LONDON is full of brilliant markets. They are often the best places in the city to discover the freshest food from all over the world and ornate trinkets you won’t find anywhere else. London markets are truly diverse places, perfect for experiencing the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and treating yourself to some exquisite cuisine.
As the cold weather of January and February kicks in, it also helps that many of London’s best markets are indoors, or at least covered. Here are five of the best to enjoy this winter:
Borough Market
One of the oldest in the city, Borough Market has existed for about 1,000 years and can be found nestled beside London Bridge. For hundreds of years, it served the greengrocers of south London with the freshest fruit, veg and meat in the city. Today, it is a melting pot of miscellaneous cuisine open seven days a week with sustainability and customer satisfaction at its heart.
Come here for: Cheese toasties at Kappacasein
Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Greenwich Market
This extensive market situated in the charming urban village of Greenwich has much more to offer than just the 46 tantalising food stalls. There are also tons of stalls selling jewellery, arts & crafts, clothing, antiques, and beauty products.
Greenwich makes for a great day out as the market itself is surrounded by independent shops, bars and cafes, with landmarks Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park just around the corner.
Come here for: Crate-digging at Digital Detox record stall
Address: 5B Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
Brixton Village and Market Row
Brixton in south London is famous for its vibrant, multicultural community, and its heritage and history in the city is reflected through the area’s bustling markets. Cuisines range from Mexican and Portuguese to Jamaican and Italian – you can find pretty much everything here.
If you are visiting for ingredients instead of a full meal, there are many fruit and veg stalls, fishmongers, butchers and more dotted around. Over 486 different types of fresh fish are sold here.
Come here for: Brazilian food at Carioca
Address: Unit 74, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS
Covent Garden’s Apple Market
At the site of the once-famous fruit and vegetable market, Covent Garden’s Apple Market is now the site for traders to showcase unique antiques and collectables, alongside other assorted trinkets from handmade jewellery to artisan soap.
The surrounding area of Covent Garden is a high-end shopping paradise, so if you get bored of all the big brands and want something a little more personal, this is the market for you.
Come here for: Table and teaware at Antoinette’s Heirlooms
Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 8RF
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields underwent a major rejuvenation in the 2000s and this covered market opposite Liverpool Street station has become a major shopping and eating destination in east London.
The market is full of variety and sells vintage clothing, homeware, artisan food products, bespoke children’s toys and much more. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, Brick Lane Market is just a five-minute walk away.
Come here for: Vintage menswear at American Vintage
Address: 16 Commercial St, London E1 6EW
SEE MORE: Five Of London’s Plushest Day Spas