Best Street Markets in Hertford

"London’s oldest, busiest, buzziest food market is a food tourist’s dream, and recent restaurant openings have perked things up. Between Monmouth Coffee’s queue, Ginger Pig sausage rolls, Kappacasein toasties, and Brindisa chorizo sausage in a roll, Bao’s new restaurant, Flor, and mainstay Elliotts are all top shouts."

"Borough Market is one of the London’s most popular food markets consisting of more than 100 stalls and stands. Quick Tip: Pick up fresh produce, bread and cheese to have a delicious picnic or make a meal if your accommodations have a kitchen. Hot meals for take-away are also available."

"The stalls at Borough Market © Max Van Den Oetelaar via Unsplash. Image courtesy of Max Van Den Oetelaar via Unsplash. Come with an empty stomach and discover a gourmet's paradise at Borough Market near London Bridge."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pete Gloria used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Old Spitalfields Market is a historic venue in East London, offering the unique opportunity to shop local, artisanal, and vintage. Much more than just a shopping destination, Old Spitalfields is for the curator at heart, with exciting events that include the pop-up Urban Makers, spirit tastings at the Butchery, and a weekend social ride that begins at the market."

"Amidst all the donut shops following the designerdonut trend, Crosstown Donuts qualifies as one of the best. With flavours ranging from sea salt caramel banana to creme brûlée, they really can do no wrong. Oh, and their donut-to-cream filling ratio makes every bite the right amount of messy and delicious."

"With the cute shops and stunning flower stalls, it’s easy to see why Columbia Road Flower Market is one of the best places to take photos in London. The market takes place every Sunday and, while we don’t make it there often (Sundays are reserved for laziness in our household), we are always pleased when we do. Everyone at Columbia Road Flower Market will be photographing in the flowers, but try to catch a bit of what is going on behind the scenes as well, or a completed bouquet shot that highlights your personality."

"An entire market devoted to selling flowers, plants and garden accessories, what more could you ask for?. Wander the Victorian streets of Hackney on a Sunday and you’re sure to stumble across this visually appealing market. Open from 8am-2pm expect to see flower buyers mixed in with photographers and TV crews who frequently use this market as a filming location."

"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."

"There are various themed markets held throughout the year at the Southbank Centre, but the most regular two are the food market and the book market. The food market offers up plenty of street food from around the world and tends to be a hit with people after a lunch on-the-go while visiting the area (which is home to iconic landmarks such as the London Eye), while bookworms are sure to find plenty of new wish list-worthy reads at the impressive book market with everything from classics to non-fiction. When to visit: The food market is open Fridays (12-8pm), Saturdays (11am-8pm) and Sundays (12-6pm), while the book market is open daily until 7pm."

"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)."

"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."

"Leadenhall Market stood in for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. When it’s not lighting up the silver screen, this covered Victorian market in the City of London hosts pubs, shops and market stalls selling flowers, meat, cheese and fresh produce. Discover more “magical” things in Harry Potter that exist in real life."

"One of the immediate neighbours of Lloyd’s of London is the 19th century Leadenhall Market Building. It was built in the 19th century by Sir Horace Jones, who was also responsible for the Smithfield Market. Its origins go back all the way to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest markets in London."

"This picturesque interior and marketplace is in London’s financial district, hence why it looks a bit posh. When taking photographs try using a wide-angle lens so that you capture as much as possible. Best time for pics: DayCost: FreeLocation: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT"

"Located on a colourful street in Notting Hill, Portobello Road is the world’s largest antique market. The famous market has over 1,000 traders selling a huge range of amazing antiques and collectables. And for those who aren’t interested in antiques, the market (which runs Monday to Saturday) also has a variety of other traders selling clothes, jewellery, tourist nicknacks, household goods and plenty of food."

"If I haven’t yet convinced you that London is really, really into its gin – I present to you: The Distillery. This simply-named venue is basically a gin lover’s playground, offering up four enticing levels of gin-related debauchery and its own distillery producing Portobello Road gin. Amongst the fun there are multiple tasting spaces, including the oh-so-fancy Boardroom for group tastings."

"There are lots of colourful streets around Notting Hill which make for wonderful pictures. Your best bet is to get off at Notting Hill Gate station and then walk towards (and along) Portobello Road. Another aesthetic place in London is on the other side of the city around Hillgate Place and Campden Hill Road."

"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."

"Just a stone's throw away from Spitalfield’s, you’ll stumble across this quirky covered market on Brick Lane. Follow your sense of smell and work your way through the hipster hoodies and independent jewellers to a foodie’s heaven in the heart of Shoreditch. Food options from all over the world are crammed into the Old Truman Brewery every Sunday, from Indian street food to Middle Eastern falafels and Tibetan dumplings, whatever you fancy, you’re bound to find it here."

"A bastion of old Soho, 300-year-old Berwick Street Market is a strip dotted with shouty fruit-sellers, florists and fabric merchants in among the 20 or so street food vendors. Snaking lunchtime queues are a daily sight with local workers, tourists and shoppers hankering for goodies from the likes of Afghan Delights, Greek2Go, Paella Fellas, Savage Salads and The Jerk Drum. There’s no seating and not all the food traders are open every day, but Soho’s still swell for wandering."

"Berwick Street Market is a small but much-loved market in Soho. As well as some scrumptious street food, there’s an assortment of other stalls selling items like jewellery and clothing. One of the most loved stalls is Savage Salad, selling dishes that are both healthy and delicious."

"Source: Photo by user Tarquin Binary used under CC BY-SA 2.5. Berwick Street Market has been around since the 18th century. Located in the neighbourhood of SoHo, this street market is now full of trendy stalls with plenty of greet food to try."

"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."

"The sage-green exterior and candy-stripe awnings are as welcoming as a hug. And things continue in the same vein inside with the smiling service and owner Kit Kemp’s signature chirpy clashing prints. This property was themed on the area's infamous Bloomsbury Group—look out for paintings by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant in the drawing room and library."

"Decorated in fresh, bold colours by co-owner and Creative Director Kit Kemp, the Charlotte Street Hotel is a Bloomsbury gem. Despite its ideal location close to London’s best theatres, galleries and museums, the lively bar and state-of-the-art screening room may make you reluctant to leave. Rooms from £270, firmdalehotels.com"

"In a nutshell: Yorkshire steakhouse takes over Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Where is it?. 15 Westland Place, London N1 7LP Why should you care?. Taking over Jamie Oliver's first and best-known restaurant in Hoxton is Yorkshire steakhouse group Tomahawk with a straightforward offering of steak and cocktails."

"Another of the top things to do in London at night for free is heading for a night of free laughs at the Top Secret Comedy Club in London’s West End. Top Secret Comedy Clubhosts stand up comedy performances by some of the worlds top comedians. But for those looking for a free night out in London, the unique Comedy Club also offers completely free performances by up and coming comedians or those sampling out new material."

"Contrary to what the name might suggest, this isn’t top secret anymore. Situated in the heart of Covent Garden on Drury Lane, acts perform every night of the week in one of two venues. John Bishop, Eddie Izzard, Jack Whitehall, Russell Howard, Dara O’Briain, Seann Walsh and Jason Manford are among the big-name comedians you might see trialing new material, as well as plenty of upcoming stars."

"Thursdays and Saturdays are laughter days at the Comedy Tree. If you happen to be a student, you'll get in for the bargain price of £6 on Thursday too — not bad when you might end up watching the likes of Scott Capurro or Patrick Monahan. One thing we'd like to see more of from these guys though — female comics!"

"Rich Mix allows creativity in all its magnificent forms – live music, theatre, poetry, film, art, design and drawing, so it’s a little distinct from the other places on the list, but the charity behind the cross-media arts centre, The Rich Mix Cultural Foundation, has a pretty inspiring goal. And that’s to offer the public space to discover more about the creative offerings of people from various migrant populations. Since taking over the former clothing factory on Bethnal Green Road, Rich Mix has put on many free exhibitions, screenings and concerts."

"This fantastic creative space in the East End, on the site of what used to be in a leather factory, has regular exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists. 39-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Free entryrichmix.org.uk"

"The Lowdown: The Parlour at Fortnum and Mason is guaranteed to impress anyone – the perfect place for a fun and delicious outing. Expect a build-your-own sundaes bar, where visitors are treated to a menu detailing every way to eat ice cream, including a gin and tonic float. For a sweet treat, cosy up with a Parlour Hot Chocolate – with the choice of milk, dark or white, you can make it merry with Thunder Toffee Vodka, Butterscotch Schnapps or Grand Marnier, all topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings."

"Address: 1st floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER. High end and extravagant, this is great way to experience a twist on the famous tea shop, where you can build your own sundae, chose a classic Knickerbocker Glory or enjoy a fruity sorbet. As well as a selection of new and innovative ice creams, including an afternoon tea-inspired sundae, this luxurious London cafe also offers artisanal coffee, hot chocolate and savoury snacks."

"For those wanting a fancy ice cream experience, you probably can’t do any better than The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason. The Parlour offers a range of decadent ice creams based on retro British faves like the knickerbocker glory and the banana split. And for those who want to push the boat out even further, there’s even the ‘Afternoon Tea in Ice Cream Form,’ which is exactly what it says on the tin."

"Unsurprisingly, Crêpeaffaire know a thing or two about flippin' good pancakes. Whether you have a sweet tooth or fancy something savoury, you won't be disappointed with Crêpeaffaire's vast menu (including no-gluten options, winning!). From eggs Benedict to smoked salmon with cream cheese, channel your favourite brunch flavours in crêpe form with their winning savoury breakfast-inspired menu."

"Crepeaffaire is a popular chain for a reason, as it serves up delicious desserts that never disappoint. Whether you fancy a classic Nutella crepe or want to push the boat out with something more outlandish, you won’t find a better crepe in London. This is definitely one of the best desserts in London!"