the world. Being the largest indoor antique and vintage market in London, the building hosts close to one hundred antique and vintage dealers who each boast their own uniquely sourced items. From Victorian jewellery to mid-century furniture, Venetian chandeliers and Islamic art, Alfies is an antique and vintage oasis originating from the imagination of Bennie Gray.

Bennie Gray was a local Church Street resident who had a keen eye for antiques. For years the department store Jordan’s had operated as a popular shopping location. However in the early 1970s it was struggling. ‘The demand for darning wool, knitting needles and knicker elastic had been waning fast,’ Gray says. ‘The days of this dignified old department store were numbered.’ Gray decided to buy Jordan’s, and turned it into the antique market that stands today.

Gray says he wanted to create an ‘unpretentious antique market with low overheads and an emphasis on catering to the fast-growing nostalgia for mid-century objects.’ He called it ‘Alfies Antique Market’ in dedication to his father. Almost immediately, Alfies exuded energy and bustle. To begin with it occupied only the ground floor of the building. Within a few months it had expanded to fill all four levels.

Mercedes owns Goldsmith and Perris with her husband Eamon. ‘We’ve been here since Bennie opened the door,’ she says. Their shop stands as a glimmering silver beacon within the marketplace. ‘We sell all things silver– plates, trays, collectables,’ Mercedes says.

Goldsmith and Perris aren’t the only dealers who have been here since the market’s opening.

Linda Bee opened her shop at the same time. After moving from Alfies to Grays in Mayfair then back to Alfies, she now exists on the top floor selling her vintage clothing, handbags and other accessories. ‘Fashion has always been in my genes,’ she says. ‘My mother was an Italian couture dressmaker and my dad was a crocodile handbag maker.’ A framed photo of Linda’s parents sits on the shelf above her. ‘I like selecting pieces that are unique. Anything unusual where things don’t look like what they actually are is my passion,’ Linda says.

Pari Fahimian has been selling her fine jewellery since Alfies opened. She offers unique Victorian and Art Deco pieces, ladies’ diamond watches, 18 carat gold, platinum, and South Sea and cultured pearls.

New dealers are always popping up in Alfies, meaning every visit is different from the last.

Charles Ucheobi moved into Alfies two years ago after needing a larger space to sell his collectables and art. ‘I’ve always loved art and have been personally collecting pictures for 25–30 years,’ he says. ‘It was a logical step to start selling and dealing in it.’ What Charles loves most about being a part of Alfies is the people. ‘I’ve met people from all walks of life,’ he says. ‘It’s always great to meet new people and speak with them.’

Within Alfies there are also services and workshops. They include framing, leather designs, and most recently traditional Ikebana Japanese flower-arranging workshops.

The Keeping Time Clock Service is not to be missed. Inside you’ll find Ersan Dogan, often repairing or building clocks as he listens to the radio and the choir of clocks ticking. Graduating as a mechanical technician in 1979, Dogan went on to work in Turkey for some of the largest mechanical companies. However it was while working for a museum in Ankara that Dogan found his love for clocks. ‘I learnt how to repair clocks, restore them and make parts,’ he says. After living in Turkey for much of his life, Dogan made the move to the UK. ‘I have two daughters who live in England and they always called asking me to move here,’ he says, as a photo of his grandchildren lights up on his phone. In 2020 Dogan moved, and set up his workshop in Alfies,. He is one of three mechanical clock technicians in London.

If you are after a unique shopping experience where the dealers are passionate about their stock and always up for a chat, Alfies Antique Market is the place for you. It is open 10am–6pm, Tuesday–Saturday.