This is the second part of our least to most favourite London food market ranking. Check out the full list here:
Broadgate Circle EC2M 2QS
It originally started as a day time market feeding the hungry bankers around Broadgate Circle. Due to its popularity more permanent booths were set up where you can try some of the best meats around – steak from Street Kitchen, burger from Patty & Bunn and the most epic chicken sandwich you’ll ever taste – Schmaltz.
What we tried: The good people at Schmaltz describe it as ‘Chicken sandwiches that dreams are made of’ and we can confirm they really are something special. The signature here is the specially crafted and trademarked buns in the shape of a chicken breast.
When to get there: Thursdays for lunch
Our rating: 3/5
Spitalfields Market E1 6EW
One of East London’s famous tourist spots. The historical area used to attract lots of immigrants, economic migrants from Ireland and France and Eastern European Jews fleeing… well Eastern Europe, and it became one of the key expansion spots of the City of London. The place is actually huge and resembles some sort of a posh flea market (think rugged looking goods that are in reality brand new and pretty expensive). It features hand-crafted arts pieces, jewellery and clothes, as well as an alright food section. The place is actually a great spot for gloomy days as it’s fully covered and the location is also quite convenient when exploring the City.
What to try: The pulled pork sandwiches
When to get there: This is a week-round daytime experience.
Our rating: 3/5
Borough Market
This is by far London’s most hyped market. You will see it in every single ‘must do’ list or travel documentary for the city and we have to admit it is well worth a visit. The variety of foods, both ready to eat and cook at home shopping options, is amazing and the quality is considered one of the highest. The major downside are the hordes of tourists whose bodies you are tightly pressed against when trying to traverse the market (pre-covid, obviously). This really spoils the fun out of it and if you go on a Saturday can make it extremely unpleasant. However, week days are safe and it makes up for a fantastic lunch spot.
What to try: Pie and mash and the cookies and brownies of the sweets’ stalls.
When to get there: Closed on Sundays, otherwise anytime during the day
Our rating: 4/5
Berwick Street Market SE1 1TN
Situated in the very heart of Soho, this one comes as a bit of a surprise when you stumble upon it nicely tucked into one of the inner streets of the area. It is a genuine delight with its food ranging from Caribbean jerk meats, through vegetarian Egyptian salads and Vietnamese fried rice, to Yorkshire burritos. Everything is exceptionally good.
What to try: The Jerk chicken is a must and the French duck confit is an exceptional meal.
When to get there: weekdays before 3 pm.
Our rating: 4/5
Broadway Market near London Fields E8 4PH https://broadwaymarket.co.uk/
A traditional Victorian street market this one is situated right next to the London Fields park. The road has been in use since Roman times and used to be in an area popular as grazing ground for livestock, subsequently becoming an important trade point. Nowadays it’s a very laid back market with a variety of great foods and coffees. If you’re up for a walk in the area, the artisan bakeries around are a hipster’s dream.
What we tried: The Asian spring rolls and matcha coffee at Climpson&Sons.
When to get there: Saturdays during daytime
Our rating: 4/5
Victoria Park Market E2 9JW
This isn’t a huge one, but it’s so sweet and it’s in the middle of the park. They sell organic foods only and the quality of ingredients is some of the highest in London.
What not to miss: Milktree Gelato – it’s vegan, but it’s really good
When to get there: Sundays 10 am to 4 pm.
Our rating: 4/5