Peckham Car Boot: A Different Kind of Sunday Service
My first experience of Peckham Car Boot Sale
Every second Sunday (February through December), come rain or shine, the astroturf of Harris Academy in Peckham is filled with people on the hunt for a bargain and those looking to make some quick cash. Since reading this article in Vogue, I’ve been desperate to make the trip to South East London to see what I was missing out on — and what better way to share my experience than via a newsletter!
Described as a “street style Mecca,” this was one of the first things I noticed when joining the queue to get in (yes, be prepared to queue). The street style was next level, and on reflection, I honestly think I spent more time looking at what people were wearing than at what I could be buying. Knowing I’d regret it if I didn’t ask, I plucked up some plums to photograph a couple of sellers who were just too cool not to.
Something else I noticed was the community feel. I’ve been to car boot sales in the past, but this one felt different — sellers chatted like they knew each other, buyers were starting conversations with sellers, and it didn’t have the "grab-and-go, elbows-out" energy I was expecting.
It’s also not just clothes you’ll find at the boot sale. Grab a bacon butty, a coffee and pastry (or some jerk chicken if that’s more your thing) to have while you peruse. And if, like me, you’re a sucker for flowers, Dotta have got you covered (yes, I did come away with a bunch).
So, all of this is to say that I get why it was in Vogue. I feel like Peckham has made the car boot cool. I loved it, and I’ll be back — just more prepared next time. I personally find that with secondhand shopping, you really need to know what you want; otherwise, it can be quite overwhelming. This is also something I’d definitely like to write more about in the future!
I did come away with a pink dress, though, that I had a vision for as soon as I saw it. However, after trying it on as soon as I got home, it was not it. I looked like a giant marshmallow thanks to the colour and "bouncy" material. It does have potential, though, and I’m determined to make it work — so the plan is to have it reworked into a top, and we’ll try again…
I’d love to hear about your car boot tales and experiences, any special purchases or whether you’ve been to this one or plan to go. Let me know in the comments!
The perfect sunday, bacon butty, coffee and shopping, love it & love the pink dress!! This and the Frome independent market on my list to visit!
😍 making me want to go back!