We love London's markets. This is London town, these are London’s markets. The saying "all life is here" is certainly true of these places as it's a taste of real London that, unless you make the effort to seek out, will only ever be an unread section in Time Out magazine. London is loaded with cool markets and is variety really is the spice of life then London Town is very very spicy indeed. Light years away from the glitz of Knightsbridge shopping, and a million miles from the white chocolate mochaccinos that are Starbucks, they serve as a rich assault on the senses, combining a heady mix of vivid colours, aromas and flavours, with a down-to-earth gritty realism that's unique to the city. Although one thing you may have to brush up on is your haggling skills and maybe even get yourself a cockney rhyming translator. Of course, London stalls also hold the thrill of finding a genuine bargain or two (perhaps that elusive 60s record or a piece of Clarice Cliff pottery), experiencing the truly bizarre, or just soaking up the unique atmosphere of a market which, like the one at Borough, may date back to medieval times and is bedlam to match.
People watching in Camden Town still to this day remains one of life’s most wonderful pleasures, Punks and Goths just simply add to the colour, incense and “wacky-baccy” fill your nostrils, and so much superb chinz can easily empty your wallet. Then just head across town, sample some Pie & Mash, or Jellied Eels and enter into Ye Olde London down the “Lane”, Petticoat Lane that is. A real east end market, loaded with characters.
This is a part of London Town that Londoners just take for granted, the markets are for us a way of life, somewhere for lunch, or a real English breakfast, somewhere to pass a day without stress. They are London’s sole. Just a few of London's finest.......
The Apple Market - Covent Garden, The Piazza, WC2. 0870 780 5002. Daily from 10am to 7pm www.coventgardenmarket.co.uk
Handmade British arts and crafts are on sale here from Tuesday to Sunday, with antiques on offer on Monday. A strict vetting system ensures the items are of a high standard.
Bermondsey Market - Long Lane and Bermondsey Street SE1. 4am to noon
Starting before dawn, Bermondsey Market is for dedicated antique collectors.
Borough Market - Southwark Street SE1. 020 7407 1002. Friday noon-6pm, Saturday 9am-4pmwww.boroughmarket.org.uk
There's a vibrant, friendly atmosphere at arguably London's most exciting food market with it's mix of food and drink from around the world.
Brick Lane - Brick Lane.Cheshire Street/Sclater Street E1. Sunday 6am-2pmwww.eastlondonmarkets.com
This popular, traditional flee market has anything and everything on sale.
Brixton Market - Electric Avenue/Pope's Road/Atlantic Road SW9. Monday and Tuesday 8am-6pm, Thursday to Saturday 8am-3pm
With food, music, clothing and household items from across the world, this market is loud, popular and energetic and unlike any other market in London.
Camden Market - www.camdenlock.net
Camden Buck Street - Monday to Sunday 9.30am-5.30pm
Camden Canal Market - Friday to Sunday 9.30am-6.30pm
Camden Lock Market - Monday to Sunday 10am-6pm
The Stables Market - Monday to Sunday 9.30am-5.30pm
There are six markets in Camden, four of which specialist in furniture, jewellery, music, antiques, art and bric-a-brac. There are also many food stalls.
Columbia Road - Columbia Road E2. Sunday 8am-2pm www.eastlondonmarkets.com
Only open on a Sunday, the vibrant Columbia Road plant and flower market is always busy.
Jubilee Market - Covent Garden Piazza. Daily 10.30am-7.30pm www.jubilleemarket.co.uk
Buy antiques on Monday, general goods on Tuesday to Friday and crafts on Saturday and Sunday.
Merton Abbey Mills - Watermill Way, SW19. Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm www.mertonabbeymills.com
Complete with riverside pub, children's theatre, food fair, shops and 100 market stalls you'll have a great day out.
Portobello Market - Monday to Wednesday 8am-6pm, Thursday 9am-1pm, Friday and Saturday 7am-7pm. Antiques on Saturday. www.portobelloroad.co.uk
This fabulous market has lots of atmosphere. General goods are on sale Monday to Saturday, fashion stalls on Friday and Saturday and antiques on Saturdays.
Spitalfields - Commercial Street E1. Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 11am-3pm. www.spitalfields.org.uk
Trendy cafes, clothing and furniture shops surround the indoor market, selling mainly fashion on Sundays.
St James's Crafts Market - Courtyard off St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly W1. Tuesday 8am-6pm, Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-6pm.
Expect to find antiques and collectables on Tuesdays with arts and crafts from Wednesday to Saturday.
Walthamstow - High Street, E17. Monday to Saturday 8am-6pm
A traditional East End market and considered to be the longest in Europe.
Farmers' Markets
If you're fed up with relying on the supermarket for your produce, go to a farmers' market where independent food and drink producers sell directly to the public. These grastronomic events often include free tastings and demonstrations, and are held throughout London every week.
London Farmers' Market - 020 7704 9659 www.lfm.org.uk
Islington - Sunday 10am-2pm, Essex Road
Marylebone - Sunday 10am-2pm Cramer Street Car Park (off Marylebone High Street)
Notting Hill - Saturday 9am-1pm, Kensington Place
Pimlico Road - Saturday 9am-1pm, Orange Square (corner of Pimlico Road and Ebury Street) SW1
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