God’s Own Junkyard has a funky name but it is a truly fantastic place.
If you are visiting London and you are looking for a place off the beaten track and not mentioned on the guide books, a little eccentric and alternative and that will leave you speechless, you have found it.
God’s Own Junkyard is eccentric by definition, so if you fancy a drink, in a bar that you would never find elsewhere, this place is really for you.
Here you will find the largest and most complete collection of neon signs, created by sir Chris Bracey. These truly astonishing signs have been accumulated in about 40 years, with a whole series of objects that recall scenes from old films.
You will find yourself immersed in retro signs, old discarded lights, abandoned statues, circus lights and much more.
Chris Bracey was known as neon man in his times and he had also been noticed by the big Hollywood producers and soon had the opportunity to work for actors of the caliber of Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.
The creator of these works of art was also noticed by Kubrick and Burton who often included his creations in their films.
Chris passed away in 2014, but his family continues to run the art gallery.
The neon signs in the collection can be rented or bought, some of them are very expensive.
Sipping a drink and looking around, it will not be difficult to spot something that you have certainly already seen in some film or video clip.
God’s Own Junkyard is a true paradise for neon lovers of all kinds.
In every corner, high up hanging from the ceiling, there is a huge collection of neon signs and fluorescent lights inserted in an industrial environment.
This place is a hidden treasure because in addition to being off the beaten tourist track, to reach it you have to take a good walk, but it’s worth it.
God’s own Junkyard has also ended up in Vogue, which wanted it as the set for one of its photoshoots, dedicating one of its iconic covers to it about ten years ago.
If you get hungry, in God’s own Junkyard there is also a coffee bar, The Rolling Scones Cafe Bar, where you can sit on comfortable sofas to drink and eat.
Guess what?
They serve fluorescent color drinks and cocktails which truly recall the neon signs in the exhibit.
Also the food is funky: burgers and more but with an artsy flavour added.
The great thing is also that entrance to the place is free of charge so you can visit any time and come back with friends on a rainy day - and there are many in London!
The venue is open to the public only on weekends though because, for what I understood, they are run by volunteers and therefore they want to cut costs.
The nearest tube station is Walthamstow Central (the last stop on the Victoria line) and then it is about a fifteen minute walk to get there.
Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed inside but you can take photos for personal use with your phone and share them on social media.
God’s Own Junkyard
Even if you are not particularly into neon signs, it is a place to see I think because it’s what London is about: being eccentric with a vintage look, a foot in the future and one in the past, offering something for everyone and every taste.
Neon Museum
