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We love London's markets. The saying "all life is here" is certainly true of
these places as it's a taste of real London that, unless you make the effort to seek out, will only
ever be an unread section in Time Out magazine. Light years away from the glitz of Knightsbridge
shopping, and a million miles from the white chocolate mochaccinos that are Starbucks, they serve
as a rich assault on the senses, combining a heady mix of vivid colours, aromas and
flavours, with
a down-to-earth gritty realism that's unique to the city. Of course, London stalls also hold the
thrill of finding a genuine bargain or two (perhaps that elusive 60s record or a piece of Clarice
Cliff pottery), experiencing the truly bizarre, or just soaking up the unique atmosphere of a
market which, like the one at Borough, may date back to medieval times!
Our London markets guide is arranged by area, so to see what's where, start by
choosing North, South, East or West London. Camden (our favourite set of markets) has its own section, so click here to view
Upper Street, N1, Website: www.camdenpassageislington.co.uk, Tube: Angel,
Show Map
Camden Passage just off Upper Street, Islington (not to be confused with the Camden Town markets)
is a good place to head if you've a penchant for antiques. With a mix of stalls, shops and an
enclosed mall, pitches are normally set up on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while the passage's
permanent shops are open during the week. Of course, once you’ve finished browsing, take a
break in one of the many trendy bars and restaurants that line Upper Street.
Chapel Market, Islington, N1, More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapel_Market, Open: Tue-Sun, 9am-6pm, Tube: Angel,
Show Map
Despite the market's stall holders worrying that Islington's new N1 Centre will adversely affect
their trade, Chapel Market remains (for the time being at least) a popular shopping haunt with
locals and tourists alike. Selling a wide variety of goods, including clothes, fruit/vegetables and
household goods, it's also just a stone's throw from restaurants on Upper Street such as
Walkabout and Cuba Libre.
Farmers' Market
Upper Street, Islington, N1, Website: www.lfm.org.uk, Open: Sun 10am-2pm (opposite Islington
Green), Tube: Angel,
Show Map
Sunday market with a wide-range of produce, including meat and cheeses from farms within 100
miles of London. As well as fruit and vegetables, you'll also find specialist butchers (selling
traditional English sausages), egg sellers, jam stalls, mustards/sauces, ciders, wines and fruit
juices.
Hampstead Community Market
78 Hampstead High Street, NW3, Tel: 020 7794 8313, Open: Tue-Fri, 10am-6pm,
Sat 10am-6pm, Tube: Hampstead,
Show Map
Small, friendly, covered market with upmarket leanings (it focuses mainly on antiques, books and
arts/crafts). Specialist food stalls also feature, each selling a good range of delicatessen foods,
preserves, spices, sauces, pickles and chutneys.
Nags Head
22
Seven Sisters Road, N7 6AG, Tel: 020 7607 3527, Open: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 7am-2pm,
Tube: Holloway Road,
Show Map
An indoor market that's open all week round, with fruit and vegetables, bric-a-brac, records
and novelty gifts. On Wednesdays/Sundays you'll also find stalls selling bargain clothes,
furnishings (including lamp shades, pictures etc), trainers, shoes and other items such as joss
sticks/candles.
Wembley Stadium
Stadium Way, Wembley, HA9, Open: Sun, 9am-3pm, Website: http://www.brent.gov.uk,
Tube: Wembley Park,
Show Map
Wembley's Sunday market, which is held in the car
park opposite Wembley stadium, offers bargains on all types of clothing including sportswear,
T-shirts, ladies fashions, shoes and accessories (such as belts, bags and jewellery). With
over 450 stalls, the market also offers free parking to visitors arriving by car.
Billingsgate Fish Market
Trafalgar Way, Isle of Dogs, E14 5ST, Website: www.billingsgate-market.org.uk,
Open: Tue-Sat 5am-8:30am, Tube: Canary Wharf,
Show Map
If jellied eels, potted shrimps, winkles and cockles all take your fancy, then London's most famous
fish market - Billingsgate - is well worth a visit! As the UKs largest (it covers an area of 13
acres) it trades a huge amount of fish and crustacia each year, in fact over 35, 000 tonnes worth.
Although mainly restaurant owners, hoteliers and those in the catering trade buy here, as its an
open market, members of the public are also welcome.
Brick Lane
Brick
Lane, Cheshire Street and Sclater Street, E1, Tel: 020 7377 8963, Open: Sun 8am-2pm,
Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate
East/Shoreditch,
Show Map
Brick Lane is, of course, an interesting place to visit even when the market's not here, but
Sundays sees the arrival of hundreds of stalls, with clothing, fabrics, bric-a-brac, leather goods,
antiques and furniture all being traded. With worthwhile bargains, some great Bangladeshi
restaurants along the Lane, and Spitalfields nearby too, it all adds up to a pretty good day
out!
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Rd, E1, Tel: 020 7377 8963, Open: Sun 8am-2pm, Website, www.columbia-flower-market.freewebspace.com, Tube: Old Street,
Show Map
One of our favourite London markets and, judging by the crowds that flock here on a Sunday, one of
yours too! A real gardeners delight, Columbia Road's 52 stalls stock all manner of shrubs, cut
flowers, bulbs, trees and accessories at wholesale prices. With charismatic stall holders, great
cafés and some of the best bargains in town, Columbia Road is a fragrant, fun filled
morning, if ever there was one!
Whittington Ave, EC3, Website: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk, Open: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Tube: Bank/Monument,
Show Map
Undoubtedly one of the poshest food markets in town, the restored Victorian splendour of Leadenhall
(in the City of London) offers up a number of gourmet delights, including a first-rate butchers
shop, fishmonger and two pubs! Although, not comparable (as a market) to
Spitalfields, Smithfield
or Billingsgate, the elaborate décor and grandiose design make it a worthwhile visit. Of
course, as well as the range of seafood, cheeses and game on offer, both the Lamb Tavern and The
New Moon also offer a decent pint too!
Leather Lane Market
Leather
Lane, EC1N, Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm, Tube: Chancery Lane/Farringdon,
Show Map
Cheeky chirpy cockneys are two a penny at this Hatton Garden market which stretches all the way
along Leather Lane (between Greville Street and the Clerkenwell Road). Selling everything from
clothes and shoes to jewellery, mobile phone covers and pot plants, its serves as a lunchtime
hangout for City workers, as well as those looking for some real bargains. Not that well-known to
tourists, but certainly worth a look!
Petticoat Lane Market
Middlesex Street and Wentworth Street, Aldgate, E1, Tel: 020 7377 8963,
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petticoat_Lane_Market,
Open: Mon-Fri 10am- 2:30pm, Sun 9am-2pm, Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East,
Show Map
Over 400 hundred years old and still going strong, Petticoat Lane is one of the East End's most
famous (and biggest) markets, comprising of well-over a thousand stalls. Taking up an area in and
around Middlesex St/Wentworth St, Sunday is arguably the best day for bargains on fashions, Asian
fabrics, textiles and jewellery. Haggling is a pre-requisite though, so just make sure you're up to
it!
Ridley Road Market
Ridley Rd, E8, Open: Mon-Wed, 9am-3pm, Thu 9am-midday, Fri/Sat 9am-5pm,
Dalston Kingslane Railway Station,
Show Map
Known to locals as Dalston Market, this is the place to come if you've a penchant for Asian,
African, Caribbean and Mediterranean food stuffs. Sadly, the market has made headlines in recent
months for all the wrong reasons (allegedly illegal bushmeat is easily obtainable if you're a
regular to the market) although that said, it's still a good place to come for cheap fruit 'n'
vegetables, exotic spices and Asian specialities.
Roman Rd Market
Roman
Road, E3, Tel: 020 7377 8963, Website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk,
Open: Tue/Thu/Sat 9am-5.30pm, Tube: Bow Road/Mile End,
Show Map
Great to visit, but a bugger to get to, Roman Rd is a traditional East End market which hails from
the turn-of-the-20th-century. With stalls selling all manner of goods, including fruit 'n'
veg,
beauty products, shoes, clothes, hardware, records, army surplus and souvenirs, its enhanced all
the more by decent food stalls and the East End favourite - pie and mash shops!
Smithfield Market
Smithfield Market, Charterhouse Street, EC1A 9PQ, Tel: 020 7236 8734, Website:
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk, Open: Mon-Fri 4am-midday, Tube: Farringdon/Barbican,
Show Map
Definitely one for the early birds among you, as the City's Smithfield Market opens at 4am in
the morning. While we confess to never visiting at such an unearthly hour, this is when the huge
meat market is in full flight. Every type of meat, poultry, game and offal is sold here, all within
a refurbished, temperature controlled environment. Of course, for those who work here, a good
hearty breakfast is needed to see them through those long dark winter nights, which is perhaps why
local pubs (which have special licensing laws) are able to serve beer and stout from 6am. So, for a
full English breakfast - with pint - try the Cock Tavern (in the market itself) or the late
Victorian Fox and Anchor hostelry (just opposite Smithfield's entrance).
Old Spitalfields Market
Commercial Street, E1, Open: Mon-Fri 11am-3:30pm, Sun 10am-3pm,
Website: www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com,
Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate
East/Shoreditch,
Show Map
Although redevelopment has seen a large chunk of the market disappear in recent years, this late 19th
century market is still a great place to find yummy Italian/French breads, German cheesecakes and organic
food, together with gifts clothing, crafts and knick-knacks. The food court, where most world
cuisines are represented (including Chinese, West Indian and Hungarian) is among the best you'll
find at any London market. If visiting on a Sunday, be sure to visit the Brick Lane market too!
Walthamstow Market
Walthamstow High Street, E17, Website: www.walthamforest.gov.uk,
Open: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Tube: Walthamstow
Central/St James's Central,
Show Map
As Europe's longest street market, Walthamstow boasts over 450 stalls selling everything from
clothing, shoes and costume jewellery to traditional fruit 'n' veg, knick-knacks, fabrics and
books. Along the way you'll find restaurants, cafes and pubs, while on Sundays there are
also farmers/arts and crafts market.
Whitechapel Market
Whitechapel Rd, E1, Open: Mon-Sat, 8am-6pm, Tel: 020 7377 8963,
Tube: Aldgate,
Show Map
Undoubtedly one of the best Asian markets in town, Whitechapel boasts a wide-range of Indian
jewellery, exotic fruits, vegetables, foods and spices, coupled with stalls and shops selling
clothing, fabrics, carpets and fine silk/cotton saris.
Borough Market
8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL, Tel: 020 7402 1002, Website: www.boroughmarket.org.uk, Open: 4am-10am
Mon-Fri (fruit wholesale), midday-6pm Thu-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat (food market) Tube: London Bridge,
Show Map
Borough Market is actually one of London's oldest wholesale fruit and vegetable markets. With a
history dating back to medieval times (when the market was situated on London Bridge) there's
evidence that fruit and vegetables were sold even then, along with goods such as grain and
fish.
With Bankside enjoying a revival in recent years, a number of high-profile
restaurant and retail businesses have been attracted to the area. All this is good news for Borough
Market of course, with the knock-on effect resulting in higher demand for quality fruit and
vegetables. Weekends see the emphasis change from fruit and vegetables to food, including European
specialities, cheeses, meats and more exotic delights.
Bermondsey Market (New Caledonian Market)
Bermondsey Square, SE1, Website: www.visitsouthwark.com,
Open: Friday 6am-2pm, Tube: London
Bridge/Borough,
Show Map
A veritable honey pot for antiques dealers and enthusiasts alike, the New Caledonian Market sells
all manner of paintings, fine arts, furniture and object d'art. Along with the market, you'll also
find outlets/warehouses nearby selling furniture, knick-knacks and antiquities at bargain
prices.
Brixton Market
Brixton, SW9, Tel: 020 7926 2530, More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brixton_Market,
Open (varies): Mon-Sat, 10am-sunset,
Tube: Brixton,
Show Map
Much expanded in recent years, Brixton market comprises of several large areas including (in no
particular order) Brixton Station Rd, Granville Arcade, Electric Avenue, Station Arcade, Market
Row, Brixton arts/craft market and Tunstall Rd.
Along Brixton Station Rd you'll find second-hand clothes, bric-a-brac, records
and exotic fruit 'n' veg, while Electric Avenue is the place to head for Caribbean fish, speciality
foods and meats (along with bargain priced CDs, hardware and toiletries). Arts and crafts are
catered for in the market opposite Brixton Tube, while Market Row (covered) is a good place to
eat/drink or take shelter on a rainy day! Finally, Granville Arcade is your best bet for fish
(fresh and cooked), African foods, spices and Caribbean breads.
Greenwich Market
Church Rd, Greenwich, SE10 9HZ, Tel: 020 8293 3110, Website:
www.greenwich-market.co.uk, Open:
Mon-Sun, 9.30am-5.30pm, DLR Cutty Sark/Greenwich Station,
Show Map
The town's covered market, which dates back to 1830, was originally constructed as part of a town
improvement scheme. And, though it served initially as a general market for Greenwich's townsfolk,
it later specialized in fruit and vegetables before becoming (as it is now) an arts, crafts, book
and record market. Surrounded by a number of pleasant eateries and health food/curiosity shops, it
makes for an interesting detour, particularly if you've already overdosed on culture at Greenwich's
nearby museums. Just around the corner on Stockwell Road is the antiques hall which stocks
everything from furniture and bric-a-brac to second-hand period clothing.
56 Upper Ground, SE1, Tel: 020 7401 2255, Open: Tue-Sun 11am-6pm, Tube: Waterloo,
Show Map
Located between Oxo Tower and the Independent Television Centre, Gabriel's Wharf is a pleasant
collection of cafés, bars and boutiques (which also features a small craft market at
weekends).
Originally slated for redevelopment as an office block, the Wharf was instead
created following objections from local residents. This gave rise to a series of more public
natured projects, with shops, leisure areas and restaurants, headed by the Coin Street Community
Builders. With small outlets making up the bulk of what's on offer, Gabriel's Wharf is
home to the ever-popular Gourmet Pizza Company as well as the London Bicycle Tour Company.
Merton Abbey Mills Market
Watermill Way, off Merantun Way, SW19, Tel: 020 8543 9608, Website: www.merton.gov.uk
and www.mertonabbeymills.com,
Open: Sat & Sun, 10am-5pm, Tube: South Wimbledon,
Show Map Occupying a tranquil spot by the River Wandle (albeit encircled by industrial estates
and a Sainsbury's Savacentre), Merton Abbey Mills is chock full of arts/crafts, antiques,
knick-knacks and handmade furniture. Weekly events comprise of a collectors market (Thursday
8am-midday), antique auction (Thursday morning) and toy collectors fair (phone for details). And,
as the site used to be a silk printing works, there's also a museum dedicated to the mill as it was
during the 19th century.
New Covent Garden Flower Market, Nine Elms
Nine Elms Lane, SW8, Website: www.cgma.gov.uk, Open: Mon-Fri 3am-11am, Sat 4am-10am, Tel: 020 7720
2211, Tube: Vauxhall,
Show Map
An impressive flower market which, having relocated from Covent Garden to this Vauxhall site in
1974, has blossomed (if you pardon the pun) into a truly world-class concern. Whilst conveniently
located near to Vauxhall Tube, you'll still need to get here early to pick up the best blooms. Of
course, as it's not a florists (and technically off limits to tourists and Joe Public) you'll need
to be a trader to do so ;)
South Bank Book Market
Riverside Walk, SE1, Open: Sat/Sun, Midday-7pm, Tube: Waterloo,
Show Map
If truth be told, a collection of stalls rather than a fully-fledged market, but second-hand book
bargains can be found here if you look hard enough. Located right outside the National Film
Theatre, so its certainly easy to find!
East Street Market
East street, Walworth, SE17, Tel: 020-7375 0441, Website: www.southwark.gov.uk,
Open: Tue-Sun, 8am-5pm
(except Thu/Sun, 9am-5pm), Tube: Elephant & Castle,
Show Map
Although less popular than Brixton Market, Walworth Road's East Street equivalent is a good place
to shop for cheap clothes, grooves, fruit 'n' veg, African food and household goods. Whilst not
particularly pretty (especially on a rainy day) it does serve its purpose!
Bayswater Road Market
Bayswater Road (Clarendon Place to Queensway), W2, Open: Sun 10am-6pm,
Tube: Lancaster Gate/Queensway,
Show Map
Set up next to Kensington Gardens every Sunday, this outdoor art market features
watercolours, oil
paintings, sketches/etchings and prints - the vast majority of which are good quality (with some
notable exceptions). Of course, henna tattoos and caricature artists also make an appearance,
although its still a good find in a pleasant part of town!
Chelsea Antiques Market
245-253
Kings Rd, SW3, Open: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Tel: 020 7352 5689, Tube: Sloane Square,
Show Map
A large, well-respected antiques market in fashionable Chelsea, with plenty of first-edition books,
objet d'art, collectables, costume jewellery, clocks, watches and furniture. Prices are generally
higher than elsewhere in London, although more modestly priced pieces can also be found.
North End Rd, Fulham
North
End Road, SW6, Open: Mon- Sat, 8am-6pm, Tel: 020 8748 3020 Tube: Fulham Broadway,
Show Map
A good spot to pick up basic fruit and vegetables, although more exotic fruits and foods also
feature. Cheap clothing, knick-knacks, CDs, videos and records all get a look in too. £2
million facelift due for 2003.
Portobello Road, W11, Tel: 020 7375 0441, Website: www.portobelloroad.co.uk,
Tube: Ladbroke
Grove/Notting Hill Gate, Show Map
Still the biggest market in London (indeed probably the world) with more than one and a half
thousand stall holders and a number of enclosed arcades. The market is primarily associated with
the antiques trade, but is also a great place to find almost anything, particularly clothes and
second-hand records.
Most of the action takes place from 8.30am on Saturday and by mid-afternoon a fair number of
traders will have called it a day and headed for home after a successful day's trading. However,
during the week there's still a fair bit of activity, particularly in the surrounding
arcades.
For more information visit the market's official website (see above) which has a wealth of
information on traders here, many of whom have signed up to a code of practice put together by the
Portobello Antique dealers association (PADA). This sets out how traders should conduct their
business, which can only be applauded as a benefit to potential customers.
Shepherd's Bush Market
Uxbridge Rd and Goldhawk Rd, W12, Open: Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat 8.30am-6pm, Sun
8.30am-3pm, Tube: Shepherd's Bush/Goldhawk Rd, Show Map
Dating back to the early part of the last century, Shepherd's Bush Market stands on the East side
of the railway viaduct between Uxbridge Rd and Goldhawk Rd. Serving both the local Irish and
Afro-Caribbean community, it's a good place to head for music CDs, fresh and cooked foods, yams and
other exotic fruits plus household goods and furnishings.
Camden Market
 Vying with Portobello Road for the title of
London's most popular market, there are actually a number of distinct markets in Camden which
combine to give the visitor a great day out and bargains galore. Unsurprisingly, the most popular
day to visit is Saturday (on our most recent visit the place was absolutely heaving with locals and
tourists alike). Indeed, the Tube station at Camden Town was closed to avoid congestion, so you may
well find that a walk down to Mornington Crescent is necessary for your return journey. But don't
let that dissuade you from visiting!
The markets can be divided up as follows:-
Camden Buck Street Market
A large green and yellow sign highlights this popular and crowded market whose
stall holders deal primarily in clothes and second-hand records. There's also a couple of fast food
stalls here, just in case you need food on the run. Open from Thursday to Saturday.
Inverness Street
Primarily a fruit 'n' veg market with a couple of stalls selling London
souvenirs such as T-Shirts, scarves and the like.
Camden Canal Market
 This narrow passage way, which leads down towards the canal, plays host to
numerous stalls selling bric-a-brac (junk or trendy stuff depending on your point of view)
jewellery, gifts, clothes, collectables, records and some antiques.
Over 150 in total, with a good
selection of take-away food as well. Only operates at weekends (including Friday).
Camden Lock Market
An excellent mix of goods both in the main courtyard by the lock and the
renovated buildings that surround it. Trendy fashions, masses of craft goods, many with an ethnic
flavour, leatherwear and antiques.
Stables Market
 Our favourite part of the overall Camden "experience" and a real
attack on the senses, but in the best possible way. Housed in a historical horse stable complex
(which dates back to 1854), you’ll find an impressive variety of fashion ranging from
goth,
fetish and cyberpunk to vintage, retro and second-hand. In addition, the market's old horse
hospital houses masses of music stalls selling everything from drum 'n' bass to jazz,
plus leather goods, antiques and other accessories. What's more, your taste buds are tempted all
the while by the smell of food (including Japanese, Chinese and Caribbean). Served also by Chalk
Farm Tube.
In addition to the markets, Camden High Street also has some of the trendiest
fashion shops in town and shop front décors which have to be seen to be believed!
For more information visit www.camdenlock.net which also has information on nearby pubs, restaurants and
local venues.
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