A Foodie's Guide to London's Markets

London's markets have been at the heart of the city's food culture for centuries, evolving from simple trading posts to vibrant culinary destinations. For visitors looking to experience authentic London beyond the tourist trail, these markets offer a perfect opportunity to sample local specialties, international cuisine, and artisanal products while soaking up the atmosphere of different neighborhoods. Join us as we explore the best food markets in London, with insider tips to help you make the most of your culinary adventures.

Borough Market: London's Oldest Food Haven

Dating back to the 13th century, Borough Market is a paradise for food enthusiasts and one of London's most famous culinary destinations. Located just south of London Bridge, this market combines history with an extraordinary range of high-quality produce, artisanal foods, and international delicacies.

What Makes It Special: Borough Market stands out for its exceptional quality and variety. Here, you'll find everything from British heritage meats and farmhouse cheeses to international specialties, artisan bread, and rare spices. The market's focus on sustainable, ethically sourced produce makes it a favorite among London's top chefs and discerning foodies.

Must-Try Foods:

• The famous raclette from Kappacasein – melted cheese scraped onto new potatoes with pickled onions
• Freshly shucked oysters from Richard Haward's Oysters
• The legendary chorizo roll from Brindisa
• Traditional English pies from Pieminister
• Artisan chocolate from Rabot 1745

Local Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds. If you must go on a Saturday, arrive before 10 am or after 3 pm for a more comfortable experience. For the best photos and a more leisurely pace, Wednesday and Thursday are ideal.

Maltby Street Market: The Hidden Gem

Nestled under railway arches in Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market emerged in 2010 as a small offshoot of traders from Borough Market. Today, this compact but vibrant market offers one of London's most atmospheric food experiences. The narrow Ropewalk passage lined with railway arches creates an intimate setting that's perfect for food exploration.

What Makes It Special: Maltby Street's charm lies in its compact size and quality-over-quantity approach. The market focuses on exceptional street food and small-batch producers, with many vendors occupying the atmospheric railway arches. There's a distinct neighborhood feel here that's often missing from London's larger markets.

Must-Try Foods:

• African-inspired street food from Ethiopiques
• Craft gin from Little Bird Gin (with tastings available)
• Mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwiches from The Cheese Truck
• Freshly baked pastries from Bake Ahead
• Authentic Taiwanese bao buns from Eathai

Local Tip: Maltby Street is primarily a weekend market, operating on Saturdays (10am-5pm) and Sundays (11am-4pm). Saturday mornings offer the best selection before popular items sell out. The market pairs beautifully with a walk along the nearby Thames Path for stunning views of Tower Bridge.

Broadway Market: East London Cool

Situated in the heart of Hackney, Broadway Market reflects East London's artistic, multicultural character. This Victorian street market has been revitalized in recent years, becoming a vibrant Saturday destination where you can find everything from organic produce and artisanal food to vintage clothing and handmade crafts.

What Makes It Special: Broadway Market offers a perfect blend of traditional market stalls and permanent shops, creating a vibrant street scene that captures East London's unique energy. The market's location next to London Fields park makes it ideal for picking up picnic supplies during summer months. There's a strong focus on local producers and independent businesses, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Must-Try Foods:

• Award-winning Scotch eggs from Finest Fayre
• Artisanal coffee from Climpson & Sons
• Authentic French crepes from L'Amuse Bouche
• Traditional British pies from Eat My Pies
• Freshly baked bread from Pavilion Bakery

Local Tip: Combine your market visit with a walk along Regents Canal or a picnic in London Fields during warmer months. The permanent shops along Broadway Market are worth exploring any day of the week, with excellent bookshops, vintage stores, and cafes.

Brick Lane Market: Multicultural Flavors

Every Sunday, the streets around Brick Lane in East London transform into a sprawling market known for its incredible diversity. This area, with its rich history of immigration, is the perfect place to experience London's multicultural identity through food. The market encompasses several indoor and outdoor spaces, including the famous Truman Brewery.

What Makes It Special: Brick Lane offers the most diverse culinary experience in London, with food reflecting the area's waves of immigration – from Jewish bagel shops to Bengali curry houses and everything in between. The Sunday market includes several food halls where vendors sell cuisines from around the world, making it possible to take a global food tour in a single afternoon.

Must-Try Foods:

• Salt beef bagels from the 24-hour Beigel Bake (a London institution)
• Ethiopian injera platters from the Sunday UpMarket at the Truman Brewery
• Venezuelan arepas from Arepa & Co
• Traditional Bengali sweets from the local confectioners
• Innovative vegan street food from the Boiler House Food Hall

Local Tip: The Brick Lane area actually contains several markets within walking distance of each other. For the best experience, explore the main Brick Lane Market, then venture into the specialized markets at the Old Truman Brewery (including the Sunday UpMarket and Vintage Market), and finish at Spitalfields Market nearby. Arrive hungry and pace yourself!

Netil Market: New Wave Food Scene

This compact market in London Fields showcases some of the city's most innovative food entrepreneurs. Located in a former car park, Netil Market has become a testing ground for cutting-edge culinary concepts that often go on to become successful permanent restaurants.

What Makes It Special: Netil Market's small size belies its influence on London's food scene. This is where you'll find tomorrow's food trends today, with a rotating cast of innovative vendors experimenting with new concepts. The market's friendly, intimate atmosphere makes it easy to chat with the passionate food entrepreneurs behind each stall.

Must-Try Foods:

• World-renowned bao buns from Bao (which started here before opening permanent restaurants)
• Neapolitan-style pizzas from Primi
• Caribbean-inspired vegan dishes from Eat of Eden
• Creative doughnuts from Doughnut Time
• Specialty coffee from Terrone & Co.

Local Tip: Netil Market is just a short walk from Broadway Market, making it easy to visit both in one day. The market is also home to Netil360, a rooftop bar with stunning views across East London – perfect for relaxing with a drink after sampling the market's offerings.

Camden Market: Alternative Food Scene

Camden Market has long been synonymous with London's alternative culture, and its food offerings are just as diverse and eclectic as you'd expect. Sprawling along the Regent's Canal, Camden actually comprises several interconnected markets, with KERB Camden and Camden Lock Market featuring the best food options.

What Makes It Special: Camden's food scene matches its alternative reputation, with an emphasis on global street food and unusual flavor combinations. The market's setting along the canal adds to its charm, especially during summer when you can enjoy your food by the water. Camden attracts a young, international crowd, creating a buzzing atmosphere that's distinct from other London markets.

Must-Try Foods:

• Halloumi fries with pomegranate seeds from Oli Baba's
• Korean fried chicken burgers from Mother Clucker
• Dutch pancakes with creative toppings from Pancakes and More
• Vegan Ethiopian plates from Ethiopiques
• Innovative mac and cheese combinations from The Mac Factory

Local Tip: Camden is extremely busy on weekends, so visit on weekdays if possible. The KERB street food market at Camden Lock is open daily from 11am to late, offering some of the best options. After eating, take a leisurely walk along Regent's Canal toward Little Venice for beautiful views and a break from the crowds.

Southbank Centre Food Market: Riverside Dining

Located behind the Royal Festival Hall, this weekend market offers arguably the best views of any food market in London. With the Thames, London Eye, and Houses of Parliament as a backdrop, the Southbank Centre Food Market has become a favorite for visitors and locals alike.

What Makes It Special: The Southbank Centre Food Market stands out for its spectacular location and carefully curated selection of vendors. The market focuses on high-quality street food that represents London's diverse culinary scene. Its central location makes it perfectly positioned for refueling during a day of sightseeing, with the added bonus of live music and cultural events often taking place nearby.

Must-Try Foods:

• Polish pierogi with various fillings from Polentista
• Award-winning Scotch eggs from Finest Fayre
• Authentic paella from Jamon Jamon
• Creative vegan options from Ethiopiques
• Artisanal chocolates and brownies from Bad Brownie

Local Tip: This market is ideally located for combining food with culture. Visit on Friday evening when the market runs until 9pm, enjoy dinner with river views, then explore the free exhibitions at the Southbank Centre or catch a performance at one of the venues. The market operates Friday through Sunday, year-round.

Tips for Market Exploration

1. Arrive hungry, but pace yourself: The variety can be overwhelming. Take a lap of the entire market before making decisions.
2. Bring cash: While many vendors now accept cards, cash is still king at many market stalls and you'll avoid minimum charge restrictions.
3. Go early: For the best selection and a more relaxed experience, arrive when markets first open. This is especially true for Borough Market and Broadway Market.
4. Share dishes: Going with friends? Buy different items and share to sample more of what each market offers.
5. Talk to the vendors: Many are passionate producers eager to share information about their food.
6. Look for seating: Some markets have limited seating areas, so scout for places to eat before your food gets cold.
7. Bring your own bags: Most markets are moving away from single-use plastics. A reusable tote bag is perfect for carrying purchases.

London Market Food Tours

For those who want a guided experience, food tours offer an excellent introduction to London's market scene. At Maslyanaya Limonka, we can arrange personalized market tours with knowledgeable guides who can help you navigate the overwhelming options and provide historical and cultural context to enhance your experience.

Our most popular food market tours include:

• Borough Market Breakfast Tour (early morning access before the crowds)
• East London Markets Walking Tour (combining Broadway, Netil, and Brick Lane)
• Secret Food Markets of London (focusing on lesser-known gems)