Best Street Markets in Bean

"Dating back to the thirteenth century, this historic institution is now regarded as the mother of all artisan foodie markets in London – a sprawling cornucopia of home-grown producers and gourmet goodies from across the globe. Wedged in among the butchers, bakers and cheesemakers, you’ll find a host of street food stalls selling everything from French confit duck sandwiches to aromatic Ethiopian stews, Spanish chorizo sarnies, Tuscan porchetta-inspired spit roast and even gussied-up scotch eggs (courtesy of Scotchtails). A mini-version of the market operates on Monday and Tuesday, with a limited number of traders."

"Having celebrated its 1000th birthday in 2014, it’s fair to say Borough Market is one of London’s more established haunts. Located under a maze of Victorian railway arches and open Monday to Saturday, Borough Market is stuffed with lovely food and food-lovers, featuring cuisine from all corners of the world. It offers everything you need for a memorable grab-and-go breakfast or lunch, but is also a good place for a simple wander (keeping an eye out for free samples)."

"London has many markets, so picking one for photography is tough. These locations are great for street photography, photos of merchandise, and wider establishment photos. Borough Market has a very photogenic wrought iron roof."

"Restaurants Contemporary Global Spitalfields. The best way to describe The Kitchens in Spitalfields is as a street food market and restaurant hybrid. Launched by Nuno Mendes (of Chiltern Firehouse fame), it features up to ten rotating kiosks ranging from Flank (nose-to-tail British cooking) to Thousand Knives (Japanese small plates) and Yum Bun (steamed buns) – although we’re sold on the Insta-famous crispy shengjianbao (Shanghai’s pan-fried ‘soup dumplings’) from Dumpling Shack."

"Monday-Friday, 11am-8pm; Saturday, 11am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm  Why go?. For dumplings you’ll be dreaming about for days. Launched by Nuno Mendes of London hotspot Chiltern Firehouse and nearby Taberna do Mercado, this recently-opened street food operation has, as you might expect from this savvy restauranteur, a pretty slick and streamlined feel."

"This lively east London market has an eclectic mix of stalls that will satisfy any shopper. It’s open seven days a week, so naturally it’s one of London’s busiest shopping destinations. There are antiques, clothes, jewellery - you name it, they’ve got it."

"You’ll love Columbia Road Flower Market for the vibrancy of colour and wonderful smells that permeate the neighbourhood on Sundays. Open from 8am till 3pm be sure to get there early for the freshest flowers but also arriving late on can grab you some bargains as sellers want to move stock, especially cut flowers, but beware of all stock selling out if you plan to arrive later in the day. Located on a historic street in the East End of London, the area springs up like an oasis in the concrete desert with all manner of plants from cut flowers to small bedding plants, to small and large trees."

"There is probably nowhere more atmospheric to browse for and buy flowers and plants than Columbia Road Flower Market. It is a heavenly Sunday market and where the locals shop to frilly up their homes – or you might just want to give someone a treat. If you are just in London for a visit and can’t take plants back home with you, it’s definitely worth a visit – even on the coldest, greyest days!"

"When you’re looking for a floral fix, Columbia Road Flower Market makes for a great day out. Just make sure to visit on a Sunday as it’s only open then. Best shot: take your pick from any of the colourful floral displays."

"Follow your nose to find the tasty treats on offer at the Southbank Centre Food Market, hosted in Southbank Centre Square behind the Royal Festival Hall on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holiday Mondays. The rotating cast of street food vendors are specifically chosen for their dedication to delicious, sustainable and ethical food and drink. Or peruse paperbacks and hunt for hardcovers at the Southbank Centre Book Market each day under Waterloo Bridge."

"Another market for food lovers is set up across an outdoor space at Southbank Centre, with both street food and fresh produce to tempt passers-by. A trip to the market can be combined with further exploration of the Southbank Centre, which continually hosts cultural exhibitions and events. Southbank Centre Market: Friday Midday-8pm, Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday and Monday Midday-6pm."

"There’s a food market behind the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank, with a good mix of food from all over the world alongside local produce and plenty of cakes. It’s open until 8pm on Friday and Saturday. Perfect for a cheap bite to eat in the evening."

"Tucked between railway arches and an architectural salvage lumberyard, Bermondsey’s Maltby Street Market is a hub for those who take their food seriously. Maltby sells everything from organic vegetables to the most decadent egg waffles, and also serves as the perfect pit stop during a day out in the area—the Textile Museum and White Cube Bermondsey are within a six-minute walk. View this post on Instagram"

"You won't just find your usual street food offering here (although there is plenty of that too). At Maltby, you can also expect some more gourmet twists on traditional dishes, alongside craft beers and fresh local produce - all in a very laidback setting under picturesque railway arches. When to visit: It's open on weekends, Saturdays from 10am-5pm and Sundays from 11am-4pm."

"Maltby Street Market is a hidden gem that opened in south London in 2010. The market space is a lot smaller than some of the others, which means that only the very best vendors are able to secure a place there. Also, photographers will love the picturesque location, so don’t forget your camera!"

"Although – or perhaps because – it stopped being cutting-edge several thousand cheap leather jackets ago, Camden Market attracts millions of visitors each year and is one of London's most popular attractions. What started out as a collection of attractive craft stalls beside Camden Lock on the Regent's Canal now extends most of the way from Camden Town tube station to Chalk Farm tube station."

"Camden Market is not a single market, but consists of several different markets within walking distance of each other. Market stalls sell just about everything including food, clothing, crafts, art, souvenirs, and more."

"At just over 1000 metres long, Walthamstow Market is the longest in Europe and, because it’s not really part of the London tourist track, it’s one of the best London markets for real budget bargains. It’s open every day (except for Sundays and Mondays) from dawn until dusk, and is used by locals on a daily basis to buy food, clothes, gifts, electrical equipment, music, body care products and household goods. Whatever you need, Walthamstow Market has it, and if you can’t see what you want, someone will get it for you by the following week."

"Another market in one of London’s more charming residential areas, Herne Hill Market is the kind of neighbourhood food market that everyone wishes they had on their doorstep. Part farmers market, part street food market, you can feast on a tasty dish or two and then pick up some local produce to bring home to cook too Herne Hill Market. Don’t miss the mouthwatering Indonesian street food of local favourite Enak Enak."

"If you’re looking for a quieter Sunday market, Herne Hill Farmers’ Market is the perfect place for a less “touristy” market. It is located in South London and is held every Sunday. The market is very lively and is truly independent in spirit with a local village atmosphere and unique shopping."

"Spend a Sunday strolling through Herne Hill Market, which is crammed full of foodie treats, both for eating on the spot and produce to take home, plus arts and crafts, all sourced from within 100 miles of Herne Hill. A proper local neighbourhood market!"

"Take a chance on bumping into one of the cast at The Swan at the Globe Theatre before the performance. Mark Rylance, Dame Judi Dench, Stephen Fry and Jude Law have all been spotted here before curtains up."

"Restaurants Food court West Brompton. The Prince is a big ol’ comfy corner boozer in West Brompton. Well, maybe that’s understating things: it’s actually the old Prince of Wales pub, plus four interconnected townhouses and a massive ‘woodland’ garden with a retractable roof."

"The Prince is a lively pub garden with an extractable roof so come rain or shine, you can sit outdoors. As well as beer and winter cocktails, The Prince’s resident food traders serve tasty street food, including burgers and sides from Filth&Co, sweet and savoury waffles from Utter Waffle, and fish and seafood specialties from Jack’s Sprat."

"Eating al fresco is resplendent in meteorological risk, so nothing makes us feel safer than the retractable roof at The Prince in West Brompton. If you enjoy watching sports fixtures, it's also a splendid place for that."

"Why: Joe Allen remains a Theatreland legend and pulls in punters who come for its buzzy atmosphere and menu of American comfort food. The likes of a Joe’s hot dog and a five-cheese mac ’n’ cheese are adequate, rather than amazing, but it’s Joe Allen’s unbeatable atmosphere and open-to-all feel that will keep you coming back for more.Where:Joe Allen, 2 Burleigh Street, Covent Garden"

"In the heart of Theatreland, this classic American brasserie has fed thespians hot dogs, steaks and chopped salads since 1977. Modelled on the Joe Allen on Broadway in New York, the London Joe Allen restaurant is also lined brickwork and posters and is known for hosting glitzy after-show dinners for leading West End stars."

"Opened in 1977 after the huge success of the original Joe Allen in New York’s theatre district, Joe Allen London is a magnet for many of theatreland’s stars who fill the tables post show."

"The first bricks-and-mortar coffee shop operated by Gwilym Davies. Previously the 2009 World Barista Champion was pulling shots at two street carts and, more recently, an espresso trolley rolled into the menswear boutique Present. That trolley remains, but at the Prufrock coffee shop there is room to follow the action drip by drip at the brew bar or sit at tables and chat, read, work or pretend to work as Davies, partner Jeremy Challender and their accomplished baristas fuss over the details, small and smaller, that go into producing a truly great coffee with featured and seasonal beans from Square Mile."

"Restaurants Cafés Holborn. Renowned for its devotion to artisan coffee, this spacious and bright café is one of London’s best and is equally distinguished when it comes to hand-brewed filter-type options or espresso (beans come from Square Mile and other famous roasters). Food-wise, expect classic upscale brunch fare, although Prufrock really scores with its homemade cakes – check out the counter display."

"Former World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies and top UK coffee trainer Jeremy Challender opened Prufrock in 2009. Nowhere takes coffee more seriously and, if you love coffee, this place has all the gear, all the training and all the beans. At the same time, it’s a friendly place and spacious enough to relax and enjoy a lengthy conversation."