It's easy to get caught up in the large shopping centres and accessible chain stores that London has to offer. But look a little further and there are plenty of one-off shopping events too. We've rounded up the best pop-up shops, markets and fairs that are happening in London this month.
Pop-Up Shops
To celebrate Fairtrade fortnight 2014, Divine chocolate has a pop-up shop in Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, from 24 February-9 March. Every customer receives a free chocolate bar and coffee, plus there's a programme of events around London. 10am- 7pm daily
27 February-2 March, Marks & Spencer Marble Arch has a pop-up store celebrating its latest womenswear range designed by supermodel Twiggy. From 12.30pm on 27 February, shoppers also have the chance to meet Twiggy and take part in a styling session.
Vintage Fairs
The first 2014 Wanstead Vintage Fashion and Brocante Fair takes place on 1 March at Christchurch Hall in Wanstead, with vintage products from across Europe and the USA on sale from trusted sellers. All items are from the 1980s or earlier. Label lovers can rejoice, as Dior and Cardin items will be on sale, as well as vintage perfumes and homewares. There is also a vintage treasure hunt, with a prize for the winner. £2/£4, 10am-4pm
SO Vintage markets comes to Old Spitalfields Market on 1 March for its monthly event, giving shoppers a chance to pick up vintage clothing — including trend-led vintage picks, jewellery, maps, books, homeware and more. Free, 11am-5pm
The Water Poet in Spitalfields hosts Mrs Bear's Swap Shop, an opportunity for women to refresh their wardrobe on the cheap. Bring along seven good-condition items of womenswear or clothing, and leave with seven completely different items. £7, just turn up, 1 March, 1pm-4pm
Following on from a successful birthday event at the start of February, North London Vintage Market takes over St Mary's Parish Hall in Crouch End for a whole weekend. Managed by experienced antique dealers, the event will have a mixture of regular traders and new stalls, selling vintage homewares, curiosities and collectables. £1.50, 10am-5pm on 1 March and 1pm-5pm on 2 March
A car boot sale with a vintage twist, Southbank Centre's Classic Car Boot Sale has vintage clothing, accessories, household goods, memorabilia and vinyl records for anyone willing to rummage around in the boot of a vintage vehicle. Food also plays a big part in this event, with a feast of street-food traders, from international cuisine to drinks served from the window of a VW campervan. Hippy heaven. £4, 15-16 March
Head to Pop Up Vintage at St Stephen's Rosslyn Hill in Hampstead on 23 March for the complete vintage experience. As well as vintage traders, there will be entertainment courtesy of vintage singers, tea rooms, and even a vintage beauty parlour. £5/£2/£1, 11am-4pm
A Stitch In Time vintage fair takes place at Bruce Castle Museum in Haringey on 29 March, with stalls selling vintage fashion, accessories, books and collectables, plus a Make Do And Mend corner providing tips and advice for the thrift-minded and those handy with a needle. £1.50, 10.30am-4.30pm
Art and Craft
Oakleigh Craft Fairs comes to Old Spitalfields Market on 1 March, bring a plethora of independent craft, food, drink and gift stalls. 11am- 5pm
Now And Then Events is well-respected on the Northern shopping event circuit and on 8 March it brings its ever-popular From Yorkshire With Love to Old Spitalfields Market, with products from Yorkshire designers, artisan food companies, photographers, and more. Have a go at some of the crafts, including crochet. 11am-5pm
Spitalfields Art Market runs from 13-16 March, offering the opportunity to buy affordable art direct from the artists themselves, with a variety of media including painting and photography represented. We particularly like the work of regular exhibitor My London Story. Free, 10am-5pm
DesignersMakers monthly market gives new designers a chance to increase their profile. Products include jewellery, accessories, greeting cards and artwork. This month it takes place on 15 March at Spitalfields Market. Free, 11am-5pm
Open The Gate's African market on 22 March brings together African designers and artists inspired by African culture, all in the very London setting of Old Spitalfields Market. Art and crafts, ethical fashion and natural beauty products. Free, 11am-5pm
We Are Handmade at Old Spitalfields Market offers an opportunity to buy unique products directly from the people who make them, giving designers a chance to get their work into the public eye. Many artists also take commissions if you prefer a personal touch. Free, 29 March, 11am-5pm
Flea Markets
Judy's Vintage Furniture Flea Market takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green on 2 March. If you love all things retro, give your home a makeover with crockery, soft furnishings and wall art. £3/£2, 10.30am-4.30pm
Hackney Flea Market takes place on 8 and 9 March, and features experienced traders and flea market novices, as well as local craftspeople selling their wares, so expect to see furniture, clothing, luggage, textiles and much more, all accompanied by an eclectic soundtrack of local DJs. Free, 11am- 6pm
Books and Music
Old Spitalfields Market's monthly Record Fair happens on March 7, giving collectors and music lovers a chance to root around for a bargain, or complete that all-important collection. Free, 11am-5pm
Produce
Lower Marsh Saturday Market near Waterloo launches today, with traders offering produce including cheese, bread, fish, preserves and cakes. Every Saturday, 10am-3pm
If you know of any upcoming markets, shopping events or pop-up shops in London, let us know about them in the comments below or by emailing [email protected]
