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London's best foodie markets
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Who’d have thought it, London a mecca for gastronomy? Well, after years of being held up as the worst example of global cuisine, the UK now lays claim to some of the best street food. And nowhere is this more evident than in the many food markets dotting the capital.
You’ll spy exciting street food every where; which for visitors means making some tricky choices, or accepting the fact that you’ll put on weight during your visit. If you want to taste the best London has to offer, head to one of these great markets.
BOROUGH MARKET
A literal stone’s throw from London Bridge, there’s been a market in Borough since around 1013. Of course, the surroundings have changed a little with a rail line running over head and the Shard towering in the background, and the modern market is slightly different from the one that Shakespeare would have frequented during his lunch break.
But if the Bard were around today, he’d probably be delighted with the fare on offer. Traditional salt beef bagels, fish and chips (of course), smelly cheeses from around the world, top quality wine and an assortment of burgers, falafels and Asian stalls.
The market gets extremely busy on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) but is closed on Sundays. To get there, head to London Bridge tube station and follow your nose.
BRIXTON VILLAGE
Staying south of the river, the revamped market at Brixton Village has become a major draw for food tourism in the city. Some of London’s most popular chains started here including Honest Burger and Franco Manca pizza (both of which now have chains all over town).
Brixton Village Market
It’s actually two separate covered markets, Market Row and Brixton Village—and now there’s a new area “Pop Brixton” which has been created from shipping containers in an old car park. This is the place to check out some great West Indian food at Fish, Wings and Tings, Basque pintxos at Donostia Social Club or modern British fare at Brixton Grill.
LEATHER LANE MARKET
A favorite of city workers, Leather Lane is a proper London market packed full of bric-a-brac and loud traders hawking their wares. Among the trinkets, though you’ll find top-notch street food from gourmet burgers to jerk chicken to Greek wraps and veggie treats. If the weather is a bit too British for you, there are lots of cafés and pubs you can duck into to grab a cake, coffee or craft beer.
The market runs Monday-Friday and is a short walk from Chancery Lane tube station.
BROADWAY MARKET
Possibly a bit obscure for most visitors to the city, Broadway Market has become a go-to for Londoners looking for some top-notch munch. A real Eastender’s haunt, you’ll find stalls selling vintage trinkets, modern art and, of course, edible treats to tempt a saint.
There has been a market here since the late 1800’s and now you’ll find classics like pie and mash with jellied eels or gourmet burgers. Of course, there are also lots of interesting takes on global cuisine including sushi ice cream, vegan Persian dishes and buttermilk fried chicken (among others).
Take the train from Liverpool Street to London Fields and walk around five minutes to Broad way Market. Every Saturday from 9-5.
KERB MARKETS
Running several very popular markets across the city, Kerb attracts some of the more cutting edge and high-end street food traders. Among the glut of burgers you’ll also find Indonesian street food at Kaki Lima, Hawaiian Poké from Lords of Poké and Indian treats from Horn OK Please.
KERB Markets : Running several very popular markets across the city, Kerb attracts some of the more cutting edge and high-end street food traders.
Best bet is to check out the website at kerb - food.com for dates and locations. Kerb’s main market at Camden is open 7 days a week but you can also find them at Kings Cross, West India Quay and Padd ington during the week.
The Others
You’ll spot food markets everywhere, but these popular spots are reliably excellent.
• Brick Lane (Saturday and Sunday) – See also nearby Spitalfields Market.
• South Bank/Waterloo (Fri, Sat, Sun) – Behind Royal Festival Hall near London Eye.
• Box Park Shoreditch (daily) – Near Shoreditch High Street station.
• Berwick Street in Soho (weekdays).
Southbank Food Market.
