London is a city known for its charm and whimsy. From afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream to a day spent pondering the lives of royals past at the National Portrait Gallery, London keeps in step with the present by preserving traditions yet always moving toward the future. Aside from the obvious attractions, it’s a city rich in markets. A great way to find new neighborhoods and meet some of the locals, these markets also offer visitors the chance to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts with more panache than simply a Paddington Bear. Here’s a tidy list of the weekly specialty markets to check out if you’re in London town.
Borough Market
Dating from the 13th century, this market has really stood the test of time. It’s been a stronghold ever since, ensuring high standards especially in the produce. The market boasts a panel of food quality experts to keep the level at the top.
For the foodie, Borough Market has every base covered. With over 100 individual stalls, there’s something for every palate. Among the standout stalls, try Pate Moi, for a creamy mushroom pate made with a secret family recipe and Kappacasein Dairy’s hot cheese sandwiches, which should have your stomach rumbling before you even realize what it is you’re smelling. This Swiss raclette cheese is served over a helping of roasted new potatoes with baby gherkins and pickled onions. The cheese sandwiches are equally yummy, made with Montgomery cheddar and onions, leeks, and garlic on sourdough bread. Try one of Comptoir Gourmand’s huge colorful meringues or one of Cinnamon Tree Bakery’s shortbread owl cookies.
Open Thursday through Saturday
Brick Lane
Brick Lane Market is known for its vast quantity of, well, everything. If you’re looking for it, someone’s selling at least 3 of them and in various colors. Bursting warehouses, vintage coats dangling from the brick walls, local designers hawking trendy screen-pressed t-shirts and loads of trinkets lay waiting for plunder in the myriad of stands. Buried treasure abounds at this popular traditional flea market.
Located in East London, once a slum associated with the murders of Jack the Ripper, this vibrant neighborhood is now noted for its galleries, restaurants, festivals, and, of course, its market. Host to a pulsing nightlife scene, East London is also popular for its authentic curry restaurants, in the heart of Bangladeshi community. Close proximity to Spitalfields and Petticoat Lane Market allow you to make a day of markets and thrifting, followed by a meal of spicy curry.
Open Sundays
Portobello Market
Hailed as the world’s largest antique market, Portobello is two miles of streets filled with shops, stalls and tents that swing both high brow and low. This West London mainstay draws visitors from all over the world. Copper kettles, deco clocks, embroidered handkerchiefs, 18th century locks, trunk after trunk packed to the brim with every manner of long lost family portraits, faded love letters and old Beatles concert tickets, it’s all here. Whatever you seek at Portobello, you shall find in multitude. Go to talk shop with the vendors, many of whom have been selling their wares for years and specialize in certain types of memorabilia. Check out diamond tiaras and gold pocket watches, rubix cubes and Cracker Jack toys. This market is a feast for the eye and a must-see for any visitor to London.
Open Saturdays
South Bank
A well-kept secret, this second-hand book market in Southwark is tucked beneath the Waterloo Bridge. Fortunately, the bridge covers the tables, allowing the market to be open daily, rain or shine. Though nothing compares to the charms of wandering a cavernous used book shop, the Southbank market offers open air views of London with generously spaced long tables that beg to be ransacked. Many of the sellers specialize in certain subjects, and in addition to books, also sell antique prints, maps, and photographs. If you’re hunting for something in particular, don’t hesitate to ask, or simply ask for a recommendation for a good read for the flight back home.
Open daily