Market Intelligence
This winter, there’s nothing better than wrapping up in a warm coat and making for your local market.
The perfect place to pick up a hot chocolate – or perhaps a mulled wine – to warm your hands on while wandering stalls packed with vintage fashion, classic books, and handmade arts and crafts. Markets bring us all together; a place to shop or while away the hours taking in a bit of people-watching. Here are our top picks to check out this festive season.
Broadway and Netil Market, E8
Broadway Market started out as a traditional fruit and veg market in the 1890s and was revived by the local community in 2004. Now it’s arguably London’s trendiest market and has become home to Hackney’s creatives. With 135 stalls in operation, it sells an incredible array of food, vintage clothes, flowers, coffee and books. And a few doors down, you’ll find its smaller companion: Netil Market. Once a car park, this revamped spot now houses crafts, clothes and even has a terrace – the perfect spot to catch those winter rays. These two markets are ideal for a Saturday stroll and a little gift-shopping.
Broadway Market opens every Saturday, 9am-5pm Broadway Market, London, E8 4PH broadwaymarket.co.uk
Netil Market opens every Saturday, 11am-6pm 13-23 Westgate St, London, E8 3RL
Old Spitalfields Market, E1
Spitalfields has been a market site for over 350 years, with the current buildings dating back to the 1800s and Grade II-listed. Circling the roofed market area are permanent shops housing designer brands, while at the centre stand row upon row of stalls selling vintage furniture, bric-a-brac, jewellery, hand-crafted designs and collectables. A people-watching hotspot, this architectural gem is one of London’s most distinctive markets. Make sure to pop down on a Thursday for the specialist antique market, and the first and third Friday of the month see one of the best vinyl markets on display. A gift-purchasing haven.
Open seven days a week 16 Horner Square, London, E1 6EW
Crafty Fox Market, SE1
Emerging designers, makers and artists are at the heart of the Crafty Fox Market, providing a place to showcase and sell their work. On offer is an eclectic variety of handicrafts, ceramics, handmade cushions and throws, intricately carved wooden tableware and print-making, to name just a few. There are also workshops available, teaching everything from house planting to collage; various events and pop-ups are also held throughout the month across London. Specialist Christmas markets are on during December, so whether you’re after a gift, or want to learn how to make one, Crafty Fox has everything you could need this winter.
Open on the first Saturday of every month, 11am-5pm Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR
Greenwich Market, SE10
Take a riverboat down the Thames and make a day of it at Greenwich Market. This historic marketplace was built in 1737 and sits on a world heritage site. A charming collection of stalls and permanent shops selling antique jewellery, vintage clothing, contemporary artwork and crafts, it’s also home to a burgeoning street-food scene. During December, you’ll find Santa in his grotto and the sparkling lantern parade – to be enjoyed with a cup of cocoa in hand, of course.
Open seven days a week Greenwich Market, London, SE10 9HZ
