From an old market dating back 1,000 years to contemporary spots serving street food from around the world, London’s market scene is a cut above the rest. Whether you want to stock up on fresh, local produce or you’re just looking to sample cuisine from a country you’ve never tried before, you can do this at many of the capital’s markets. Here’s our guide to the best local markets to visit in London.
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(WA=Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of Maltby Street Market
Maltby Street Market
First on our rundown of the best local markets to visit in London is Maltby Street Market, nestled beneath the railway arches in Bermondsey, which comes to life on the weekend with an array of street food vendors serving dishes from all around the world. It’s small, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch when it comes to stalls; From La Pepia’s iconic rainbow arepas to charcoal-grilled beef by The Beefsteaks, any foodie will have a field day at Maltby. The market also hosts rotating guest traders, adding even more variety to the delicious offerings. Besides the food scene, the surrounding arches house various shops and boutiques and also sits within the Bermondsey Beer Mile. Post-lunch pint, anyone?
Maltby Street Market | Bermondsey
Image Courtesy of Broadway Market
Broadway Market
Broadway Market, situated in Hackney on a classic Victorian street, offers a plethora of tasty street food stalls, fresh produce, and much more every Saturday and a food-only market on Sundays. There are also plenty of boutique shops, cute cafés and independent restaurants open every day of the week from morning until evening, such as boutique clothes shops and more. Dating back to 1,000 BC, this historical market has withstood challenges throughout the centuries, finally reviving in 2004, now home to over 150 traders. The market is stocked for all tastes, from international street food to fresh fruits, cured meats, and artisanal products. There are also vintage clothing stalls, books, art, and more alongside the food stalls.
Broadway Market | London Fields | WA
Image Courtesy of Netil Market
Netil Market
Netil Market is a small London Fields-based artisanal market that can be found tucked away in a side alley, where a diverse range of street food vendors, independent shops, service providers, and even an independent radio station are situated. Enjoy a bite to eat from any of the stalls; there’s everything from soft serve ice cream by Soft & Swirly and hand-rolled sourdough bagels by The Bagel Guys to juicy burgers by Lucky Chip, amongst more. It’s all best enjoyed on one of the shared tables or on the sun terrace, where you can watch the market bustling below you.
Netil Market | Hackney
Image Courtesy of Brixton Village and Market Row
Brixton Village and Market Row
Brixton Village and Market Row is essentially one huge market area, with adjacent covered areas in Brixton and more farmers’ and community markets nearby. You should head here if you’re seeking a culinary trip around the world without having to travel too far. They stock a variety of international foods, from Europe and India to Asia, South America and beyond, so stocking up on delicacies and produce from each country is easier than ever. Whether you’re looking for traditional Chinese medicine, an African rug or a bunch of second-hand treasures, you’ll likely find it here. It also houses some of the city’s finest cafes, restaurants, and bars. From the aromatic Caribbean cuisine served at Fish, Wings & Tings and the authentic Nepalese dumplings at House of Momo to the Michelin-starred kebabs from Le Bab, there’s something to suit every palate, along with many other enticing options.
Brixton Village and Market Row | Brixton | WA
Image Courtesy of Acklam Village Market
Acklam Village Market
Indulge in worldwide flavours at Acklam Village Market at the upper end of Portobello Road. Feast on all kinds of treats on the weekend, from African and Chinese to Cuban, English, French, Palestinian, Peruvian and more, best enjoyed in the adjoining semi-open space. It’s also a hotspot for entertainment; the bar under the Westway has free entry and hosts various musical performances, such as jazz, blues and samba nights.
Acklam Village Market | Notting Hill
Image Courtesy of Victoria Park Market
Victoria Park Market
Every Sunday, a part of Victoria Park transforms into the bustling Victoria Park Market, where you can enjoy dishes served by some of the city’s top vendors or stock up on tasty essentials. There’s everything from freshly baked goods and fresh fruit and veg to coffees, street food, desserts and even a bone broth stall. It’s a stone’s throw from the park’s picturesque lake, so we recommend grabbing something to eat, picking up a coffee from Pavilion and sitting to enjoy your treats with a view over the water.
Victoria Park Market | Victoria Park | WA
Image Courtesy of Columbia Flower Market
Columbia Road Flower Market
We can’t write a list of the best local markets to visit in London without including Columbia Road Flower Market. Every Sunday, the street is transformed into a leafy display of flowers and foliage from suppliers around the country. Pick up some blooms and take the iconic Instagram shot holding your perfectly wrapped bunch before heading into one of the street’s cafes for a cup of something hot. The street is also home to sixty independent businesses, from small art galleries and vintage clothes shops to bakeries and more. You’ll also be able to enjoy the melody of local buskers thrumming in the air.
Columbia Road Flower Market | Shoreditch | WA
Image Courtesy of Borough Market
Borough Market
Last on our list of the best local markets to visit in London is Borough Market, which might be one of the more obvious must-visit markets, but that’s because it’s one of the most iconic in the city. It’s London’s oldest market, with records dating back around 1,000 years. Today, it’s a bustling hot spot where tourists and locals come to sample the excellent selection of street food, stock up on fresh, local produce and take in the buzzy atmosphere of this age-old Art Deco-style market. Whether you’re after UK cheese, fresh fruit and veg or hard-to-find ingredients, Borough Market comes freshly stocked throughout the week. Enjoy a sit-down meal at any of the bordering restaurants or soak up the market vibe by grabbing something from one of the street food traders; there’s everything from Indian and Chinese to Mexican, veggie and more.
One of the best ways to experience the market and get a taste of all the delicious treats on offer here is by heading on a Borough Market Tour with Eating Europe. You’ll learn all about the market’s incredible history while wandering the historical backstreets surrounding the area. Then, you’ll get to enjoy trying some of the best produce and street food from the 100-plus market stalls that make up Borough Market. You’ll even get to sink a pint at of classic English cider.
Borough Market | London Bridge | WA
Not sure how to fit these amazing local London markets into your London itinerary? We’ve got you covered. Every market listed here is included in our London itineraries and our locally-curated Casual Tourist Guides. Both created by knowledgeable Londoners, these guides, which include digital maps and much more, will ensure you have a London trip your friends are jealous of without the DAYS of researching usually required. See all of our London guides in our Love and London shop.
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