Hardly hidden but definitely a gem, this quiet and quirky time capsule is a stark contrast to the madness of neighbouring Oxford Street.

Home to over two hundred dealers Grays Antique Market is arguably the finest market of its kind in the capital. The labyrinth corridors of this treasure trove of trinkets take you back to a time before the high street dominance of major commercial conglomerates like Gap, Accessorize, and Next. In the depths of its basement you'll find a deliciously retro, atmospheric, and tranquil setting from where you can escape the clutches of modern life.

Selling everything from ancient artifacts from 40 BC up to 20th century collectables, Grays has one of the largest and most diverse collections of fine antiques in the world.

Here you'll find something for everyone including dolls, toys, jewellery, and gemstones, prints and paintings, militaria, limoges, perfume bottles, glass and silverware, watches, clocks, Islamic and Asian art, pewter, and perfumes.

There's a superb collection of clothing at the Vintage Mode's velvet-lined fashion emporium where you'll discover vintage fashion, designer dresses, costume jewellery, and accessories from the Victorian era to the '90s.

For book enthusiasts there's antiquarian bookseller's Biblion. Opened in April 1999, Biblion boasts some 20,000 volumes on view and provides an elegant space for its precious classics.

For that well earned pit-stop take stock at Victory Café, an old-school 50s-style snack shop serving tasty English breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, and pastries.

Or sit and watch the giant gold fish bathe in one of the last tributaries of the famous hidden River Tyburn.

By Abbey Stirling/MOLI