An expanded second edition of its street market is planned, while Alfies Antique Market is to launch a new area for Middle Eastern art, antiques and design next month.
The street in Lisson Grove, close to the Marylebone area, has increased the number of art, antiques and design-focused shops recently following a difficult period for the area.
The Church Street Decorative Arts Dealers’ Group has worked alongside Alfies to improve the street.
Bennie Gray, who owns and runs Alfies, said: “This area has grown organically and Westminster council are working with us to promote Church Street as an art and antiques destination.”
The new section in Alfies will provide space for around 25 antiques dealers across 4500sq ft in the refurbished lower-ground and ground floor. It will be named AlFayez.
The initial 20-plus dealers to open in the space are predominantly from Grays Mews in central London. The Mews, also run by Gray, is closing at the end of May.
Gray said: “This is an existing community of Middle Eastern specialist dealers but we will also welcome new ones.
“The area around Alfies along the Edgware Road is now a Middle Eastern hub and this new space reflects that change in the area.”
Dealers to move include Solaimani Gallery, Garo Kürkman and Habibi Oriental Antiques. Prices for items will range from £100-100,000.
As part of the refurbishment, Gray has commissioned a sculpture of a roc, an Arabic mythical bird, for a new glass staircase entrance, and will open a souk-themed coffee lounge.
The area will open from early June but a launch party is planned later that month after Ramadan.
The Church Street market event – called Antiques Anonymous Street Market – has expanded from 50 dealers at the first event last September to more than 70 dealers planned for the June 24 event.
Dealers will stall out on the street alongside food stalls and live music.
