Think of London, and images of red buses, black cabs, and Sherlock Holmes probably come to mind. But the capital of England also happens to be home to some of the best food markets in the world. Whether looking for a new gastronomic experience or simply trying to save some cash, London’s food markets will not disappoint.
There is something for every taste, from quaint indoor markets hidden away in the city’s labyrinthine alleyways to sprawling outdoor markets popular with tourists and locals alike. So, whether you’re an avid foodie or love good value for money, keep reading for our list of the best food markets in London.
Borough Market
The Borough Market must be on your go-to list. Why? Well… don’t you want to enjoy delicious food with the most famous London bridge alongside?
Borough Market is a London landmark and is ranked by many as the best London food market. Built in 1756, it is the oldest market hall in London. It is an indoor food market located in Borough High Street, Bermondsey, that dates back to medieval times.
In the 19th century, a significant transformation occurred as the Market swiftly grew, evolving into a nationally important institution focused entirely on the wholesale trade of fruits and vegetables.
With the business’s success, the Market expanded its territory to include the area known as the Green Market and subsequently acquired and cleared the structures on Winchester Walk to pave the path for what is currently Jubilee Place.
It Offers
The Borough Market London is a bustling marketplace with butchers, fishmongers, bakers, and many other merchants selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and household goods.
In addition, restaurants and pubs are serving tapas-style snacks and meals. There is also a children’s play area and the Bermondsey Square Garden with its famous statue of a man on a horse carrying a bundle of vegetables on his back.
2. Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields Market is a covered food market in Spitalfields, Central London. It is the oldest market in London and started its journey in 1666 after the Great Fire of London. The present-day market consists of two buildings: Grade II listed Victorian indoor market hall and Grade II listed outdoor marketplace with stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, plants, and fish.
In addition to stalls, there are several restaurants and cafes. It is open every day but on Tuesdays (except when there is a holiday), from 8 am to 6 pm.
Part of London’s most prominent food districts
The market sells fruit and vegetables from local growers and meat, fish, and cheese from independent producers.
Spitalfields Market is part of a group of markets known as the Brick Lane Food Mile, which includes nearby Petticoat Lane Market, Brick Lane Food Centre, the Old Spitalfields Market, and Whitechapel Food Market. Together, they form one of London’s most prominent food districts.
Major Attractions
Also, while many tourists visit London to see Big Ben, the real adventure is outside your front door. This area has many pubs and restaurants, so it’s a great place to spend the day.
Many famous people have called Spitalfields home over the years. From William Morris to Paul McCartney, you can see where they lived and worked right around the corner! Spitalfields offers plenty, even if you’re not into arts and crafts or history. Shopping is vital here, so tour before deciding where to eat or shop next!
3. Brick Lane Market
The Brick Lane Market is a traditional open-air market near Brick Lane in the East End of London. It has been operating since the 17th century and is one of the oldest markets in Europe.
Today, it is home to over 300 different stalls selling food, clothing, and household items. The Market is also famous as the setting for Anthony Minghella’s award-winning film “Breaking the Waves”.
Fresh Produce and Plenty of Stalls
The market is well known for its produce, including fresh fish and shellfish, fruit and vegetables, bread and pastries, cheeses and sausages, and even pickles! Plenty of cafes and restaurants allow visitors to enjoy a bite if hungry.
There are many other things to see at the Brick Lane Market: Many tourists shop for souvenirs; plenty of stalls sell clothing, jewellery, and artwork.
You can also visit the nearby Museum of London for an insight into London’s history; there are also a variety of other museums and cultural attractions nearby. And if you’re looking for somewhere to eat after shopping at the market, plenty of restaurants are on offer.
4. Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is one of the most famous London markets. It’s home to dozens of stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and food prepared by local chefs. The market is open every day except Sunday, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it: walk around and look at what they’re selling, stop off for lunch at one (or all!) of their many cafes, or browse through their shops – there are plenty!
The Greenwich Market is a great place to visit. It has a wide range of stalls selling various goods, from antiques and household goods to food and drink. The market also hosts live music acts on some days, so it’s worth checking out if you have time.
The market is open every day between 10 am and 5:30 pm. Each stall has its unique atmosphere, which makes it fun to explore!
What you may find
You can find a variety of shops at the market, including:
- A flower stall with flowers and plants for sale
- A haberdashery with scarves, hats, gloves, and more
- A cheese shop where you can buy fresh-made cheeses from local producers
- Butcher’s stall selling everything from sausages to steaks to burgers! Again, this comes from local producers who have been raising livestock since before you were born!
If that wasn’t enough, there is also a bakery – yes, I’m serious – if you’re hungry, head over here for freshly baked bread rolls or pastries. An independent cafe also serves breakfast/lunch fare daily until 6 pm and other delicious treats like muffins.
Getting there
- Bus: As the name suggests, you can get to Greenwich Market by bus. The nearest stop is at London City Airport, and it’s an easy walk from there.
- Tube: Two tube stations are close to the market, both on the Blackfriars line. If you’re taking public transport, make sure that you board at Blackfriars or Woolwich Arsenal stations—not both!
- Bike: You can also bike from central London down into South East London via Woolwich Road and then onto Greenwich Market (about a 40-minute ride).
5. Camden Market
One of London’s best-known markets, Camden Market, is a great place to stop for lunch or browse the stalls. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and street food, and you can also visit the nearby Camden Lock Markets for more shopping and eating options.
The market is on Camden High Street, just off Regent Street; it opens every day except Monday when it’s closed for cleaning.
About the Market
There are two main entrances to Camden Market: from the north at Camden Passage and the south at Camden Lock. The north entrance has more stalls than the south entrance, but both have plenty of choices for food and drink.
You can find some great street food options here, as well as more serious restaurants and cafes. There’s also an entrance near the Tube station at Camden Road, which is convenient if you’re travelling by public transport.
Camden Market is home to over 170 independent retailers and eateries. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs, with quirky boutiques, collectable stalls, and traditional shops selling everything from fashion to food.
There is no shortage of things to do in Camden Market, and whether you want to shop, dine or explore the area, you’ll find it all here. Whether looking for a day out with friends or a weekend away with the family, Camden Market has something for everyone.
6. Berwick Street Market
The Berwick Street Market is London’s biggest indoor food market. It has over 100 stalls selling everything from fresh meat to artisan bread, and it’s open every day of the week. The market is excellent for fresh produce and regional specialities like cheddar and British sausages.
Diverse food and culture
You can also find various international foods like falafel and Indian street food. Aside from food, the market has several other services, including clothes stalls, cafes, jewellery stores, and more. If you’re in the area and looking for something different to do, this could be a great option for you. When you visit the market, check out the public art created by local artists. You better catch this unique experience!
The Berwick Street Market is located in the heart of London’s West End and is one of the best-known markets in the world. It is open daily but operates on different days and times depending on the market day. The market consists of many stalls selling food, clothing, souvenirs, and other items.
The market is well known for its vast outdoor space. Its long history and ample open space make it popular for tourists. There are also many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines nearby.
7. Maltby Street Market
Maltby Street Market is one of the best London food markets ever. It’s in old Victorian railway arches, now home to a mix of permanent traders and weekend stalls. The market’s tucked under a train bridge, so it’s a bit hard to find, but that’s part of its charm. Don’t take our word for it, though – go find out for yourself!
Maltby Street Market is an open-air weekend market in old Victorian railway arches. Food stalls and shops sell clothing, jewellery, and other items. There is also a bar serving alcohol during the day and at night.
The market has been running since December 2010. It offers an array of stalls selling everything from food and drinks to clothes, jewellery, and accessories—as well as live music performances every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Location and timing
We suggest heading to the Maltby Street Market if you’re looking for an authentic market experience. It’s located on Maltby Street in the heart of London’s King’s Cross district, just a short walk from King’s Cross Station (the tube stop).
If you arrive early enough in the day, it can be quite peaceful; however, if you don’t plan your visit carefully, it could become very crowded, so make sure space is available before setting out! Another option would be going during nice weather conditions when everyone else is shopping elsewhere, such as at nearby Camden Market, where there are more opportunities for people watching (and eating) than at Maltby Street!
8. Broadway Market
Broadway Market is one of the best places to eat in Boston. It’s small, but it’s mighty! Filled with tasty food, Broadway Market has been serving up some of Boston’s best foods.
It’s small, but it’s mighty!
The Broadway Market is a small but mighty market that sits on the stretch of Broadway. It’s an excellent place for breakfast or lunch, with many vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, and more.
History dating back to the 1800s
The Broadway Market was established in the 1888s as a meat market. Later, it became an open-air food market where people could buy and sell goods from around town. Today, it’s still used as a food market—and for good reason: there’s no shortage of delicious things on this block!
It’s always bustling. You can’t go anywhere without running into people from the market, and it’s not just the vendors who are there all day; Broadway Market is also a meeting place for locals and visitors alike. People come from all over to eat lunch at one of the stalls or grab a cup of coffee at one of its many cafes, all while chatting about what they’re doing that day.
It Feels local
When you visit Broadway Market, you feel like a local. It’s a great place to meet friends, catch up on news, or enjoy the sunshine. Most people who live in or around Broadway go there every day—and they’re not just taking out their groceries!
This market is also an excellent place for kids: many playgrounds and activities for them and adults (including dog walking). And if you’d rather stay inside during your visit, no problem! There are plenty of benches outside to sit down with your coffee before enjoying some fresh fruit from one of our vendors’ stalls.
People love its food and the atmosphere.
Broadway Market is an excellent place for people to watch. There are many little shops and stalls, and it’s an ideal place to hang out and relax. You can get anything from food to clothes at Broadway Market, but if you’re looking for something specific, plenty of stores sell the same thing as other stores in the area—you might have better luck finding what you want here!
9. Partridges Food Market
Are you looking for a unique food market that offers delicious Partridges food? If so, then you need to check out Partridge’s food market. This market is unlike any other because it offers fresh, local, and organic food.
Partridge’s Food Market is the perfect place to shop for food because it offers various food options. You can find everything from fruits and vegetables to meat, poultry, dairy, and cheese. This market is a one-stop shop for all of your food needs.
Reliable local food
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to sacrifice quality for convenience, this local food market is the perfect solution. You’ll find fresh, high-quality products, too—and it’s also often cheaper than what you’d find at your local supermarket. Plus, if there are any issues with your order (like an incorrect item being delivered), they can make it right immediately!
Huge choice of food
You can find all kinds of tasty foods here: soups to salads, burgers to wraps, fish & chips to chicken nuggets – there’s something for everyone!
The stalls contain delicious food and drink, including freshly baked bread, pastries, pies, and cakes. There’s also a wide selection of hot meals to choose from: deli sandwiches with fillings like roast beef or chicken curry; pasta dishes with tomato sauce; fish fingers (or something else); burgers made from 100% pure minced beef mixed with fresh onions & herbs…the list goes on!
You can also find some fantastic coffee shops here: cappuccinos made with premium espresso beans, lattes made using milk frothed by an expert barista, espressos served in special cups designed especially for them…the choice is endless!
Nice atmosphere
- The atmosphere is friendly.
- The atmosphere is relaxed.
- The atmosphere is cosy and cosy in a way that’s comfortable to be there and not feel like you need to leave as soon as possible (like at most other places).
This is a great place to go if you’re looking for fresh local produce and coffee. The food is tasty, and there are plenty of places to sit and eat, so spending hours here is easy! The staff is friendly too, which makes things even better.
10. Some Other Best Food Markets in London
London’s best street food markets include Borough Market, Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, and Borough High Street Food Market. These markets are great places to find authentic food that you won’t find anywhere else, But there are many other London markets on the list. The below-listed are only a few of the many-
- Chatsworth Road market
- Leather lane market
- Seven dials market
- Netil market
In addition to the classic British fare, such as natural wines, fish and chips, or sausages and beans, you can find everything from Indian delicacies to Spanish tapas. Whatever your taste buds are craving, there is bound to be a vendor selling it at one of these markets. Some good examples include the Banh mi breakfast rolls, Bermondsey beer mile, and the fried chicken of Venn Street Market.
London has many street food markets, including open-air markets where fresh, local produce can be bought. Selling food on the street is a great way to get your food into the hands of people who wouldn’t usually have access to it. Food carts and trucks can be found all over London, selling everything from ice cream to kebabs.
Take Away
Today’s food scene has exploded in London. There is a huge variety of restaurants, street food stalls, and vendors serving delicious cuisine worldwide. If you want to try something new and different or grab some fresh food on the go, these markets have plenty to offer.
There are so many great food markets in London, it’s hard to choose! If you are asking, my favourite will say Borough Market. Now, please share yours with us, too.
