Gods Own Junkyard: a Neon Wonderland in London’s E17

Last updated on October 3rd, 2023 at 08:50 pm

Gods Own Junkyard; Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London, E17 9HQ

One Sunday, with a completely free day ahead and fuelled by a desire to explore, we jumped on the Victoria line towards Gods Own Junkyard, London. I’ve got a ‘London bucket list’ on my phone which this neon light haven has sat on forever, so I was pumped. 

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What is Gods Own Junkyard?

In the depths of an industrial estate in Walthamstow, E17, hides a container full of neon gems and film props. If you haven’t seen it on Instagram or featured on a blog then where have you been? It truly is a spectacular sight to see. But maybe don’t visit when you’re hungover as it probably wouldn’t be as enchanting if your head was a bit delicate. There’s nothing “to do” there as such, it’s a place to take it all in, marvel in the art, and get loads of snaps.

The personal collection of late owner Chris Bracey; salvaged signs, reclaimed neon lights, old movie props and retro displays light up every corner of the warehouse-type space. Chris made, installed and collected signs that have appeared behind some of the greatest stars on the big screen. Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut, Johnny Depp in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Jack Nicholson in Batman are just a few famous faces to have appeared next to the neon signs featuring in E17. Once films have wrapped, the neon lights are just another part of the set which are no longer needed. Not bearing to see them discarded, Chris began to collect these neon and bulb icons as well as salvage neon advertising from the streets (yes, many a Soho sex shop sign hang in Gods own Junkyard).

“Repaired and resurrected, coupled with quirky art and powered up to shine like jewels of light. Icons in their own right, Gods own junk yard where neon never dies”

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How much does Gods Own Junkyard cost?

In a city known for being expensive, it’s so nice to report that something as amazing as Gods Own Junkyard is free! Just wander on in and marvel at the art.

However, if you wish to take professional photos then this will cost you a pretty penny. Anything other than a camera on a handheld device isn’t permitted for use during the normal Gods Own Junkyard opening times. To take photos on anything other than a phone you will need to return during the week by appointment, which is charged by the hour. Also worth noting that all photos taken are for personal and social media use only.

Hosting a wedding or party that would benefit from some neon art? There’s great news in that you can hire the art at Gods Own Junkyard by the week, however this will set you back around £150+ per week. We can’t help but wander what type of events some of the signs are used at however, got much use for a ‘massage parlour’ or ‘live show’ sign anyone?!

The Rolling Scones Cafe

In the back corner of God’s Own Junkyard is the ‘Rolling Scones’ cafe (100% gets our vote for the best named cafe), selling cream tea, cakes, hot drinks, snacks and alcoholic beverages. Sadly we had eaten lunch just before we arrived but there were loads of cosy sofas and people taking advantage of the opportunity to chill amongst the lights.

Also on the industrial estate is Mother’s Ruin Gin Palace for a cocktail or G&T, Wild Card Brewery Barrel Store, Pillars Brewery and The Real Al Company and Trap Taproom serving ciders as well as beers, gins and wines; plenty of opportunities for a lil’ afternoon drink. It would be a lovely idea to visit Gods Own Junkyard on a summers’ day and spend the rest of the afternoon on a mini bar crawl as the sun sets. Dreamy.

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The overall Gods Own Junkyard verdict

We tied God’s Own Junkyard into a whole day out; after wandering down Walthamstow high street and popping in a couple of shops we headed to Turtle Bay for lunch and some 2 for 1 cocktails. Although had we known the array of food and drinks available on the Ravenswood Industrial Estate, we would have waited to eat there. From Walthamstow High Street we then walked the fifteen minutes or so to Gods Own Junkyard. Be sure to follow maps as I don’t think you would just stumble across the industrial estate otherwise! We would recommend tying a visit in with a day out; that train journey out to E17 is a pretty long one from other parts of London…

Gods Own Junkyard is a must-see in London; we defy anyone to not be impressed. Have you visited Gods Own Junkyard, or been anywhere like this? Let us know below! 

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📍 Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London, E17 9HQ
⏰ Friday/ Saturday 11am – 9pm; Sunday 11am – 6pm
🌐 https://www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk
🚆 Walthamstow Central; Walthamstow Queen’s Road
💵 Entry: free

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