Since last we reviewed London markets much has changed, so we have recently gone to back to our review sources and asked our friends to check out today’s markets once again. Below are our top 5 London markets:
At the top of almost everyone’s list is the Flower Market with the next 4 being in no particular order as they seem to rotate in the top 5 on a regular basis
Columbia Road Flower Market
The market is open on Sunday’s and can best be described as a riot of color and scent. Covid has induced some changes to the layout and now the stalls only run down on sire of the street which makes it seem more open.
This little slice of London also contains lots of small shops selling everything from food to vintage clothing. Best bargains in the plant and flower department are to be found close to closing time (3 pm). Image attribution “Columbia Road Flower Market” by Lee-Anne Inglis is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Columbia Rd, London, E2 7RG
Camden Market
Started in the 1970s (precisely March 30th, 1974) Camden Lock Market was opened with only 16 traders selling antiques, jewelry and arts and crafts. Today the market is one of London’s most visited destinations. Today the Camden Market boasts many hundreds of market traders and small businesses generating a diverse and multicultural environment.
Camden Lock Market by the Regents canal has been home to many different and contrasting events, and has been at the intersection of trade, music and fashion for centuries. Image attribution Ilkka Harmanen
54-56 Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF
camdenmarket.com
Borough Market
The story of this market is old, there have been markets on this site since 1014 (so it is claimed) and in 1550 the market received its first Royal Charter from Edward VI. This is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London. Traffic jams caused the original market to be moved to its current location where it has been since 1756.
The market is run by a charitable trust on behalf of the community. Their mission is to show that food can be made and sold in ways that are better for people, for the planet and for the sheer pleasure of eating. Image attribution “Big Cheeses, Borough Market, London SE1” by EEPaul is licensed under CC BY 2.0
8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
boroughmarket.org.uk/
Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane market is unusual as it began as a Sunday market where training on Sunday’s was against the law. Sunday trading in the UK is a relatively new idea and it was only made legal for stores to open in 1994. In the 1600s this market began as a Farmers Market and special dispensation was given for it to operate as the area, at that time was dominated by the Jewish Community.
This market sells everything from old electronics to food and arts and crafts. For many years had a stall selling nothing but rusty cog wheels. The market is spread over a number of areas and opens on Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm. Image attribution “Brick Lane Market by eGuide Travel” by eGuide Travel is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Brick Lane, London E1 6QR
Bricklanemarket.com
Old Spitalfields Market
Another old market (granted a license by King Charles I in 1638) that sells almost everything you can imagine, originally the wholesale market for fresh fruit along with Covent Garden. 1991 saw the wholesale market move and the market reinvented itself and with a strong emphasis on food.
In the center of the market, you’ll find kitchens that deliver awesome freshly cooked food. To quote the website “We are proud to offer incredible quality and variety in the dishes prepared by our chefs and food traders here, many of whom have already established great reputations through deep roots in East London. We aim to support small producers and artisan businesses. East London is a melting pot of interesting, artistic and creative people and this is reflected through the traders, operators and brands you’ll find here”. Image attribution “Old Spitalfields Market (Tower Hamlets)” by JasonParis is licensed under CC BY 2.0
105a Commercial Street, London E1 6BG oldspitalfieldsmarket.com