However, the spiritual home of the London market is surely the East End, and I don’t just mean that in a hackneyed “apples and pears” way (though those market traders are indeed still out there in abundance).
The sheer diversity of what’s on offer across the region’s markets makes the East End one giant treasure trove, with punters spoiled for choice whether they’re looking for fashion, food, flowers, or furniture (and of course, there’s still lots of random tat).
In their new video, produced by London filmmakers Orban Wallace and Ruben Woodin Dechamps, HotelClub.com has given us a skater’s eye view of all that East End markets have to offer – here’s what you can expect to find at each one…
Broadway Market: Broadway Market, E8; Saturdays only, 9am – 5pm
Broadway Market dates back to the 1890s, and is one of the quintessential London food markets. Over the 120-odd years since its foundation, it has evolved in tandem with changing consumer tastes, broadening its offer to become a foodie mecca, with a particular focus on organic and artisanal produce. Among the food sellers, there are also a number of vintage clothing stalls and shops, so in between custom-made cupcakes and fairtrade flat whites you can also shop for retro chic.
Brick Lane Market: Brick Lane, E1; Sundays only, 9am – 5pm
“Multicultural” is a term that gets bandied around a lot in reference to London, but few places in the capital fit the bill as much as Brick Lane, a characteristic that is brought to life each Sunday as the myriad local communities all come out for the market. In some respects, it’s no different to many other markets – there is still a fair share of trinkets and bric-a-brac on offer – but there are gems to be found and for the atmosphere alone, the market is worth a visit.
Sunday UpMarket: Ely’s Yard, The Old Truman Brewery, E1; Sundays only, 10am – 5pm
Another foodie and fashionista haunt, Sunday UpMarket has been taking over the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane each weekend since 2004. The UpMarket is particularly focused on supporting local artists and designers, meaning you’re sure to find something totally unique each time you visit. Meanwhile, in the food court, you’ll find some of the tastiest street food to be had in London, with all manner of cuisine on offer to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Columbia Road Flower Market: Columbia Road, E2; Sundays only, 8am – approx. 3pm
Every Sunday, the charming and fairly unassuming East London thoroughfare of Columbia Road gets transformed into a vivid, multi-coloured jungle, with traders selling a vast array of flora. Meanwhile, behind the market stalls on the main drag and on the adjacent Ezra Street lies numerous independent shops and cafes, ranging from antiques dealers and art galleries to homewares and health and beauty retailers, while the Royal Oak pub probably does enough business on a Sunday to not bother opening for the rest of the week…
This run-down really only is the tip of the iceberg; to cover each and every East London market in one film would take a good while longer than two minutes and would lead to one tired skateboarder. There’s a great deal more to explore – Spitalfields, Whitechapel and Petticoat Lane to name but a few – so when you next fancy heading to one of London’s many markets, be sure to head east.
