The Lure Of The Market

Long before the days of skyscrapers and financial centres, markets formed the basis of London’s trade. Even today there are 100’s of markets across the capital offering a range of different produce ranging from free range meats through to vintage clothing and general knick-knacks. South London is home to some of the most famous and best markets that the capital has to offer and in this article you will find markets offering great food, unique boutiques and even old games consoles.

Borough Market

The first place to take a look at is Borough Market. One of London’s most famed and oldest food markets, Borough Market celebrated its 1000th birthday in 2014 and stocks a variety of food from every country under the sun. The market is in such a brilliant location that it must feature on the checklist of every person visiting the capital searching for some of its most esteemed history. Situated in-between London Bridge Station and The Southbank, Borough Market is the perfect place to fuel up before your day of exploring nearby sites such as The Tate Modern, London Eye, St Pauls and Tower Bridge. The market’s location means that it absolutely packed at all times, but do not let that deter you, as what is contained inside its walls is simply too delicious to pass up. An array of food ranging from empanadas through to Korean curry, fresh fruit and vegetables (which arrive fresh everyday) and incredible sandwiches that make this one of London’s best outside eateries. The neighbouring pubs ensure that local punters stay hydrated and well-oiled and with a roof overhead, Borough Market is well prepared for forever rainy skies of England. Borough Market is fully open from Wednesday – Saturday and partly open on Monday – Tuesday.

Brixton Market

Heading further into the South and slightly into its western corner, you will find the cultural melting pot that is Brixton. Once an area that carried a bit of a stigma to it, the place is now a thriving epicentre of multi-culturalism and creativity and nowhere shows this more than Brixton Village and Market Row. Situated next to the underground station, making it easily accessible this market is one of the most diverse and eclectic markets that you are likely to see. Set up in the 1920’s and extending across multiple different arcades and streets this market is a sight to behold with its beautifully designed and Egyptian inspired fittings mixing in with the colours of traders and boutiques selling their produce here. With permanent ‘shops’ no bigger than market stalls as well as regular 'fruit and veg' and food traders the market is a rowdy and colourful affair and is a must see when visiting London. Brixton itself is a brilliant area with plenty to do including the market with plenty of bars, cinemas and clubs open into the early hours and is easily accessible on Victoria Line as well as national rail. Brixton Market is open from 8:30 – 23:00 everyday apart from Mondays and if all that is not enough to make you want to visit, a branch of the market is located on Electric Avenue and proved inspirational for Eddy Grant when writing his hit single of the same name in the 1980’s – so you will also be seeing some musical history!

Deptford Market

Into the South East and located on the DLR is Deptford and its throwback of a market. Situated on the same road as the station, making it easily accessible this is a market that has not changed since it was founded in 1872.There are buckets of fruit for a pound, £20 Levi’s and the never-ending smell of fishmongers (not to everyone’s taste admittedly, but a classic fragrance none-the-less.) Deptford market has recently had a new branch open called the market yard which features local boutiques selling produce ranging from florists, a female-only sneaker shop and an African inspired clothing outlet. Just like a proper market, there are plenty of bargains to be had with a multiplicity of hidden gems hidden among the piles upon piles of household goods and general knick-knacks. If all the shopping wears you out then there are plenty of little bars and cafes to keep you fuelled on your escapades with the best of the bunch being the ‘Job Centre’ which Is a lovely bar serving great food and drinks, Little Nan’s Café where you can get cocktails in tea pots and The Waiting Room which offers healthy vegan and vegetarian food at a reasonable price – there really is something for everyone.

Bermondsey Market

If you are an early riser then Bermondsey has the market for you. The Bermondsey Antiques Market opens at 6am every Friday and goes on until till 2pm. Opened in the 1950’s, the market does exactly what it says on the tin and delivers some interesting antiques at some very good prices (be prepared to haggle as with these as old school market traders.)

Harry, a trader at the market describes it as a ‘local affair’ in and a ‘proper market’ saying ‘These types of place are a dying breed. Some of the antiques the traders have here are timeless and can be bought at a very good price. We all like to bargain with the customers but we’re here to deliver quality produce at the end of the day’.

The market is a small affair, but do not let that put you off, as among these stalls are some incredibly quaint and rare antiques that would be a lovely gift or souvenir for someone back home. The market is a 10-minute walk from Tower Bridge and the 5 minutes from the respected Fashion and Textile museum, making it a great place for a day’s exploring. If all the browsing makes you hungry, it is a 10-minute bus journey to Borough Market and its array of food.

Greenwich Market

Now to the Royal Borough of Greenwich and its world famous market. For many, this is the best market in London and it is easy to see why. Packed inside a covered square lie 120 stalls selling a variety of things but with the main focus on arts and crafts making it one of the most creative locations in London. Customers are treated to an array of different produce that you will not won’t find anywhere else in the world and with the recent expansion of the market there is also now an option to feast on some of the best street food the capital has to offer. Located in the ‘must-see’ area of Greenwich, the market is in the perfect place to stop off during your tour of the large selection of sites to visit in the area. The market is flanked by the Royal Naval College, whose lawns form the perfect backdrop for lunch on a summer’s day and with the students of the music department providing the soundtrack, It is an ideal location in which to pause and imbibe the locale. The market is open from Tuesday – Sunday and is well worth dropping into during your trip.

There you have it, 5 markets to take a look at during your trip to London. These places all contain small local businesses and traders trying to make their mark in London so by visiting them and spending your money on their produce you’re helping keep independent business alive and keep London’s historic market scene thriving.