London’s best markets
Whether you are looking for fresh food, Christmas gift ideas or those random items you never realised you really needed before you saw them, London’s markets are a great way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon. Most of them have an interesting story behind the array of stalls and all of them offer goodies galore. Here are a few of our favourites.
Borough Market is the place to be for fresh food in London. Visitors to the UK’s most famous food market can browse through a huge selection of fresh ingredients to make that perfect meal at home, or choose from the numerous hot food stands. From pulled pork to kangaroo burgers and from cupcakes to fresh fruit and veg, Borough Market has it all. The only problem you will face is trying to choose what to buy.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 3pm
Thursday: 11am to 5pm
Friday: 12pm to 6pm
Saturday: 8am to 5pm
Southbank Centre Christmas Market
There is something magical about Christmas markets, with their trinkets, mulled wine and simple yet delicious food. The Southbank Centre’s Christmas Market opened on 16th November and will run until Christmas Eve bringing bratwurst, gingerbread, Christmas decorations and more to the people of London. It’s impossible not lose yourself in the festive atmosphere!
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11am to 10pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 10pm
Working office hours doesn’t mean you need to miss out on midweek markets; the late night Camden Lock market will be open every Thursday from now until 20th December. Each week will have a separate theme and some great live music to shop by. Thursday 22nd November is the vintage night, 29th November is We Make London’s British designer showcase, the Jewellery Quarter and Perfume Studio take over on 6th December, Duck Pond’s artisan arts and crafts will visit the market on 13th December and the final night of the market on 20th December will be a Farmer’s Market.
Opening hours: Thursdays 5pm to 10pm
First-time visitors to London’s oldest market may be somewhat confused by the fact that it is actually made up of smaller markets. Originally a Sunday market, Spitalfields is now open seven days a week, with actual opening times differing for each market. Spitalfields Traders Market sells fashion, interiors, artwork and food, while Spitalfields Art Market focuses on work from both upcoming and established artists.
Opening hours: Traders’ Market: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 9am to 5pm
Arts Market: Monthly from March to December
Officially known as London Central Markets, Smithfield is the UK’s biggest wholesale meat market. For over 800 years, traders have set up shop in the Farringdon market to sell fresh meat to visitors. The market owners advise showing up before 7am to get your pick of the best meats, have a good look around before you decide what to buy and, of course, make sure to haggle to get yourself the best price! If you’re interested in the history of the three listed buildings housing the market, you can book a guided tour but be warned, they start at 7am.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 7am
West London’s Portobello Market shot to fame in the film, Notting Hill, and stall holders there are still regularly asked to point out various locations from the set. The market on Portobello Road stretches for around two miles, with stalls selling antiques, fruit and veg, new goods, fashion, second hand goods and food. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, be prepared for crowds.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 9am to 6pm
Thursday 9am to 1pm
Friday and Saturday 9am to 7pm
This is quite possibly one of the best ways to spend a Sunday morning. Every Sunday this street in East London is transformed into a bustling sea of flowers, plants and even ten foot tall banana trees. Columbia Flower Market is a fantastic experience even if you have no intention of buying; the sights, sounds and atmosphere are amazing. Over fifty of the shops will be opening late on Wednesdays on the run-up to Christmas, offering gift ideas, live music and hot food to visitors.
Opening hours: Sunday 8am to 3pm
Wednesday 28th Nov and 5th, 12th, 19th Dec 5pm-9pm
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