Best Street Markets in East Sheen

"In truth, any trip to Borough Market is unlikely to end up being free because there’s too much that’s too tempting. It is a hive of some of London’s best producers and throbs with crowds looking to get their fix of fresh pasta, or cured meats, or coffee from countries you’ve barely heard of. The market runs all week offering everything from drinks to dry goods, beauty accessories to bakery specials (on Sundays it’s only open for produce shopping, rather than street food, from 10am to 2pm)."

"For the gastronomists among you, Borough Market is your sure fire stop for delicious and authentic London food and drink. One of the oldest markets in London, Borough operates on a wholesale level on weekday mornings and is open to the public for commercial trade on weekday lunchtimes and all day on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Located under beautifully architected structures dating from the 19th century to the 1930s, Borough can be found in Southwark, just below the River Thames."

"Housed in a cavernous space minutes from Liverpool Street station, Old Spitalfields’ rejuvenation saw it transformed from a tired trader hub to a bustling destination and shoppers’ idyll. Unlike many other London markets, it’s open every day – with a changing roster of traders that guarantees no two visits are exactly the same. On Thursdays, antiques lovers descend for the Old Spitalfields Antique Market, when you should go early for the widest selection."

"Old Spitalfields Market in the heart of London’s lively East End is home to some amazing street food stalls. From African cuisine to Turkish wraps, crepes, to traditional Italian pizza, Ethiopian food and fat burgers, Spitalfields caters for every foodie no matter the style - there’s even a large variety of vegan grub (the cauli shawarma is Spring’s greatest hit). The market itself is always buzzing - our first stop is always the nata stand!"

"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."

"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!"

"Whether you’re there to buy flowers or not, Columbia Road is a worthwhile Sunday excursion. Each week, this morning market fills the small street with flourishing plants and shrubs, from English roses to exotic orchids and banana trees. While you’re there, call into Columbia Road’s independent shops for stylish homewares and coffee."

"London has a wealth of renowned markets, but perhaps the most beautiful is the weekly Columbia Road Flower Market. Every Sunday, this road of Victorian shops is taken over by market stalls selling seasonal blooms and houseplants. For the best bargains, visit around 3 p.m."

"Restaurants Street food South Bank. While culture vultures flock to the Southbank for arty attractions, fans of world food circle around its food market beside the Royal Festival Hall seeking their weekly fix of street nosh, booze, coffee and artisan produce. If meat is required, try 28 Well Hung or Woodwards Farm burgers – others fill up from the Curry Shack, Crêpes à la carte, or Korrito (Korean barbecue in burritos, rice, bowls and salad boxes)."

"London’s South Bank has seen an explosion of development in the past decade that goes well beyond the London Eye. While the Eye is still the biggest attraction drawing families across the Thames, restaurants and a vibrant waterfront are keeping them there all afternoon. Even better, the Southbank Centre Food Market, located behind Southbank Centre, is introducing local and visiting families to cuisines from across the globe."

"Located along River Thames, Southbank Centre Food Market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This market has more than 40 stalls ready to serve up some delicious street food. From sweet treats and Korean barbecue through a juice bar to tacos, there’s plenty to try here."

"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."

"Found on Bermondsey’s Ropewalk, between the railway arches and the LASSCO salvage warehouse, this heaving strip of a market started taking shape in 2009. Back then, it was just coffee kings Monmouth cupping up for a couple of hours every Saturday. Now, it’s a proper institution, and the main contender to Borough Market’s crown."

"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!"

"20-30 stalls serve food from all over the world to local workers around Old St. It’s worth a detour if you’re visiting the City or the Barbican. Fortune Street Park, off one of the side streets, has plenty of park benches to eat your food. Or the Two Brewers pub (121 Whitecross St) lets you eat your food inside as long as you buy a drink."

"Dalston Food Market is an amazing little market located in an uber-trendy part of the city. The stalls in this area tend to be cheaper than those in some of the other markets, making this a budget-friendly option."

"Source: Photo by user Nils R. Barth used under PUBLIC DOMAIN. Up next, we have Whitecross Street Market located in central London. This is another market that’s one of London’s oldest."

"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!"

"While Richmond Park is by far the most famous park in the area, Old Deer Park is an open space dedicated to sports facilities and community events. It has play areas, tennis courts, an outdoor gym and sports pitches. You can also access Pools on the Park, a sports, fitness and pool complex."

"The famous Diana Memorial Playground is important for London’ culture for two distinct reasons: it is a real children’s wonderland on one hand and a wonderful tribute for the People’s Princess, who was always characterized by her immense love for children and the innocent period of childhood in general. The free playground is situated near her Kensington Palace home, on the site of Peter Pan’s playground. Perfect for a day out in nature, Diana Memorial Playground attracts children of all ages with the wooden pirate ship, which can be explored by the most adventurous kids, and with all the other facilities: swings, slides, sculptures, and sand pits."

"When in London, the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is easily one of the best things to do in London with kids. Located next to Kensington Palace, the playground is in a central location and is easy to get to by the Tube. Peter Pan was the inspiration for the design and a large wooden pirate ship sits centre stage."

"The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground boasts a pirate ship and a teepee camp and is perfect for unleashing a bit of imagination."

"No one should leave Hampton Court Palace without losing themselves in the 800m-long yew maze, included in entry; those not visiting the palace can enter via the gardens."

"I’ll level with you: the extent of Covent Garden’s ‘market’ status is kind of questionable, despite it being one of the most famous markets in London. There are more shops selling designer bags here than there are market traders but that doesn’t stop it from being a historic market spot in the centre of London. Don’t think it’s all about the big names here either – there are independents and quirky finds if you poke around, particularly at the weekends when independent makers set up around the Apple Market."

"Watch a musician or magician in the piazza and wander among the stalls and high-end shops at Covent Garden Market. Housed in and around the iconic Market Building, this central London shopping market is an architectural masterpiece. Alongside Apple Market, speciality shops such as perfume boutiques, homeware stores, restaurants and cafes, you'll find gorgeous crafts, antiques and jewellery."

"Within the 19th century Piazza of Covent Garden, there are three markets to explore. Take a look around the Apple Market, East Colonnade Market and Jubilee Market for handcrafted gifts, artworks, confectionary and clothes, among other diverse goods. Covent Garden: Monday to Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 9am-8pm, and Sunday Midday-6pm."

"Established in 1917 as an unlicensed Italian café, The Ivy expanded into its current site in 1923, quickly becoming an institution for the highbrow theatre set, including regulars Laurence Olivier and Noel Coward. Having passed through many hands — Corbin and King bought it in the late 80s, Richard Caring has been the owner since 2005 — The Ivy experienced a decline in favour, before benefitting from a makeover in 2015. It didn’t just get a rather impressive art deco bar, but a new menu too — with Asian-influenced dishes rubbing shoulders with the classics (shepherd’s pie, sausage and mash) for which it is so loved."

"Join everyone who is, was or will be anyone at the original celebrity haunt. The Ivy London, perfectly situated in the heart of Theatreland, routinely draws in celebrities from the worlds of film, TV and theatre. Laurence Olivier and Noël Coward have made way for David and Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie and Kate Hudson."

"This famous Covent Garden restaurant is all about style and glamour, with stained glass windows and contemporary art fixtures. It’s an A-list favourite too – everyone from Kate Moss and the Beckhams, to Elton John and even the Royal Family. So if you fancy some star spotting, this is the place to be."