Best Markets in London

There are currently around 280 retail markets in London. This is our selection:

Borough Market

The most famous, largest and oldest street market. Next to London Bridge station, the variety and quality of food are superb. Plenty of stands with food from different parts of the world. Pastries, beer, vegetables, ham, cheese, sweets, chocolate, sandwiches, vegetables, coffee, beer and much more. Personally, I recommend the french Raclette. A disadvantage is a number of people, it really gets quite busy.

The retail market operates on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 5pm, Fridays from 10am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 8 am to 5 pm. The wholesale market operates on all weekday mornings from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.

http://boroughmarket.org.uk/

Brick Lane Market

The trendiest (at least it used to be) and coolest. It is getting busier every year, but maintaining its special vibe. Second-hand clothes, antiques, food, street artists, graffitis.

You must visit Cafe 1001 and Big Chill Bar, the most enigmatic pubs in the area. And also the acclaimed  24/7 Beigel Shop called “Beigel Bake“, where you can enjoy a salmon and cheese beigel for £1.60 or the famous beef beigel with British mustard and pickle (Update: they now have a delivery app).  I also recommend the Argentinean empanadas “Chango“. Only on Sundays.

http://www.bricklanemarket.com/

Broadway Market

The subtly hipster. It is small but really nice. No tourists at all. It is next to London Fields park where you can enjoy a BBQ when the weather lets you. On the other end, you can find the Regents Canal, ideal for running, cycling or walk.

I recommend The Dove, which has a wide rotating stock of Belgian, European, and world beers. If the weather is nice, you must visit Pub on the Park. Only on Saturdays.

http://broadwaymarket.co.uk/

Columbia Road Flower Market

Flowers and no food. It gets crowded, but it is worth a visit. It is only 10 minutes away from Brick Lane. If you go there, do not leave without walking next to The Printers and Stationers wine bar.

Most of the times there is live music outside, and you can enjoy good bloody marys and oysters. Only on Sundays.

http://www.columbiaroad.info/flowermarket

Old Spitalfields Market 

Mostly clothes. It is next to Liverpool Street station and 10 minutes away from Brick Lane. Safe to go with rain. Opens every day, and there many options all around, from restaurants to coffee shops, plus cycling stores and more.

http://www.spitalfields.co.uk/

Maltby Street Market

Not as many food as the others, but it’s next to many good breweries such as The Kernel, Fourpure and Brew by Numbers. It is close to Borough Market and Bermondsey station. It takes place around and under railway arches which are always a plus. I recommend visiting the African Vulcano.
Only on Saturdays.

http://www.maltby.st/

Southbank Centre Market

It is next to the river and close to Waterloo station. Decent variety of fresh food and drink. It is a good option if you like eating by the river.  You can also check the Southbank centre for cultural activities.
Opens: Friday, 12 noon – 8pm; Saturday, 11am – 8pm ; Sunday, 12 noon – 6pm ; Monday (bank holidays only), 12 noon – 6pm

http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/festivals-series/markets

Exmouth Market

For lunch on weekdays. It is a tiny street with just a few choices. It worth mentioning it because there is a place called Santore, which serves one of the best Pizza in London, plus other Italian dishes. It is a restaurant so you do not need the market. They sell pizza by meter, and it is delicious. I also recommend their Rotolo Rustico.

http://exmouth.london/

Brixton Market

Better for raw food and well known for African and Caribbean stuff. You can find all types of meat and vegetables. Next to the market you can visit a few very good places around the galleries/arcades. And you can also visit the David Bowie mural.

http://brixtonmarket.net/