Though once known for poverty and crime, made notorious by the likes of the Kray Twins and Jack the Ripper, East London is now more renowned for being the cool kid in class and is home to some of the hippest and quirkiest hangouts in the capital. It has, though, through its changes, managed to hold on to that old East End market tradition, some of which date back as early as the 17th century. A stroll through some East London markets can feel like a step back in time, with a general sense of community, bargains and banter. It is a mixture of old and new East London, with stalls of long-standing alongside artisanal newcomers.
Sunday is ideal for markets in the East End, and it is easy to wander from one to the next. Alternatively, if you fancy a night market, Hackney is the place to be, while the notorious Roman Road serves up delights three times a week. Though there are markets aplenty in London, below I list seven East London Markets that you must visit:
1. Brick Lane Market
This historic street was home to brick and tile manufacturers in the 15th century and is also a famous focal point for the Bangladeshi community. Dubbed the “curry capital” due to its selection of curry houses, it is now also an extensive mix of restaurants, galleries, street art, street food, pop-up stores, buskers and retro bargains galore. Divert off the lane for more stalls and indoor markets operating out of the Old Truman Brewery, where up-and-coming designers sell a unique variety of clothing, handbags and jewellery. There is no limit to the weird and wonderful things you can find at Brick Lane – nothing is out of place here.
Though Sundays are best to visit, the shops and restaurants are open every day. You will be entertained by buskers and even the revellers still out from the night before and probably refuelling in the well-known bagel shop, which is open 24/7.
As you make your way through the buzzing narrow lane, the aroma of culinary delights from the array of street food stores will have you spoilt for choice, and the display of ever-changing street art will have your head-turning. Brick Lane is a vintage buyers’ delight. There is an abundance of antique homewares, retro clothing stores, artwork, old vinyl and more. To further the shopping experience, pop over to Spitalfields Market, which is only a stone’s throw away.
2. Old Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields is one of London’s oldest markets and is open seven days a week. It is easy to combine Spitalfields with Brick Lane and Columbia Road Flower Market, mentioned below. Several independent traders offer exclusive designs in fashion, interiors, artwork and artisan food. Saturdays are hugely popular, with at times, over 100 stalls selling ethical pieces and globally inspired clothing, homewares, music and accessories. There is also a selection of boutiques, bars and restaurants.
3. Columbia Road Flower Market
A pungent aroma of blossoms dominate the air every Sunday from 08.00 am at this acclaimed flower market, and the queues can be mammoth, so make sure you get there early. Columbia Road market offers a selection of the best homegrown and imported flowers and plants. As well as just about any plant life that you can think of, it is also one of the few streets in the country comprised entirely of independent shops, so there is much more than flowers on offer! The row of Victorian shops includes an eclectic mix of art galleries, antique boutiques and artisan bakeries.
Off of the main road are various vintage market stalls selling furniture, clothing and much more. Be amused by buyers struggling to carry oversized pot plants and banter from the traders.
4. Roman Road Market
This traditional East London market has been running for over 150 years and is one of the oldest trading street markets in the country. It stretches through the heart of Bow and has a full range of items on sale but mainly consists of women’s clothing and samples at rock bottom prices. You can also sift through a selection of household items, toys, bags, makeup and jewellery.
The market opens three days a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) and is an old-style, proper East End market (think EastEnders) that displays diversity with some old-style cafes, new artisanal bakeries and street food stores. The road is very long, and outside of the market, the road is lined with numerous independent shops, stores, cafes and restaurants.
Recommendation: refuel at the Turkish Artisan bakery, which serves up delicious traditional Gözleme (a savoury Turkish stuffed flatbread), Baklava and other classic Turkish delights.
5. Victoria Park Food Market
It’s an easy walk from Columbia Road to check out Victoria Park Food Market’s weekly offering of produce. The market, which takes place every Sunday, consists of a selection of stalls offering seasonal fruit and veg, fresh fish, artisan bread and cakes, cheeses, olives, impressive and highly recommended natural wines, street food and live music. Even without all of that, this park is a hotspot and is perfect on a sunny day to chill, hire a pedalo or try out your rowing skills on the boating lake. The towpath runs directly next to Victoria Park, so you can walk along the canal beneath the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s even possible to forget you are in the concrete jungle.
6. Bohemia Place Market, Hackney
Bohemia Place comprises a variety of markets that take place throughout each month. The Hackney Night Market takes place every Friday and the Vegan Market on varying dates.
In addition to this, they have a Wasted Chic Fashion & Creatives Market where you can buy affordable clothing from London’s young brands. Wasted Chic showcase vintage clothing and up-cycled fashion, young and emerging design talent and stand out accessories from traders and designers passionate about their products.
Black-Owned Hackney Market takes place on the third weekend of each month and showcases the very best of black-owned businesses in London from food and clothing to homewares and often have DJs and brunch offers. It’s a whole vibe, a bit of a shopping party and a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
7. Billingsate Market
Pescetarians can delight in a plethora of seafood at London’s iconic fish market. Billingsgate, located in Poplar, near Canary Wharf, is the UK’s largest inland fish market and was once the largest fish market in the world. The market is self-contained and comprises a large trading hall, with 98 stands and 30 shops, including two cafes.
Billingsgate Fish Market offers the largest selection of fish in the UK from Tuesday to Saturday with trading commencing from 4 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Most seafood is transported by road directly from the coast arriving at the market in the early hours of the morning. The varied selection includes live imports, such as lobsters, crabs and eels. To shop here means an early start to get what you want, as buyers include restaurateurs, fishmongers and world-renowned chefs buying in bulk which clearly says a lot about the quality, variety and prices. It’s definitely worth the early rise and provides a memorable seafood shopping experience. The traders are not only full of banter but are also very knowledgeable and helpful if you feel overwhelmed by choice.
What are your favourite East London Markets?
