The origin of food markets in London dates back to Roman times and today the city is famous for its diverse and lively food markets, offering a wide array of local and international street food.
Over the past two years of living in London, we’ve enjoyed some of the best street food at these markets. In this post, we’re sharing 6 of our favourite markets, which we highly recommend not just for the food but for the whole experience. Each of these is unique in its own way so be on the lookout for those that are centuries old, one that is tucked under railway arches and another housed inside what used to be a banana warehouse.
Let’s begin with understanding a little more about these markets. The markets in the city can generally be categorized into those primarily focused on street food and those that offer a mix of shopping and street food.
- Food Markets primarily emphasize street food stalls and food vendors, offering a wide variety of culinary delights.
- Mixed Markets strike a balance between shopping and street food experiences. While there is a focus on shopping with stalls offering art, crafts, vintage items, clothes, accessories and more, there are also dedicated sections for street food traders.
In this post, we’re sharing 4 markets that focus solely on food and 2 mixed markets. While all of these markets feature a wide variety of global cuisines, each one has standout food traders that offer creative and deliciously crafted food options.
To find out more, you can check out our separate food vlogs for each of these markets or download the first volume of our London street food guide. With that said, here’s a summary for each of our favourite:
Food Markets
1) Mercato Metropolitano
Mercato Metropolitano is a comparatively new food market located in Elephant and Castle. Opened in 2016, it has become a popular destination for food enthusiasts, offering a range of cuisines and drinks options. The market occupies a spacious area that includes indoor and outdoor seating, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
The market is usually absolutely buzzing in the evenings with hungry customers and groovy music in the background. They’ve recently added a new branch in Ilford too.
- Opening Days: Open 7 days a week
- Location 1: Elephant & Castle | Address: 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR
- Location 2: lford | Address: 3 Chadwick Rd, Ilford IG1 1EQ
2) Seven Dials Market
Seven Dials is also a relatively new food market located in the heart of Covent Garden that opened its doors in 2019. From gourmet burgers and artisanal pizzas to authentic Asian cuisine, the market caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
The market takes its name from the historic Seven Dials junction nearby, where seven streets converge. It’s an indoor food market housed inside what used to be a banana and cucumber warehouse – and so a great option when it’s too cold, rainy or windy.
- Opening Days: Open 7 days a week
- Location: Covent Garden | Address: Earlham St, London WC2H 9LX
3) Maltby Street Market
Let’s move on to the Maltby Street Market situated in Bermondsey, tucked away in an alley flanked by railway arches and colorful flags.
The location of this hidden gem, under the railway arches and the flag lined alley adds to the overall charm, creating a unique setting. The market usually operates on weekends, and it’s advisable to check opening hours before planning your visit.
- Opening Days: Open on weekends only – Saturday & Sunday
- Location: Bermondsey | Address: Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA
4) Borough Market
Borough Market is one of the most well-known and also the oldest and largest markets in London, with a 1000 year old history. It’s located in a bustling and historic area of London, near the London Bridge.
The market is known for its fresh produce, artisanal products, and street food from around the world, including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options.
It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday. And as you would expect, the weekends and weekday lunch hours get pretty busy here so bear that in mind when planning your visit.
- Opening Hours: Open from Tuesday-Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
- Location: London Bridge | Address: London SE1 9AL
Mixed Markets – Shopping + Food
5) Camden Market
Camden Market in London began in 1974 as a small, temporary arts and crafts market. Located in the Camden Lock area, it rapidly grew into a major hub with its eclectic mix of fashion, crafts, and street food.
Over the years, Camden Market expanded into several adjoining markets, becoming one of London’s largest and most popular tourist attractions. It blends vintage goods, clothes, accessories, arts and crafts and a vibrant food scene, drawing millions of visitors annually. The food options are concentrated in a few areas across the market, most notably the West Yard, which likely hosts the largest number of food traders.
For what you can SHOP FOR, at Camden Market, we’ve posted a separate vlog that you can watch at this link, for more details.
- Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week
- Location: Camden Lock | Address: Camden Lock Place, London – NW1 8AF
6) Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market in London dates back to 1638 when initially it was focused on selling produce. The current Victorian market building was constructed in 1887, and in the late 20th century, the market transformed into a trendy destination, blending its historic roots with modern retail, fashion, art, and food stalls.
Today, the market is a mix of heritage and contemporary culture, attracting locals and tourists alike. The vibrant food section at this market is something that we absolutely love and can’t recommend enough.
For what you can SHOP FOR, at Old Spitalfields Market, we’ve posted a separate vlog that you can watch at this link, for more details.
- Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week
- Location: Spitalfields | Address: 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
