A bit of a harsh title, we know. But honestly, these markets just aren't worth your time.
This is the first part of our least to most favourite London food market ranking. Check out the full list here:
Brixton Station Road Market, SW9 8PD
One of London’s few (only?) markets run by the community – it’s the local producers that run this place. This one is recommended as a must visit by most guides due to the somewhat unusual covered section of the market – Brixton Village. It features tiny shops selling all sorts of goods, but mostly food you can cook at home. The outdoor section is where the ready to eat food is and you can find Caribbean, African and French stalls among others.
It might be because we got there late in the afternoon, or because it was a rather cold and gloomy day, but we genuinely disliked the place. The variety of food wasn’t all that great, the Village itself was dirty and underwhelming and it was surprisingly confusing to find your way to the stalls from the Tube station. All that combined with the fact that Brixton is a bit of a trip unless you live in South London (which we didn’t) meant the hour long tube ride just wasn’t worth it.
What we tried: Tsebhi Birsen (Eritrean Red Lentils) and Jerk Chicken
When to get there: this is a morning-lunch affair as things start shutting down in early afternoon.
Our rating: 1/5
Portobello Road Market W10 5TA
Another spot that is talked about more than it deserves, as far as food is concerned. The selection is quite average and really doesn’t live up to the ratings it gets. What is interesting to see in Notting Hill are the hand-crafted goods and the colourful terrace houses, but since we were after food this isn’t top of our list with a small carve out – the bakeries in the area are adorable and often offer great quality treats and coffee.
Note: the food section is at the North end of the road, around the train tracks crossing Golborne Road.
What we tried: The cheesecake at Second Cup Coffee Company – that’s right, not even on the market and it is a chain.
When to get there: Fridays and Saturdays for lunch.
Our rating: 2/5
Brick Lane Market E1 6QR
This one is interesting – there is such a variety of things/foods here you are bound to find something you like. It loses points for being a bit more of a flea market which was once famous for stolen bikes trade than it is a food spot, but there are some really interesting things here.
What we tried: Amala Chai – Indian Chai made with different flavours and started by actual tech hipsters. A really fitting spot for Brick Lane.
When to get there: Sundays until 5 pm
Our rating: 3/5