A Walk Through London's Best Markets
Camden Market
If you're anything like me then you know the most important part of any street market is the food. My favorite market in London was in Camden. I first saw this market when it was closed at night, and I was hopeful that it was going to be large and fruitful. I was not disappointed. As we entered the main covered square there were vendors selling all types of jewelry, art, beauty products, and clothing, both knockoffs and original designs. Along the street, store fronts were open selling bags, clothes, souvenirs and general knickknacks like phone chargers and headphones. For me, this market was the jackpot. I bought earrings, dried tea leaves, and two body scrubs before I came across the food court. This area was set up perfectly. Food trucks were set up along two sides at the end of a canal with seating in the middle on round tables. A word to the wise if you plan to sit at these tables: don't wear a skirt, there is no ladylike way get your legs over the picnic benches.
The food choices were plentiful. There was Indian, vegan, fish and chips, tacos, Thai food, hotdogs, burgers, coffee, and fresh handmade fruit soda. I chose nachos from the taco trucks, and I have to say they were the best I've had since moving to Europe; and, Chicken Pad Thai with freshly made raspberry lemonade were to die for. I admit that this was an interesting combination of food, but I couldn't pass up the chance to try multiple dishes. Whatever your taste, there will definitely be something you'll like at the Camden Market. I would recommend this market to anyone who likes browsing art and clothing or grabbing some food. Camden Market is open every day 10:00-18:00.
Image Credit: Nora Cramer
Borough Market
The second best market in London, in my opinion, was the Borough Market. I came across this one by accident, but it was a great spot. Most of the vendors were selling food-- no complaints from me-- but there were a few vendors selling flowers, fruits and vegetables and other cooking ingredients like spices. This market is right next to the London Bridge, as well as the Southwark Cathedral, and is walking distance from the Tower Bridge. If the weather is nice this would be a great place to buy some food and have a picnic, or on colder days to buy some Colombian coffee and go for a walk in the area.
Some of the food offered by vendors are Levantine-inspired, Ethiopian, Indian, Thai, Egyptian, Caribbean and German and even a spit roast hog. If you prefer to cook at home this would be a great place to get cheese, vegetables or even seafood like oysters and fish. Even though this market was an accidental find I was very pleased with it. I had breakfast and lunch in one place. I bought a cream filled doughnut for breakfast and had gyoza with Asian coleslaw and lemonade for lunch. In true French style I finished my small feast with coffee. If you don't enjoy street food, there is a sit down restaurant called The Market Porter that offers food and drinks. This market was smaller than the one in Camden, but was just as satisfying. Borough Market is open 10:00-17:00 Monday through Thursday, 10:00-18:00 on Fridays and 8:00-17:00 on Saturdays. The market is closed on Sunday and may be limited on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Image Credit: Pixabay/Hijeon
Jubilee Market
I loved the first two markets I went to, and I had high hopes for all London markets, but I was very disappointed by the the Jubilee Market near Covent Garden. It was set up in a beautiful square that is visible from the underground exit, but almost all of the stalls that I saw were selling cheap looking souvenirs, clothes, or knickknacks like croquet flowers or children's toys. I walked around for a long time without seeing anything that was interesting. There was one vendor selling nice jewelry and another selling dessert, but nothing that made me want to stop. However, it wasn't all bad.
There was a square in the middle of the stalls that was open to create a courtyard but covered with a high roof. There were shops and restaurants surrounding the courtyard. A few of the restaurants included an Italian restaurant, a traditional British cafe, and-- the redeeming quality of this market-- a Shake Shack. Even though it was cold while I was visiting, I ate outside in the courtyard. Each restaurant has designated tables in the courtyard, so seating is almost guaranteed. I would not recommend going out of your way to visit this market due to the disappointing quality of the stalls. However, if you're in the area, visiting either the London Transport Museum or London Film Museum, and looking for a place to eat, the courtyard is beautiful and most of the restaurants stay open later than the stalls. If you're lucky, like I was, there may even by an opera singer with a live band using the natural acoustics to enhance their performance. Open 5:00-17:00 Mondays, 10:30-19:00 Tuesday through Friday and 10:00-18:00 on the weekends.
Image Credit: Nora Cramer
Camden Market and Borough Market were perfect for my taste. They have a little bit of everything and a lot of food. However, even though I loved these markets, they may not be everyone’s idea of perfect. There are tons of markets in London but I was only able to visit a few. I recommend doing some research about different markets, based on what you're hoping to find, before heading out. However, this isn’t to say you can’t stop at an unplanned market: those can turn out to be the best.
