Best Street Markets in Potters Crouch

"Purveyors of Mauritian-inspired street food, Lovely Bunch of Coconuts do two things brilliantly – BBQ meats and biyranis. Free-range Welsh lamb and Norfolk chicken get top billing (have both if you’re feeling greedy), but the vegan biryani flavoured with citrussy lemon and coconut milk is also spot-on if you’re doing the plant-based thing. Chutneys and slaws are already loaded in the box, but other extras such as fresh grated coconut, dried chili flakes and crispy onions are available to add at your own discretion."

"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)."

"Right by London Bridge, this is one of the oldest and largest food markets in London and it needs to be on any foodie's bucket list. Expect local foods, dishes from every corner of the globe, and ample opportunity to taste samples. Just be warned - you're going to want to eat everything."

"Spitalfields now has a selection of 10 street-food traders right at its heart. Berber & Q, Breddos Tacos, Dumpling Shack and Rök are a few familiar faces, but there are new names, too, including seasonal fresh pasta from Sood Family, simple Asian dishes from Bar Barbarian and indulgent desserts from Happy Endings. Don’t miss out on nose-to-tail hearty dishes from Flank (by Brighton chef Tom Griffiths), including bone-marrow crumpets with tender beef cheeks and Marmite sauce."

"Explore this covered market in east London that sells everything from clothes to food and artwork. Old Spitalfields Market is full of cutting-edge fashion and accessories; whether from designer brands or independent boutiques. You'll also find specialist shops, street food and restaurants nearby."

"Spitalfields is the oldest market in London, and it's open every day of the week. Visit the Saturday Style Market for your fix of independent fashion or pick up a bargain at the Spitalfields Art Market. It only runs on selected days, so be sure to check online before you set off."

"A wonderful explosion of colour and life, this weekly market sells a beautiful array of flowers, pot plants, bulbs, seeds and everything you might need for the garden. It's a lot of fun and the best place to hear proper Cockney barrow-boy banter ('We got flowers cheap enough for ya muvver-in-law's grave' etc). It gets really packed, so go as early as you can, or later on when the vendors sell off cut flowers cheaply."

"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."

"While perhaps best known for its famed antiques market, Portobello Road in Notting Hill is a true haven for fans of fashion from bygone eras. Whether it’s second-hand Chanel, pre-loved Burberry or kitschy cocktail jewels, you’re likely to spot something among the endless stalls of goodies that stretch the entire length of the road and beyond. While you’re in the area, it would be rude not to pop into some of the best vintage shops in London like One of a Kind (259 Portobello Road) – Naomi and Kate are regulars."

"The best thing about Southbank Centre Market is its location right by some of London’s major attractions and overlooking the Thames. If you’re booked on the London Eye or going to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on the right day, you can visit the market as an added bonus to your trip. There are two markets which focus on food and books."

"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."

"It’s finally time to move away from the Notting Hill / South Kensintgon area and venture towards East London. It’s a closed market which is actually made up of different streets but the whole area is known as Leadenhall Market. You can access it from different openings which converge in a central square area, the most Instagrammable spot in my opinion!"

"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."

"Quick Tip: Harry Potter fans may recognize Leadenhall Market from the movies, as it was also the filming location for some of the exterior Diagon Alley scenes."

"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."

"Portobello Road is the jewel in Notting Hill – the world’s largest antiques market has retained its sense of charm and friendliness, even as the surrounding area has scaled the ladder of exclusivity. The market, which wends its way along the sinuous Portobello Road is actually five interconnecting markets – with separate sections for fresh produce, clothing, second hand goods, household stuff, a flea market and antiques. The antiques section, always sizable, really comes into its own on Saturdays – cementing Portobello’s position as one of the go-to Saturday markets in London."

"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."

"This arcade is pretty lush with beautiful shops lining the sides. During the main opening hours it can be quite busy, but if you are patient or go at night you should be able to get a clean shot. Best time for pics: Morning or eveningCost: FreeLocation: Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London W1J"

"With ceilings and lights now restored to how they would have looked when it was built in 1819, Burlington Arcade is the finest of Mayfair's…"

"When you first walk into Mayfair’s Bocconcino, there are a few things that stand out. First up will be your own reflection, bounced back at you by the mirror panelling that lines the restaurant’s mezzanine-meets-lobby. Then there’s the spiral staircase that swoops down to the lower floor, glass handrails glistening in the soft golden light."

"Read the full review: Bocconcino19 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8EDThis smart Mayfair joint backs up its stylish looks (think plush seating and glittering chandeliers) with some serious substance. Perfect for date night, dishes such as oozing buratta and pasta spun in a wheel of cheese are guaranteed to ignite romance."

"Set on a pedestal in the centre and top of the Sky Garden that occupies the uppermost level of the Walkie Talkie skyscraper (officially known as 20 Fenchurch Street), Fenchurch Restaurant is the most high-end of the building’s eateries. Dishes on the “British contemporary” menu are beautifully presented and consistently impressive – grilled red mullet with braised octopus and piperade was a burst of colour and flavour; lamb with yoghurt, artichokes and cumin was perfectly seasoned and pleasingly unpretentious. Service, both from wait staff and our enthusiastic sommelier, impressed too, and the team works hard to compensate for the unexpectedly diminished views."

"Also found within the Sky Garden is another of the best restaurants in London with a view, Fenchurch Restaurant, named after the street on which the iconic skyscraper can be found. The 47th-floor fine-dining establishment offers a contemporary British menu created by their incredible new Head Chef Michael Carr, paired with an award-winning wine list. Treat yourself to a delicious and luxurious dinner with some of the most spectacular views over the capital."

"Perched at the top of the Walkie Talkie is Sky Garden, a lush covered garden that catches the sun (what there is of it in London) all day long. And inside Sky Garden is the Fenchurch Restaurant. The restaurant serves modern British cuisine along with an award-winning wine list."

"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."

"In the heart of London's bustling Covent Garden, you'll find this covered market with quirky stalls offering local artwork, handmade clothes and extra trinkets and souvenirs. The surrounding area is filled with pubs, restaurants and bars too, with plenty of live entertainment on offer from musicians to comedians. When to visit: It's open seven days a week, 10am-6pm."

"There are so many shops in London that desire to be featured on your Instagram feed. The following all provide unique opportunities for London ‘Grammers. READ MORE: Travel Photography Gear for the Best Instagram Photos"

"Located on an island in the middle of the bustling Strand, St Clement Danes Church church offers an oasis of calm. Explore the famous London church, whose bells are mentioned in the traditional Oranges and Lemons nursery rhyme, and hear them ring out across the City of London several times a day. Reconsecrated as the Central Church of the Royal Air Force in 1958, the church is also home to books of remembrance and more than 1,000 RAF badges."

"St Clement Danes church is one of the best-known churches in Westminster, London. It’s a fine white Baroque building with a prominent spire on a traffic island in the Strand, close to the Royal Courts of Justice. It’s famous for the nursery rhyme ‘Oranges and lemons ring the bells of St Clement’s’, and it’s not the only church in our list to get a mention in."

"Christopher Wren and James Gibbs rebuilt the original 9th-century church, but only its outer walls and steeple survived destruction in the Blitz"