Credit: Courtesy of markets
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8 London food markets every food lover has to visit this summer
By Meg Walters
9 months ago
3 min read
Our top eight picks for the best food markets in the capital.
My ideal Sunday goes something like this: I throw on a sundress, grab a coffee and head to a food market. I walk, I eat, I walk some more, I eat some more. Maybe I sit down and have an Aperol spritz. Maybe I pick up a cheese or a jar of something fancy. I head home, full, happy and inspired.
London is filled with gorgeous food markets that celebrate the global food scene in the city, and they truly are a foodie paradise. You can sample cheeses, sandwiches, gelatos, ramen, falafel, burritos – practically anything your heart and stomach desire. If your mouth is already watering at the mere thought, consider yourself warned, because this article is about to make you hungry. Here, we bring you our top eight picks for the best food markets in the city.
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Borough Market
Yes, it’s obvious, and yes, it really is that good. Borough Market may be one of the most well-known food markets in the capital, but it’s also one of the best. Situated in a historic building and boasting over a hundred stalls that sell everything from local British food to natural wine and global cuisine, it’s a market that you could explore for days on end without getting bored. To indulge in some internet slang, when it comes to London’s food markets, Borough Market really is that girl.
Opening hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday, 10am–5pm; Wednesday, 10am–5pm; Thursday, 10am–5pm; Friday 10am–5pm; Saturday, 9am–5pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm
Location: London SE1 9AL
Seven Dials Market
Smack dab in the middle of Soho, Seven Dials Market is a must-try, featuring 20 independent food stalls and two bars. You’ll find giant pizzas, colourful bao buns and some very serious sandwiches.
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm–10pm
Location: Seven Dials Market, 35 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LX
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market is one of London’s oldest and most varied markets. Featuring 55 stalls, including over 40 food and drink stalls, it promises to have something to tempt everyone. Plus, you’ll also find art, vintage clothes, jewellery and other knick-knacks to take home with you.
Opening hours: Monday, 10am–6pm; Tuesday, 10am–6pm; Wednesday, 10am–6pm; Thursday, 8am–6pm; Friday, 10am–6pm; Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 10am–5pm
Location: 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW
Brixton Village Market
Brixton Village Market is staple of south London, offering up a truly diverse range of food and drinks, including Mexican, falafel, wings, Japanese and Caribbean. Fun fact: this market was the birthplace of London classics like Franco Manco, Honest Burgers and Chishuru.
Opening hours: Monday, 8am–6pm; Tuesday to Sunday, 8am–midnight
Location: Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8PS
Eataly
Find the real taste of Italy right here in London at the iconic Eataly indoor market. With dozens of stalls selling speciality Italian pastas, wines, cheeses, meats and desserts, you might even feel like you are on holiday. There are also a few spots to sit and enjoy pasta or pizza along with an aperitvo.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7am–11pm; Saturday, 9am–11pm; Sunday, 9am–10pm
Location: 135 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3YD
Broadway Market
This Hackney market dates back to the Victorian era and still feels like a step back in time. The market is open every day, but come at the weekend to try one of the dozens of street food stalls on offer.
Opening hours: Saturday, 9am–5pm; Sunday, 10am–6pm
Location: Broadway Market, E8
Pop Brixton
Come for the food, stay for the party. Pop Brixton is a vibrant enclosed food market filled with both food and drink stalls. During the day, it’s a sunny spot to grab lunch with a friend. In the evening, it transforms into a buzzing nightlife hot spot.
Opening hours: Monday, 12pm–10pm; Tuesday, 12pm–11pm; Wednesday, 12pm–11pm; Thursday, 12pm–12am; Friday, 12pm–12am; Saturday, 11am–12am; Sunday, 12pm–11pm
Location: 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ
Southbank Centre Food Market
Tucked away behind the famous Southbank Centre, the Southbank Centre Food Market is a wonderful alternative to some of the chain restaurants that line the famous riverside strip. Here, you’ll find a wide array of flavours, including Thai, Korean barbecue and crêpes. Perfect for grabbing a bite before catching a play at the National or simply while strolling along the Thames this summer.
Opening hours: Friday, 11pm–9pm; Saturday, 11am–9pm; Sunday, 12pm–6pm
Location: London SE1 8XX
Images: Courtesy of markets
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