An avid lover of vintage and flea markets, I was excited to hear about Cardiff Indoor Flea Market when I first moved back to Cardiff. Located on an unassuming industrial estate on the edge of the city centre, the market isn’t a place that most people would stumble upon. However, word gets around this small city and I’d been hearing good reviews about it when I first visited at the end of last year.

As with all markets, my shopping experience has been hit and miss. One of my early trips resulted in a much-treasured chest of drawers and a handmade vintage bike frame (made here in Cardiff, no less!).  I’ve left empty-handed a couple of times since my first visit. However, during my most recent trip I found a lovely Lloyd Loom chair and laundry bin at a very reasonable price. The stall holder also had a cute 1950s blue formica table which I reluctantly left behind.

As well as furniture, the market has a good selection of second-hand books with several stalls devoted to them, as well as vintage clothing. Be prepared to spend a while perusing displays and rummaging through bargain boxes!

The Nostalgia Cafe inside the market provides a welcome rest stop if you’re in need of sustenance or a bit of time to ponder which of those 1960s lamps to buy. It has a compact menu of old favourites such as bacon and sausage sandwiches as well as a selection of tea and cakes.

A recent addition to the market’s offering is a weekly auction. The list of items is published online prior to the auction; the most recent one including a brass dinner gong, some vintage framed maps and three vintage bikes. I’ve not dared visit yet but I’m sure it won’t be long before I find myself there on a Sunday with my bidding hat on!

Images by Rachel Baker