Vintage Store Lovers Lane’s Guide to London

Growing up, Charlotte Cohu received a firsthand education in the beauty of vintage clothing. Immersing herself in the depths of her mother Kimberly’s impeccable wardrobe, she and her sister, Georgina, grew to understand the rich history behind each of their mom’s cherished pieces. “At the time, we really weren’t aware of what we were taking from her wardrobe,” says Cohu. “But by the time we reached our late teens, we had learned to appreciate the pieces for what they were.”

What began as a fascination evolved into a career when the trio relocated from the East Midlands to London in 2019, opening Lovers Lane in 2022, which has become a renowned destination for vintage shoppers. “I knew from a young age that this was where I wanted to spend my life,” says Cohu. For her one of the most inspiring things about the city is the freedom it allows her to feel. “I love its vastness and energy, there is always so much to do,” she explains. “Yet, if you want to be alone it is easy to lose yourself.”

Here, Cohu unveils her personal guide to uncovering the hidden gems tucked away in the vast expanse of London.

How did you first come to live in London? 

I grew up predominantly in the East Midlands, but spent time here as a child. My mom is from Los Angeles, but when she first moved to England she actually lived in a flat a couple doors down from where Lovers Lane is, on Portobello Road, with my Dad (the one with the teapot hanging off it). I knew from a young age this was where I wanted to spend my life. I totally fell in love with the city, and moved here with my sister as soon as I left school. 

What is the feeling you experience when you’re in your city compared to other cities?

I feel at home, always, in a way I haven’t experienced with any place I have visited before. There is such a sense of community, especially in the area I live. I know everyone who works in the coffee shops, clothing shops, bars and restaurants. We all say hi to each other everyday. 

Is there a particular area in your city where you feel the most inspired?

Besides Lovers Lane, anywhere I can sit down and watch passersby. London is my favourite place for people-watching, whether it’s walking down Portobello Road on a market day or sitting outside Bar Italia in Soho. You see such an incredible mixture of styles and personalities everywhere you go, and I find that the inspiration I take from the people I see definitely influences my styling in store and for our Instagram. 

Where is the place you go to when you want to find a good book?

My sister’s flat! She lives a four-minute walk from me and has the most incredible bookcase filled with every book you could ever want. I have many books that she is probably still waiting for me to return.

Failing that, the Notting Hill Bookshop on Blenheim Crescent is the bookshop from the film and is amazing for a whole array of second hand books. Opposite is Books for Cooks, which also run a test kitchen where they make recipes from the cookbooks they sell. I also (like many others) love Daunt Books. There are a couple dotted across London. 

Where do you go to get the best coffee or tea?

Coffee Plant on Portobello Road makes the strongest coffee in the area. Lisboa on Golborne Road, where you can get a coffee and one of the best Pastel de Natas outside of Portugal for under £5. Or if I’m more central, I like Algerian Coffee Stores in Soho, which has been there since the 1880s. 

Is there a hidden secret location that only locals know about in your town? 

If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret now would it? Come to London and we will show you. 

Where would you go to get a good glass of wine?

Golborne Deli and Wine on Golborne Road has an amazing selection of wines, and the people who work there are such characters with great knowledge. I love chatting to them every time I go. It’s a local spot for sure, I will almost always bump into someone I know. Floras Fine Wines in Maida Vale is also a staple. 

Where can you find amazing art?

London is full of amazing museums and galleries. It is one hundred percent worth visiting all the big ones. The Tate Modern is one of my favourites, and the Barbican is always putting on interesting exhibitions. 

Where do you go to enjoy nature? 

Hampstead Heath is one of my favourite places on earth, especially laying out on a warm summer evening after a day spent swimming in Hampstead Ponds. I always feel totally at peace when I am there. 

I also love walking down Regents Canal, looking at the colourful array of houseboats and wildlife. You can go north from Little Venice and the route takes you through Regents Park and part of London Zoo (you might see some monkeys if you’re lucky). 

Where do you find a place with good music?

There are independent record shops everywhere which are always fun to go and browse, and find something new. For live music, I love going to the Jazz Cafe, which puts on a wide array of artists. I was lucky enough to see Dexter Wansel play here a couple years ago. They also put on great club nights! 

Where is your number one place to shop?

For antiques and interiors, Hackney Flea Market put on huge fairs with incredible vintage pieces. It seems an obvious choice, but for clothing, outside of Lovers Lane, I love going down to Portobello Market for the stalls there. Get there early (8:30am) for the best picks and to avoid crowds. 

Where do you go for a great meal?

Too many places to list! For lunch or brunch, Lowry and Baker, or Eggbreak behind Notting Hill Gate station (get the Eggs Benedict or the Cornflake French Toast from here and thank me later). Eat Tokyo, for Japanese food. My friends and I come here practically twice a week. 

For a nice dinner my family and I love Quality Chop House in Farringdon, and for something totally different, check out Tuna Fight Club in Holland Park.