Four Amazing Food Markets In London
I hate buying fruit and veg in supermarkets. Even though it's more convenient, the East End haggler in me feels outraged at having to pay for plastic packaging! Personally I feel like it's better to support local groceries and markets, strike up a relationship as sometimes the owners can be very helpful! In support of local food markets in London, I've put together a list of my favourites; each with its own distinct vibe.
Borough Market
A colossal market and possibly the most well known out of the list, Borough Market is home to hundreds of pop ups; fresh fruit and veg stalls; butchers; fishmongers, even entire stands dedicated to a myriad of fungi!
Opening times: Monday-Saturday 10:00 A.M-6:00 P.M (closes at 5:00 on Fridays)
Closest station: London Bridge
Best for: buying organic produce and artisan food
Must try: ION Patisserie's blueberry cheesecake. You won't regret it!
Druid St. Market
A relatively new addition to the London food market industry, Druid St. Market is great for fresh local produce. Recently it has been home to several restaurant pop-ups as well. Visiting is always a nice surprise as stalls are constantly changing.
Opening times: Saturday 9:00 A.M-4:00 P.M
Closest station: London Bridge
Best for: a quick bite to eat (a few pop ups have seating by the arches!)
Must try: Eat Poke London; a Hawaiian inspired raw fish salad
Broadway Market
Nestled in the heart of Hackney is Broadway Market. Occasionally you'll walk past a tattoo stall sitting side by side with a bakery; this is perhaps the best metaphor for the diversity of this market. Local businesses frequent this place which makes it a pleasant place to be; many of the stalls will be there all year round.
Opening times: Saturday 9:00 A.M-5:00 P.M
Closest station: London Fields or Cambridge Heath
Best for: food and fashion
Must try: onion bhajis from Gujurati Rasoi
Urban Food Fest, Euro Car Park
A Shoreditch car park that turns into a food festival every Saturday, Urban Food Fest is brimming with rows of trucks serving up tempting treats from every corner of the globe. It is overwhelming during peak hours so I would suggest going just before or after meal times if you're weighed down with shopping and are in desperate need of some respite (I speak from experience!)
Opening times: Saturday midday to midnight
Closest station: Shoreditch High St
Best for: a bite to eat after vintage shopping in the nearby Brick Lane
Must try: Venezuelan arepas. Messy, meaty, wonderful
