Every weekend, the streets of London explode with dozens of London markets cropping up across the capital. Some even make weekday appearances, perfect if you’re visiting or for a lunch break wander. We’ve put together a guide to our favourite markets near South West London, where you can find high-quality groceries, vintage finds and more.
Portobello Market
Filled with everything from vintage trinkets and pre-loved games, to fresh fruit and flowers, it’s no wonder that Portobello Road Market is adored by locals and tourists alike. Stretching over two miles, over 1,500 dealers can be found here but if that wasn’t enough, in addition to the colourful stands on the main street, visitors can find shops and stalls on certain perpendicular streets like Westbourne Grove. Open on Fridays and Saturdays, Portobello Road is the perfect place to stock up on pretty homeware and vintage jewellery.
Columbia Road Flower Market
The dramatic colours and beautiful fragrance of the spectacular variety of flowers are sure to impress, and it has a well-deserved reputation as one of London’s most beautiful markets. Nearly all of the sellers here are independent, so why not grab a bouquet to beautify your home and give some pounds to local small businesses? Local tip from us to you, you’ve got a decent chance of nabbing a bargain if you head along to it towards closing time.
Bute Street Farmers’ Market
South Kensington Farmers’ Markets takes place in Bute Street, one of Kensington’s premier foodie destinations and has been a hit with locals on Saturdays when the street is closed to traffic. Look out for, amongst other things, traditional sausages from Parsons Nose, fresh fish from Les Lawrence’s day boats on the South coast and a fantastic array of soft fruit in the summertime. Bute Street itself is also home to some great food shops including a fabulous ice cream parlour and excellent fishmongers.
Borough Market
As London’s oldest food market, Borough Market has been serving the people of Southwark for 1,000 years, and that extraordinary heritage is an integral part of its appeal. But this is not a museum piece — it is a dynamic, ever-changing institution; a participant in the wider debates around what we eat and where it comes from.
Northcote Road Market
Northcote Road Market overflows with a mixture of cured meats, olives, cakes, jewellery, clothing and arts and crafts as well as more everyday items. On Fridays and Saturdays, its busiest days when all the stalls are open, you’ll also come across vendors offering street food like pizzas and hog roasts. Antiques can be found at the indoor Northcote Road Antiques Market, which is south down the street, while there are also numerous nearby restaurants, cafés and boutique shops to poke around.
Queen’s Lawn Farmers’ Market
South Kensington’s Tuesday market first opened on the 24th of September 2013 around the beautiful Queens Lawn and Queens Tower on the campus of Imperial College. Close to all the great London museums, with The Science Museum just around the corner, this square is a green oasis of calm where you will be able to pick up a bite for lunch, as well as shopping for fresh fruit and veg, meat, eggs, poultry, fresh fish, artisan bread and much more.
Marylebone Farmers’ Market
As you’d expect given its name, the Marylebone Farmer’s Market is all about the food. One of the capital’s flagship farmer’s markets, there’s always something new to find as the seasons change here, from the freshest asparagus in April to strawberries in May and cherries in July. Look out for excellent meat and poultry, game in season and free-range sausages from local producers.