A guide to London's best food markets

Enjoy a culinary odyssey across London with a smorgasbord of delicious street food in scenic locations.

The range of food available to try in London is nothing short of phenomenal – and isn’t limited to fine dining in sit-down restaurants. London’s food markets are arguably the most exciting way to experience the sheer variety that the capital has to offer. Whether you’re looking for the finest coffee, an artisanal sandwich, a sweet treat, or lunch or dinner on the go, there’s something for all occasions and palates.

Get started on your culinary odyssey with offerings from these lively and eclectic food markets. Just be sure to check opening hours beforehand to avoid disappointment. With so much to try, your tastebuds will never become complacent!

Borough Market

Probably London’s most famous food market and certainly its most historical, it’s claimed that a market around this site in Southwark has existed since at least 1014 (before the Norman Conquest). The first mention in the historical record of a market located around London Bridge dates from 1276.

The present structure was built in 1851 (Victorian industrial engineering was second to none!) and the food market as we know it dates from the 1990s when artisanal food businesses including Neal’s Yard Dairy and Brindisa moved into the empty warehouses. These days, traders span the whole globe, from foraged fare from Kent, to vegetarian offerings from Gujarat, to homemade Venezuelan produce.

You might recognise the architecture from Bridget Jones’s Diary (Bridget’s flat is located nearby) and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. You can also visit the nearby Southwark Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with its famous resident black-and-white cat, Hodge.

Seven Dials Market

Based in the centre of Covent Garden, the indoors Seven Dials Market has the most central location of all and has existed since 2019 in a former warehouse that stored bananas and cucumbers in the 19th century.

Current highlights among the 20 rotating traders include Lucky’s Hot Chicken, the New York-style Bad Boys Pizza, and Dirty Bagels. There are also several bars onsite if you’re in the mood for a drink. The aesthetic is industrial, with a friendly, communal vibe, and it's handy for venues like the Donmar Warehouse and Cambridge Theatre.

Market Halls Victoria

Located in the rooftop of a former shopping centre, you can enjoy a culinary experience with a view, perhaps prior to a performance of Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre or Wicked at the Apollo Victoria.

Try Malaysian street food from Gopal’s Corner or fully-loaded DF Tacos. There’s even live music on Saturday afternoons – the perfect accompaniment to a late lunch or early evening bite to eat. Market Halls also have branches in Oxford Street and Canary Wharf, if you’re in those neighbourhoods.

Southbank Centre Food Market

The South Bank always pulsates with energy, thanks to the National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall, the British Film Institute, and more, so it’s only fitting that it has its own food market where you can fuel up between cultural activities.

Appropriately cosmopolitan, at the Southbank Centre Food Market you can enjoy home-cooked Afghan comfort food, Polish cured meats, and Japanese rice bowls with experimental flavours. And there’s a wonderful view of the Thames while you tuck in!

Spitalfields Market

One of East London’s most popular spots, Spitalfields Market sells an eclectic range of crafts, clothing, jewellery and other souvenirs, flanked with some very high-end shops.

The food market is the perfect way to refresh after enjoying the shops and stalls (where there’s something for all budgets). The gourmet food trucks include Nigerian jollof rice, Crosstown sourdough donuts, and much more.

Victoria Park Market

Also located in East London, Victoria Park opened in 1845 as the impoverished East End’s answer to Regent’s Park and quickly gained a reputation as the “People’s Park” due its popularity as a gathering place for left-wing activism. It’s a lovely green space with a boating lake, a “Chinese” pagoda, and play facilities.

The Sunday food market with its local traders and craft beer is the perfect way to relax in the fresh air, and there’s often live music. And if you’re a dog owner, don’t miss the doggy deli!

Camden Market

Camden Market remains famous for its hippy-ish vibe and also provides plenty to eat with dozens of vendors peddling their wares. If you wish, you can take a Secret Food Tour that provides the ultimate guide to the unsung heroes and secret spots that make up the melting pot of Camden Market's cuisine.

Plus, gin fans are sure to enjoy Half Hitch Gin School, where you learn about Camden’s history in the gin trade, the essentials of distilling, and you’ll even take home your own infusion. Cheers!

Greenwich Market

Maritime Greenwich is always a lovely place to visit with its museums, royal park, and marvellous views. Its famous market also has an excellent line in street food.

Try Korean corn dogs or ramen burgers (how exactly does that work?), and vegan brownies (though perhaps not all together!). And don’t miss all the crafts and antiques – the perfect place to pick up treats for yourself, or gifts for family or friends.

Photo: Christopher Connell (Flickr)