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- Good for Children:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
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6 reviews for Relics
All Reviews
Relics
17/2/2010
1 photo
Oh, my beloved Relics. There was a rumour last year that this cave of wonders was going to be bulldozed in favour of erecting yet another 'shopping complex' but since newspaper coverage is lying dormant on this factor, I hope and pray that Ruthven Lane is safe (and don't want to spark further unrest with fans of this wonderful place).
The term 'anything but the kitchen sink' was invented for this establishment. In fact, I'm pretty sure it would've played host to a tin kitchen sink at some point in its' lifetime . Peeking out at the end of the lane is the fabulous Relics, a treasure trove of oddities and rarities. Outside there usually lies a mound of wicker chairs that local cats lounge on, and mirrors. To your right, before you've even entered the shop, there is a mountain of books, old comics and, if you're lucky, brown lampshades. Once you're inside, the place is literally crammed with the biggest assortment of goods from every era imaginable, from every country imaginable, and it is a glorious assault to the senses. The books smell of age, the goods are well-worn and wonderful. Their lamp collection hangs in angles from the ceiling and everything looks like it's about to topple at any second (beware the bulls in a china shop) but despite all that, their collection is for the most part in really good condition.
In my many visits to Relics I have bought a lamp with a Ceramic Dutch girl on it, Penthouse magazine circa 1975 (the FHM of its day), a cushion from the 60s and enough crockey to host a dinner party for 500. I have also gawked over a silver wicker chair and a lifesized Frankenstein model made out of seashells. I still rue the day I didn't buy these very, very reasonably priced items. The experience of Relics is as rare as its goods.
Listed in: All The Young Dudes, There's no one quite like…, Timeless Treasures
Relics
19/2/2010
The knack of a finding treasure in someone else's cast offs has not been given to me. When I look at the pile of junk sprawled outside Relics in Ruthven Lane, I just think, "someone else's cast offs."
I appreciate all the rave reviews before me, but would you really be waxing lyrically about that cracked china teapot if it was sitting in the shelf of a pound shop, not a "vintage" West End store.
Maybe I'm just cynical. But give me Ikea any day.
Relics
6/12/2009
I'm very fond of Relics, the shop itself is a little reminiscent of the book shop owned by Bernard Black in the TV series Black Books but only because it is absolutely bursting at the seems with awesome stuff all of it second hand or vintage from fire place guards to childs bicycles the spectrum of items is astounding.
If I ever become a real person who buys things for there house it is my intention to buy as much as I can from here. The shop owner is friendly, wise and willing to bargain.
A really interesting shop, good fun to be in. Well worth a visit.
Relics
4/2/2010
2 photos
Legends has it you do not fully qualify for your West End passport unless at least one item of your house comes from Relics.
Now, where do I begin with this place? Well on my last visit, a lampshade emblazoned with "Harp Lager" was sitting on top of a Beano album. A school bag, and by that I mean a bag with an actual school's name printed on it, was balancing on some fairly expensive looking china and a Scottish Premier League football album was nestled inbetween. In other words, this is where you get everything and anything.
Ordered, this shop is not. But Westenders tend to love its ramshackle appearance and revel in scouring through the heaps of, to my untrained eye at least, junk in search of a bargain. I guess it's an acquired taste.
For me, I like my shops to be simple and have price tags. I guess I'll just have to make do with my temporary West End visa for the time being.
Relics
23/9/2009
If you fancy taking a walk down memory lane, then take a walk down Ruthven Lane, because at the bottom lies Relics, an unbelieveably cluttered antiques shop with gadgets and gizmoes that will take you back to your childhood.
Within five minutes of walking into the shop I'd seen a biscuit tin that my gran had in her kitchen when I was little (memories of stealing the biscuits came to mind), along with an old retro lamp stand I can't believe my parents once owned.
You're bound to find something recognisable, however Relics isn't just for window-shopping; you will want to buy something! There's a good selection of prints and posters and retro crockery- you can stock up your cupboards fairly cheaply and reminis about the days before IKEA at the same time.
Relics
5/9/2009
1 photo
Relics is the most wonderful little place. Every single student/artist/tourist can find something wonderful in this tiny shop. Hidden at the end of the Ruthven Mews lane and then in a wierd kind of miniature shopping centre which houses only independent shops, is Relics.
Owner Stephen is lovely and always willing to impart his knowledge. They sell everything. From photographs of other peoples' weddings to vintage tellephones to World War 2 medals. Everything. And there are some really great finds to be made. They're very good for typewriters as well. Everything is quite expensive but if you're confident about it, you can actually often haggle over the price of things. Even if you're not wanting to shop, everyone should definately see this crowded little shop once.
