Today we talk about London street markets! Most are know, but many others are smaller and less known from tourists.
1.
Portobello market is another one that I love. This is where I found my vintage necklace that I never take off. Take the tube and get out at Notting Hill Gate. This market is varied, at first you will find more vintage stalls, vinyls, jewellery, toy soldiers or leather shoes and gloves that will take you back to the early 1900’s. The further you go the more the theme will shift towards food – as usual – but also towards gardening, you can find flowers and plants of all kinds! My advice is to avoid the weekend, or you will find it impossible to walk.
2.
Brick Lane market is know because you’ll breathe the air full of spices typical of traditional Indian markets. First important clarification, the Brick Lane market takes place only on Sundays and it’s in East London. Its stalls are a paradise for all lovers of vintage or, in general, of what is second-hand. In addition, Rough Trade, a store of records, vinyls, books and now also a bar, is a must for music lovers, who could lose the whole day there. Whatever genre or record you are looking for there you will find it. But arm yourself with patience because there are many things to look at, and the crowds there don’t help either. As far as food is concerned, this market is definitely right – like any other -: there are several stalls along the street and especially there are two stands – indoor – with food specialties from around the world.
Nearby there’s also the entrance to Spitafield Market, another covered market, whose surroundings are characterised by very special furniture stores that I love!
3.
Borough Market is a must. Fresh food, but also street food stalls for every taste and preference. For the health-conscious, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish or meat, ostrich eggs or grass centrifuges, bread and cheese, red velvet or cupcakes, different types of cereals or jams or even honey and much, much more. Whenever I’m in London it’s my favorite stop and every time I change the menu. You also have the luck that it is open every day and I recommend going there in the morning, for lunchtime, because you can still enjoy everything.
4.
Columbia Market is probably the most renowned flower market in London and being very close to Brick Lane, it creates the perfect Sunday afternoon pairing. The market is tiny but very cute and traditional. Do not expect anything but flowers and florists who, wearing the traditional green apron.
5.
Among the markets Broadway Merket is perhaps the trendiest or at least the one where you can meet people dressed in a more eccentric way to keep up with the latest trends in London. It’s not as big as the Brick Lane market but it has the advantage of being close to the London Fields park and in a street, Broadway market, with pubs, cafes and restaurants that will make you fall in love with London. Here you will find dozens of stalls with delicious food specialties and, in some cases, cooked in front of your eyes. Leaving the park and continuing towards the end of the market you will also find the inevitable stalls with second-hand clothes and kitschy objects, although nothing comparable to Brick Lane.
6.
Covent Garden market is a covered market, a gallery on two floors where you can find stores full of souvenirs or collectibles. If you feel like eating something tasty, there are street vendors selling waffles and all kinds of sweets, but also English specialties to be enjoyed while sitting at a table, while below the stairs the opera or the violinist are performing. You can find many shops, in particular Whittard of Chelsea, Ben’s Cookies, and finally Stanfords Map and Travel. Sherlock Holmes and Byron have passed through this historic emporium, dating back to around 1840, so you can’t help but pass by.
7.
Camden Town, the English Venice. To reach the neighbourhood, just get off at the black subway station of the same name: Camden Town. The stores have colourful signs and giant reproducing the products that are sold in 3D, also most are dark or punk. Camden Lock is the main market, which overlooks the Regent’s Canal. You should know that Camden is famous for the amount of things you can find there. Do you have in mind an object that you have seen on the Internet and that you have wanted for a long time? Or do you want to get a tattoo? Everything is possible here. The central part is mainly composed of food stalls: from sweets to savory things, for vegetarians, vegans or carnivores, for those who are healthy or for those who do not do anything with their diet. As before, everything you’ve dreamed of eating could become reality as you’ll find products from any country in the world. Obviously, as a sweet lover, I found my paradise in Camden Lock Place, where, in addition to Chinese food – in particular at the Horse Tunnel Market – you can find a cart of only donuts and doughnuts of any taste and filling for one or two pounds. Yumchaa tea is my favorite place: typical English, small but cozy and with metal tables outside. You’ll see vintage shops too!
8.
Chalk Farm is another market northern from Camden: the Stables Market. If it is a nice day, walk along the Regent’s Canal, which in a few kilometres will take you to Regent’s Park. Along the way you may see the Pirate Castle and also the Chinese restaurant in the shape of a boat, which is very famous.
9.
Piccadilly Market is the last, but not least, London street market that I propose. It’s in the heart of London, in Piccadilly Street and just before Fortnum & Mason, is vibrant and charming and is set up in front of St James’s Church – built by Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral. Here as in each you will find food, art, jewelry or handicrafts, antiques, collectibles and prints of London. It’s perfect for spending an afternoon looking for the perfect gift.
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