Markets may seem like a lost pleasure in this day and age of instant internet shopping, but there is still something special about meandering around the many stalls on offer and finding something truly unique. Whether it evokes happy memories of your childhood, you want to find a new trinket or you want some yummy food, South London has a market that is perfect for you.
Greenwich Market
Image: Visit London
London's only historic market set within a World Heritage site, Greenwich Market is a firm favourite amongst both native South Londoners and tourists. This is a market that has a little bit of everything, including tasty food stalls, trinkets, antiques, crafts and fashion items. Do check what stalls are up on the day you plan to go, as it varies daily. It has been a Royal Charter Market for over 300 years and offers up to 120 stalls in a thriving, central location.
Crystal Palace Food Market
Image: I Love Markets
Cakes, organic fruits and vegetables, sauces, herbs and spices are just some of the things on offer at Crystal Palace Food Market. Whilst they have some regular stalls, things change every week and the Guest stalls are always interesting to check out, so it never gets boring. It happens every Saturday at Haynes Lane, from 10am - 3pm and it is all about community. Any profits made are used to support Patchwork Farm, Crystal Palace Transition Town, small local businesses and charities.
Brixton Market
Image: Brixton Market
Brixton Station Road Market is a community market run by local traders, offering a little bit of everything. However, they like to mix things up each week. On the first Saturday of the month they hold a Bakers’ & Flea Market; on the second Saturday the Makers’ Market, the third Saturday is the Retro & Vintage Market; and the fourth (and fifth if there is a fifth Saturday in the month) is the Brix Mix market which is open to all traders. Not forgetting the Sunday Farmer's Market! Whatever day you plan to head to Brixton, you're bound to find something you fancy and help the community whilst doing so.
Borough Market
Image: Simon Rawles
Possibly the most famous market in London, Borough Market is all about the foodies. Offering a huge range of fresh produce that puts supermarkets to shame, cheeses, meats, antipasti and pastries, you should come here hungry or ready to cook! It gets pretty busy, but it is worth battling through the crowds to get some of the finest food on offer South of the river.
Street Feast Lewisham
This is one that has taken South London by storm! From 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, Street Feast descends on Lewisham. From crispy, fried buttermilk chicken to 'Mother Flipper' gourmet burgers, you're going to have a hard time choosing what stall to visit. Not forgetting rum cocktails and wine to wash down your cakes, dumplings and seafood. If you love delicious nibbles, expertly made drinks and good vibes, this is the South London Market for you!
Brockley Market
Image: Urban Pixxels
An award-winning weekly food market, Brockley Market starts at 10am every Saturday. It doesn't just offer seasonally sourced fruits and vegetables, chartucerie meats, organic bread and cheeses. There are also breakfast and brunch stalls on offer to fuel you up for your trip around the market stalls, collecting ingredients for a yummy dinner of fresh seafood, seasoned with the best herbs and spices and washed down with natural wines.
Tooting Market
It has branded itself 'South London's Hippest Market' and has been established for over 80 years as a premier indoor market. World food and drink, arty gifts, beauty services and fashion are just some of the things you can find at Tooting Market. It is open 7 days a week and has established itself as one of the best markets South of the river, winning countless awards and rave reviews.
Bermondsey Market
Image: Bermondsey Square
For all you antiques lovers out there, Bermondsey Market is the place for you. Located in Bermondsey Square, traders sell everything from cutlery to furniture and china to jewellery. It is open every Friday from 6am - 2pm and you're bound to find something unique for your home or collections. Need more persuading? This market offers silver and cutlery, 18th century Italian paintings, religious icons and fashion. Now that's quite the mix!
Herne Hill Market
Having won the TimeOut Love London Award for best shop in Herne Hill, this market is going from strength to strength. This Farmer's Market is located in the bustling Station Square and doesn't just offer food, with fashion, arts and crafts and other goodies on sale too! It has really been instrumental in maintaining a community feel in Herne Hill and supporting local businesses and traders.
Merton Abbey Mills Market
Image: Visit London
Merton Abbey Mills market has run every weekend for 26 years, showing no signs of slowing. The market has moved away from general type trading and has been working hard on promoting arts and crafts with special deals and activities to entice artists and craft makers to come and trade. Their aim is to keep in touch with their rich legacy and history of the arts. So if you're into all things arty, you should definitely pop down to Merton Abbey Mills market one weekend and checkout what is on offer.
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