OUR HISTORY

The history of Alfies is a captivating journey, from its origins as Jordan’s Department Store to its transformation into London’s largest indoor antiques market. Discover its rich heritage and evolution into a cherished destination for vintage lovers.

Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market
Alfies Antiques Market | London’s Largest Indoor Antique and Vintage Market

Jordan’s Department Store

Before Alfies Antique Market was Jordan’s Department Store. Established in 1880, Jordan’s was a popular shopping location in Marylebone for clothing and accessories. The store was open until the 1970s when it was bought by Bennie Gray, who had a strong vision in mind.

Bennie Gray with his Father Alfie

Bennie Gray named the antique market after his father Alfie, who had encouraged him to purchase the building.

Alfie Gray and his Jazz Band in the 1930s

A prolific musician, Alfie played drums in numerous jazz bands. He was also an antiques dealer, who once had his own stall on Church Street where Bennie would occasionally help him as a child.

The Pearly King & Queen on the opening day of Alfies Antique Market

Alfies opened on July 10th 1976 to great anticipation. The Pearly King & Queen made an appearance at the welcoming event, parading down Church Street in glitz and glamour.

Alfies exterior in the 1970

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.

Bennie Gray & friends

Not long after, Bennie Gray went on to open other antique centred spaces. This included Grays, a market in Mayfair dedicated to antique jewellery, watches and collectables.

Snow at Alfies in the early 2000s

Seasons changed. Alfies steadily grew over the next several decades, gradually becoming the oasis for vintage and antique pieces it is now known as.

Alfies Today and the Future of Alfies

Alfies is continually evolving with the world around it, expanding and updating while retaining its original charm.

With nearly 50 years in the business, it continues to stand out as the largest indoor antique and vintage market in London, with close to one hundred dealers.