Where London shops, snacks and lunches: the markets worth your morning.
Food markets, farmers markets and covered halls: where London shops, snacks and lunches.
Borough Market on Southwark Street in London, trading since the 1750s, runs over 100 produce, fish, cheese, charcuterie and prepared-food stalls under the railway arches.
Go for: British produce, Cheese, Fish, Tasting walks
Tip: Saturday is the most crowded; Friday is the best produce trading day. Bread Ahead, Padella and Monmouth all sit at or near the market.
Maltby Street market on Ropewalk in Bermondsey London, traders since 2010 in railway arches between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, runs Saturday-Sunday only with 30 weekend stalls.
Go for: Wine bars, Doughnuts, Cured meats, Lunch
Tip: Saturday morning is the canonical trip. St John Bakery, Hawkes Cider and 40 Maltby Street all sit on the same arch.
Broadway Market between London Fields and Regent's Canal in Hackney London, trading since 1890 and revived in 2004 by the residents, runs Saturday-only with 80 weekly stalls.
Go for: Saturday brunch, Sourdough, Vegetables, Cheese
Tip: E5 Bakehouse, Climpson and Sons, and Pump Street Bakery all sit on or near the strip. Arrive by 10:30 for the best of the bakery queues.
Old Spitalfields Market in east London, trading from a 1880s Grade-II-listed market hall on Horner Square, runs daily food halls, antiques, fashion and a Sunday upmarket.
Go for: Lunch, Antiques, Vintage, Food halls
Tip: Thursday antiques day and Friday fashion are the orthodox slots. The southern annex food court is the canonical lunch counter.
Brixton Village (with Market Row) on Coldharbour Lane in south London, the 1930s Granville Arcade indoor market, runs 100 food stalls and small restaurants daily.
Go for: Caribbean, Pizza, Late dinner, International cuisines
Tip: Franco Manca, Honest Burgers Brixton and many other London originals were born here. Open evenings until 22:00 most nights.
Camden Lock Market beside the Regent's Canal in Camden London, trading since 1973, runs over 250 stalls daily and pioneered the global-street-food market concept in the UK.
Go for: Street food, Lunch, Vintage, Independent stalls
Tip: Camden Lock and the Stables Market are the prime food sections. Hawley Wharf next door is a newer 2020-era food hall with 30 traders.
Peak food season in London is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. London rewards trust.