Markets In London
Forget Tesco and Primark - London's major markets will have you covered.
For tasty treats
Fast for two days before going to Borough Market because you'll want to load up on some serious gastronomic delights. Also known as London's Larder, the market, which dates back to medieval times, has an amazing meat and fish section and vendors sell anything from wild boar and pheasant pies to Madagascan prawns.
If you're planning a barbecue, you can grab a whole deer - minus the head but still with fur. Colourful pig farmer Robert Burton will sell you hot black pudding and mushy peas, and if you're going through a dry patch, Jon Thrupp from Mons Fromager Affineau believes his ewe's milk Ossau-Iraty cheese from the Pyrénées is "better than sex". The market is pretty famous - scenes from Bridget Jones's Diary and Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels were filmed here. Visit Borough while you can as it's under threat from developers.
Southwark St, SE1 (www.boroughmarket.org.uk). Open Thursday-Saturday, various times
For Latex Hotpants
You can almost hear the dulcet tones of Ben Harper's Burn One Down as you wander the stalls of Camden Market. Throw yourself into the crowds of punks, goths, stoners and crazies - and the throngs of tourists who have made Camden Market Britain's fourth largest tourist attraction, with a whopping 500,000 visitors a week. This is the place to go for outrageous retro threads, tacky tourist souvenirs, exotica and erotica. There are also one-off pieces of art, furnishings, antiques, jewellery and records. Camden was the scene of a spectacular fire earlier this year which destroyed a fair whack of its Canal Market. Organisers, however, insist the rest of the market remains very much open for business as usual, with the Stables Market, Camden Lock and the Electric Ballroom all touting their mix of trendy, kitsch, antique and unusual clothes and other bits and bobs.
Camden High St, NW1 (www.camdenmarkets.org; www.camdenlock.net). Various opening times
For the fashion brigade
Home to young designers who can't afford a shopfront, Spitalfields is the place to come for cutting edge fashion. This east London market has been recently refurbished, but holds onto its Bohemian and vibrant roots. Need a new couch? Here you can grab a reconditioned Art Deco sofa you'd never find in Ikea. Trendy cafés and furniture shops surround the indoor market, making Spitalfields a good option on a rainy day. There's plenty of delish organic and international food, too.
Commercial St, E1 (www.spitalfields.co.uk). Various opening times
For something original
Portobello Road Market is the place to go gift shopping for the person who has everything. Here you'll find that unique, one-of-a-kind antique or outfit. Antique shops and stalls dominate the southern end of the road, but further north the interest factor goes up as the average age of the punters goes down, with bric-a-brac, fashion and exotic spices to create the ultimate curry. Its Notting Hill location means the market is a regular haunt of celebrities, and it's worth sitting down over coffee to listen to buskers serenading the passing parade. It's not as big (or as cheap) as Camden, but weekends are still crazy, so allow yourself three or four hours to see a fair amount.
Portobello Rd, W10 (www.portobelloroad.co.uk). Market open Saturdays, shops all week
Tips for a successful market mission
- The early bird gets the worm.
- Produce traders usually start selling from 5am and the best fruit and veg goes first. It's not Bali, but don't be afraid to bargain.
- Prices are often negotiable.
- Weekends are mayhem at many of the markets. Some are open midweek and it's worth visiting then to escape the crowds.
- Keep your bag close to you to deter pickpockets.
