Repair Cafes

From January 2026, two repair cafes will open their doors in the borough.

Repair cafes are community events where residents can bring along items that are broken to be fixed, helping people to save money. It also helps to reduce the environmental impact of needing new resources by making items last longer.

All repairs are done free of charge whilst you wait. You can watch and learn how to fix items, or you can grab a cup of tea while the fixers get mending.

The types of items that can be fixed are dependent upon the fixer's skills, the tools and spare parts available. Currently, both repair cafes will focus on small electrical items such as toasters, irons, radios, air fryers, blenders and lamps. Please visit the repair cafe pages/this page for updates on items that can be repaired at the events.

The two repair cafes are in Sidcup and Thamesmead, and both will run a monthly session until at least April 2026.

Each cafe works slightly differently, so please read more below.

Thamesmead Repair Cafe

Sporting Club Thamesmead, Bayliss Avenue, SE28 8NJ
Saturday 21 February, 21 March and 11 April  
12pm to 3pm  

Items that can be fixed are:

  • small electrical items
  • clothing

This cafe is being organised in partnership with Bexley Council, Cory and Peabody. It is currently funded by Lovell, in partnership with repair and reuse social enterprise The Restart Project.

Social enterprise, Kundakala, will also be on hand to carry out repairs to clothing. They also offer a free sewing alterations service.

Thamesmead Repair Cafe is unable to repair mobile phones, tablets or laptop screens without the replacement parts. E-bikes, e-scooters, and other items with large battery packs, as well as microwaves, power tools, and large appliances that can’t be carried by hand, are also unsuitable for repair.

To check if your item is suitable for repair and book a repair slot, email ravneet.singh@peabody.org.uk or via the Eventbrite website.

Booking is not essential, and walk-ins are welcome.

If you are interested in volunteering at these events, please email wasteteam@bexley.gov.uk or visit the available roles below:

Repair Cafe Sidcup

St. Lawrence Community Centre, 109 Main Road, Sidcup, DA14 6ND
Third Saturday of the month
17 January, 21 February, 21 March, 18 April and 16 May (please check the Sidcup Rotary Club website for any date changes)
2pm to 5pm

Items that can be fixed are:

  • small electrical items
  • small woodwork repairs
  • clothing and fabrics requiring mending

There’s no charge for repairs, but donations are welcome to help support the project.

For more information, visit the Sidcup Rotary Club website or email repaircafesidcup@gmail.com.

Could You Be a Repairer or Volunteer?

We’re also building a team of helpers. If you have practical repair skills – small electricals, simple woodwork, fabric repairs, or experience restoring cherished items – we’d love to hear from you.

We also welcome volunteers to assist with organisation, hospitality, and greeting visitors on the day. You don’t need to be an expert – just willing to get involved.

To learn more, email repaircafesidcup@gmail.com or call on 07949 550252.