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 Repair Cafe

Youthbuild Ventures UK
90 Titmuss Avenue, SE28 8FD
(on road behind The Moorings)

Saturday 12 to 3pm
13 June – Repair Café from 12pm to 3pm, afterwards from 3pm to 4pm there will be a ‘community cuppa and chat’ opportunity
18 July
August - no event
12 September

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

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

Accepted items vary month to month but normally include

  • small electrical items
  • clothing that needs mending

June

  • small costume jewellery

From 3pm to 4pm there will be a community cuppa and chat. Open to everyone already involved in Thamesmead Repair Cafes and anyone who'd like to see what it's about. Grab a cuppa, meet like-minded people and find out more information about these events.

Visit the Eventbrite page for up to date information and too book your item to be fixed - as we are looking to increase our range of items that can be fixed each month.

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

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 london@therestartproject.org or visit Eventbrite.

Booking is highly advised via Eventbrite.

Walk ins are also welcome (12pm to 2.30pm). We will do our best to squeeze you in, but please be aware that we can’t guarantee that a fixer will be available to look at your item. You may also have to wait to be seen by a fixer.

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
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.