The Best and Worst Markets in London

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Worst

Portobello Road Market

Notting Hill is a district in West London, popularised by the 1999 film Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Although the area was historically home to a variety of immigrants, it is now highly gentrified. Portobello Road is a prominent part of the area, and its street market is one of the most popular in London. 

The market is filled with annoying tourists trying to take photos in front of the Notting Hill Travel Bookshop or buy an overpriced “the Notting Hill shopping bag” tote. I admittedly visited on a weekday, but most of the vendors I saw were selling mass produced, overpriced junk. I think I saw 3 different vendors selling the same “handmade” jewellery. Personally, I would rather visit a lesser-known market in an area that has not been so gentrified.

Borough Market

Borough Market is located in Southwark. Vendors here primarily sell food, and it claims to have existed since 1014. It was once a wholesale market, but is now retail.

Am I mostly putting this with the worst markets because I got food poisoning from a £12 burger here? Maybe. But in all seriousness, most of the food here is expensive and not special or distinctive. When I visited, so many tourists were visiting that it was physically impossible to reach half of the market. There are cheaper, less popular, and more convenient locations to get similar foods to what this market sells. 

Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road Flower Market is a street market in Bethnal Green that is only open on Sundays. The market began in the mid-1800s, although it has changed over the years. A variety of products are sold, including plants, bulbs, and cut flowers.

Because this market only happens once a week, it is extremely busy. It is difficult to move around without getting in someone’s way, and there is no established flow of foot traffic. About 80% of the people there (including me) are just there to walk around and take photos, which also affects this. Because the prices of the flowers aren’t any better than your average shop, it’s not worth dealing with the crowds to buy flowers or plants here.  

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is located in the City of London financial district and has been around since the 14^th century. It is featured in the first Harry Potter film and was a part of the marathon course for the 2012 Olympic Games. Many visit the market because of its distinctive architecture.

My main criticism of this market is that there are not many vendors or shops. There are only a few restaurants and a couple expensive shops. It only takes a few minutes to walk around, and I wasn’t interested enough by any of the shops to walk inside them. You will only be satisfied by this market if you are planning to sit down to a meal or look at the architecture. 

Best

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Camden Lock Market

Camden Lock Market is one of many markets located in Camden Town. The market is relatively new, having been opened in 1974. By the 80s, the market had gained a reputation for providing a starting place for many top designers.

Although the market is popular, it is easy to get around. Most of the vendors are selling quality handmade items, and it isn’t overly expensive. I also like that there is a wide variety of restaurants in the surrounding area, selling affordable and unique foods.

Marylebone Farmers’ Market

Marylebone Farmers’ Market is located in Marylebone, a district in the West End. It averages 40 stalls and is open each week on Sunday. It is one of the largest and most popular farmers’ markets in London.

There is a wide variety of seasonal produce and baked goods. The prices are fairly reasonable, and the market is in a beautiful area. Despite being popular, the market does not get overwhelmingly busy. Once finished at the market, I suggest having a look around the Marylebone area.

Spitalfields Market

Spitalfields Market is located in Spitalfields and has existed since 1666. The market has a variety of food, art, and goods. Historically, it was a traders’ market. Although the market has had periods of sharp decline, it is now thriving.

The market has a variety of beautiful clothes, such as dresses and screen-printed t-shirts by local artists. The vendors are all extremely high quality, and I struggle to restrain myself from buying everything in the market. The food sellers are also amazing. While visiting, I got a delicious, freshly made, authentic pizza for under £10. The market is well spread out, so it does not feel too crowded. There are also lots of great shops in the surrounding area.