Five Spectacular Suburban Food Markets
Sure – when it comes to food markets, Borough Market is an absolute classic, Camden is the place for unique eats, and the ornate architecture of Spitalfields is quite frankly, unmatched. But what about when it’s the weekend, and you can’t imagine anything worse than shlepping right into town, yet you really don’t want to miss out on those fabulous food market vibes? There’s no need to fight through crowds of hungry tourists – these weekend neighbourhood-style markets are perfect fodder for homely, Autumnal days.
With options for both north and south of the river, these five foodie hotspots are bound to leave your tummy rumbling!
1) FOR DIVERSE DINING: Catford Food Market
When? The last Sunday of every month, 10am – 4pm
Where? Catford Shopping Centre, Catford, London, SE6 4JU
How do I get there? It’s reachable by many bus routes, but is also just four minutes from Catford Bridge station (rail)
What’s the vibe? With community at its core, Catford Food Market encourages locals to come together and celebrate the culinary abilities, craftsmanship, and artistry of some of South East London’s top entrepreneurs, whilst also giving them the chance to take part in Team Catford’s #CatfordConversation – an opportunity for locals to put forward to Lewisham Council any specific community needs that should be considered in the plans for the revival of Catford town centre.
A town home to an abundance of different cultures, visitors can look forward to a wide range of cuisines – Guyanese patties, Swedish open sandwiches, and Bajan and Jamaican jerk vegan boxes, to name just a few – as well as live music, free craft events for kids, and an upbeat atmosphere.
2) FOR ETHICAL EATS: Richmond Artisan Duck Pond Market
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When? Every Sunday, 10:30am – 5pm
Where? Heron Square, Richmond upon Thames, TW9 1EP
How do I get there? It’s a ten minute walk from Richmond station (tube and overground)
What’s the vibe? Focusing on supporting ethical and sustainable, local businesses, this Duck Pond Market outpost in plush Richmond is all about groceries on Saturday, and artisan eats and treats on Sundays (hint: Sundays are our favourites). An ideal way to spend the last day of the weekend, pop along to browse the arts & crafts, gifts, vintage items, homewares and clothing, and try some of the locally made food.
Expect home-baked goods, delicious curries, colourful salads, and an environmental focus – no plastic bags here!
3) FOR BOHEMIAN BITES: Netil Market
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When? Every Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Where? Netil Market, Netil House, 1 Westgate Street, Hackney, E8 3RL
How do I get there? Find it just a five minute walk away from London Fields station (overground and rail)
What’s the vibe? Like Brick Lane’s much cooler younger sibling, the once disused and abandoned Netil House has been transformed by the awesome team at Eat Work Art into a community hub, creative workspace, and all-round place to be for independent businesses. A place that champions diversity and bringing people together, take a seat at one of the many shared tables on the sun terrace, and enjoy your food whilst listening to the on site independent radio station. Bliss!
Visitors can look forward to unique and innovative culinary creations like seafood buns, vegan pizzas, and loads of pop-up food shacks.
4) FOR OLD FASHIONED FAYRE: Alexandra Palace Farmer’s Market
When? Every Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Where? Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY (Muswell Hill – bottom entrance)
How do I get there? It’s a twenty minute walk from Highgate station (tube)
What’s the vibe? In the grounds of beautiful Alexandra Palace, a Sunday morning dog walk and trip to this gorgeous farmer’s market ill have you feeling all kinds of wholesome. Keen to put local farmers in touch with the community, expect lots of Home County grown – and often organic – groceries, and tons of River Cottage-esque produce, like handmade pies, cakes, biscuits, relishes, and sauces.
Don’t worry – there’s plenty of street food too. Look forward to ready-to-eat Moroccan, Indian and Mediterranean style dishes (to name just a few) – but with roughly 3,000 visitors every Sunday, just be sure to get there quickly!
5) FOR HUNGRY HERBIVORES: Hackney Vegan Village – Winter Series
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When? Returns for winter on the 12th and 13th October, and is expected to continue for one weekend each month – 11am – 5pm
Where? Bohemia Place Market, Bohemia Place, Hackney, E8 1DU
How do I get there? Handily, it’s right opposite Hackney Central Station (overground and rail)
What’s the vibe? Returning from its post-summer break with the epic ‘Winter Series’, Hackney Vegan Village is back on the 12th October – but now in the even better located venue of Bohemia Place Market. Grab your plant-based buddies and head along for a weekend of browsing through the amazing selection of ethical fashion and beauty products, getting crafty with a bit of upcycling, and – of course – gorging on the delicious food available from the thirty different vegan stalls.
Who said you have to give up your favourite foods if you go vegan? Snack on wings, burgers, pizzas, cakes, and much more.
