8 Best Food Markets in London

A visit to London England is incomplete without a visit to at least one London food market. Read on to learn how to eat your way through the best food markets in London during your next trip to the bustling world capital.

London’s culinary melting pot spans the sprawling city from the centrally located Chinatown to Little India in Southall. Sure, it would be fun to visit each and every neighborhood to try all of the city’s global treats, but that would take years considering all of the markets to visit in London, not to mention all of the London Christmas markets during the holiday season.

That’s a lot of time, not to mention tube fares! Yes, England’s sprawling, global city is that big.

Luckily for visitors without unlimited time and bottomless oyster cards, the city has a vibrant market scene scattered throughout the city. With a little strategic planning, it’s possible for a tourist to sample a variety of London’s exciting cuisines at one of these markets. Better yet, visit a few. Or be like us and visit a lot.

Best Food Markets in London

1. Borough Market

Dating back to the 11th century, Borough Market is arguably London’s most historic and epic food market. We first visited Borough Market in 2012 and always make a point to visit the popular food market located just south of the London Bridge whenever we’re in town.

This market sells all kinds of seasonal produce as well as a range of prepared foods. Be sure to try a meat pie at Ginger Pig and a baguette at Bread Ahead or some cheese and saucissons at The French Comté. Otherwise, just wander and eat whatever Borough Market food catches your eye.

2. Maltby Street Market

Smaller, cooler and younger than nearby Borough Market, Maltby Street Market is where locals go on the weekend to enjoy lunch and craft beer. Located directly beside rail tracks in Bermondsey, many vendors sell and make their wares in the brick arched recesses of rail trestles. This makes Maltby Street a cool sightseeing experience along with a tasty one.

While there, you can bump up against a hip crowd while choosing from top-notch global food vendors serving Vietnamese pho, Chinese dumplings and Belgian waffles. As for us, we were drawn to The Cheese Truck stall where we shared a decadent, oozing, melty grilled cheese sandwich loaded with Keens Cheddar, onion and bacon cooked to a lovely crisped, chestnut brown.

Broadway Market

Hackney comes alive every Saturday when the Broadway Market opens for business. Here, you can eat burgers and sip on Vietnamese coffee while soaking in a gentrified yet still cool East London neighborhood vibe.

It’s not just about prepared food at this market. Vendors sell buckets of olives and trays of treats like the salted caramel whoopie pie we scarfed down at the Eat “n” Mess stall.

3. Mercato Metropolitano

At first glance, Mercato Metropolitano is an upscale Italian market selling a variety of meat, cheese and dried goods. However, a massive, modern food court hides in a 45,000 square foot warehouse just behind the Elephant and Castle shop.

Guests dine on yellow communal tables with food selections ranging from Kansas City BBQ to Vietnamese Pho to Lebanese wraps. However, it would be difficult to beat the Neapolitan pizza served at Mercato Metropolitano’s La Pizza Napoletana.

The yeasty flavors and slightly crunchy texture transported us straight back to the pizza we ate in Naples Italy. Shoppers can also dine on pasta or just enjoy a plate of charcuterie with an aperitivo.

4. Brixton Village and Market Row

Situated inside a former arcade, Brixton Village Market is an indoor market with rows of cafes, restaurants and shops. The market’s crowd includes hipsters sipping on third wave coffee and locals getting hair weaves, a mix that results in something that’s funky yet congenial.

Though we may not be hipsters, we went the third wave coffee route with flat whites at Federation Coffee. Just outside the market, international vendors sell fresh produce alongside fishmongers and Halal butchers making Brixton a one-stop location for shopping and people watching.

5. Leather Lane Street Market

A veritable newcomer by British standards, Leather Lane Street Market has been on the London food scene for the past 400 or so years. Dozens of food market stalls cater to a hungry weekday lunch crowd that enjoys a diverse lunch selection with vendors from Japan, Spain and even England serving hearty fare at reasonable prices.

6. Brick Lane Market

This busy East London market comes alive on Sunday when masses arrive to pig out at the Sunday UpMarket. The street literally swells with people nibbling on food sold by outdoor vendors as well as inside the Old Truman Brewery. London street musicians add to the festive atmosphere, though the international food selection is the real star of the show.

7. Partridges Food Market

We stumbled upon this weekly market on our way to the Sloane Square tube station and were quickly dazzled by the selection of artisan goods like cakes, scotch eggs and quiche. Not as famous as other London markets, Partridges Food Market offers a well-rounded London market experience in the tony Chelsea neighborhood.

Operating in the Duke of York Square since 2005, the market hosts 70 vendors selling to hungry families and neighborhood locals.

8. Old Spitalfields Market

Originally operating as a wholesale market in 1875, Old Spitalfields Market is now an East London fixture with its rows of stalls selling both food and clothing. Whether you splurge on oysters or indulge in a cupcake, there’s no need to worry about the inevitable London rain.

Since the market is covered, you won’t get wet at Old Spitalfields Market. The market also features Abondance, a French cheese shop that sells a wide variety of top fromage from all over Europe.

Other Notable Food Markets

There’s never enough time to see and do everything in London! If you have extra time, be sure to include these additional markets in your London itinerary:

Original Publication Date: November 20, 2017