Last Updated on March 15, 2022
During my first visit to Margate, I fell in love with the vintage shops in the Old Town.
After popping into Madam Popoff Vintage first, I found the most incredible baby pink and white candy striped Laura Ashley dress. I didn’t buy it (only because I have one almost identical), but I still dream of it to this day.
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Then there’s Peony Vintage. A pop of pink on Kings Street, you won’t miss it – not least because of the designer-inspired pieces curated by shop owner Georgie you’ll spot inside.
A year on from that visit and now I’m a full-time Margate resident. Obviously not just because of the great vintage options, but it didn’t hurt.
I was surprised at how energetic the town was during my initial visit and I soon got the itch to move. I’m not the only one; house prices in Margate have doubled over the past decade, with the pandemic seeing more and more Londoners making the move to the seaside town.
As a result, there are shops of all kinds opening up all the time, from those specialising in coffee and tats, to pre-loved clothing.
If you’re visiting, you might want some advice about which vintage shops you should try first. Here are my recommendations.
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Peony Vintage
Peony Vintage is a long-standing vintage shop in Margate’s Old Town run by pre-loved enthusiast Georgie. You’re in good hands with her; as a costume designer and freelance stylist, she knows her stuff.
Peony Vintage is full of designer-inspired, colourful pre-loved gems that are anything but boring – but if you don’t find anything (unlikely), you can shop at the Virtual Vintage Market Georgie runs on the side.
12A King Street, Margate, CT9 1DA
Madam Popoff Vintage
As mentioned, Madam Popoff was one of the first vintage stores I fell in love with in Margate.
Deborah has been selling vintage for over 16 years, so you can bet there are some real finds in her shop. On top of more affordable pre-loved pieces, there are rare pieces from Dior, Chanel, Ossie Clarke and Alexander McQueen to sift through.
You can also shop these on Etsy and Depop, so if you leave something and regret it later, there’s always a second chance.
4 King St, Margate CT9 1DA
Handsome Freaks
If casual, 90s and streetwear is more your vibe, head to Handsome Freaks.
HF bring LA style to the seaside town, with printed sweatshirts, retro tees and bomber jackets amongst their affordable offerings.
Like Madam Popoff, you can shop from HF even when you’ve left Margate; they’re a top seller on Depop.
10 Broad St, Margate CT9 1BN
Werkhaus Vintage
Werkhaus is a little different, as they sell a variety of brands including Stan Ray, Kings of Indigo and their own designs, as well as some vintage pieces that perfectly slot in amongst them.
It’s a great way of offering pre-loved to visitors who aren’t necessarily vintage enthusiasts, and while their selection is small, it’s very wearable.
Don’t believe us? Check them out online before you visit.
30 High St, Margate CT9 1DS
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Lost Property
Last but not least, you need to visit Lost Property during your trip to Margate.
Located in Cliftonville, it doesn’t just sell a selection of unique retro fashion; if you love interiors and antique furniture, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
During my first visit I found a gorgeous vintage Aquascutum trench coat, and more recently I bought a rattan and velvet chair. I could spend hours in there, I swear.
199-203 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2BY
