Lacking Balance: a ‘One Legged Jockey’ review

Since moving to Portsmouth from Birmingham I have taken it upon myself to visit as many second-hand shops as possible in the vicinity of my accommodation. One of which was the ‘One-Legged Jockey’ located on Marmion Road..

What does the name tell you?

The name tells me that the store is unique. However, it seems prone to collapse in on itself; unable to have solid feet to stand on with clothes and items filling every available space. Altogether the store has a claustrophobic atmosphere as if it’s a recreation of Pan’s labyrinth.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this maze was created because they do not know what else to do with the vast range of stock they have, from cowboy-esque attire to 80s fashion as well as items like lamps and alarm clocks among other things. But to their benefit, it also means that as a customer you are sure to find something that catches your eye.

However, this wide range is also a downside of the store because having as much variation as they do in the crowded store means you have no clue where to look.

Personally, the experience was pretty overwhelming, constantly bumping into things, and paranoid that I was going to knock something over. This resulted in a 2.5 score out of 5 because although there were a few good finds the immense quantity of stock meant these finds were few and far between. Although, due to the selection you are sure to find at least one thing you like.

Regardless the store isn’t necessarily friendly for a student budget, or rather the items that I liked were not friendly for my particular budget.

For you, the store may be just what you’re looking for if you like the aesthetic of what the store owners may call an ‘organised mess’.