Repair Cafes

Bexley now has two repair cafes, one in Thamesmead and the other in Sidcup

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 run a monthly session.

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

Thamesmead Community Repair Cafe

Next Cafe
Saturday 12 September, 12noon to 3pm
Youthbuild Ventures UK, 90 Titmuss Avenue, SE28 8FD (on road behind The Moorings)

New Venue (from October 2026)
Sporting Club Thamesmead
Bayliss Avenue
SE28 8NJ

Last Saturday of the month (except December), 1pm to 4pm.

  • 31 October
  • 28 November
  • 5 December (to be confirmed)
  • 30 January
  • 27 February
  • 27 March
  • 24 April

Bookings for the repair cafe open approximately one month prior to the event.

Items that are commonly accepted:

  • Small electrical items - toasters, lamps, vacuum cleaners - bring any accessories such as light bulbs
  • clothing - mending rips, tears, buttons
  • small items of furniture - wobbly chairs, loose joints

Accepted items can vary from month to month, please check our Eventbrite page for the most up-to-date information and to book your place.

Booking in advance via Eventbrite is highly recommended.

Book now

Walk-ins are also welcome up to 30 minutes before the end of the session. We’ll do our best to accommodate you, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee a fixer will be available to look at your item. You may also need to wait to be seen.

For up to date information, to become a fixer or to volunteer, contact wasteteam@bexley.gov.uk.

This cafe is being organised in partnership with Bexley Council, Cory and Peabody, Greenwich Council, with repair and reuse social enterprise The Restart Project and volunteers.

Thamesmead Repair Cafe is unable to repair mobile phones, tablets or laptop screens without 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.

We are interested in expanding the types of items that can be fixed from toys to bikes and beyond! If you are interested in volunteering at these events, please email wasteteam@bexley.gov.uk or visit the available roles:

Repair Cafe Sidcup

St. Lawrence Community Centre, 109 Main Road, Sidcup, DA14 6ND
Third Saturday of the month
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.