Best Street Markets in South Kensington

"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."

"Some of its food markets rival those found anywhere else in the world. A favorite is Borough Market, the largest in the city, tucked away south of the Thames —walking distance from the Tower Bridge and Tower of London. Families love sampling from a variety of stalls or shopping for incredible picnic fixings to take to the Southwark Cathedral grounds nearby."

"Borough Market is London's oldest food market, which has been in existence for over a century and dates back to the year 1014. This market is not only popular in the UK, but it is also one of the most famous markets in the world. The present structure of the market was built during the 1850s."

"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."

"This covered market in Spitalfields offers a plethora of fashion stalls selling everything from vintage clothes and accessories to jewellery. There's also an impressive choice of home decor and arts stalls where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces for your home. When to visit: The market is open even days a week, but opening times vary each day."

"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."

"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."

"Every Sunday between 8am and 3pm, Columbia Road in East London is transformed into the capital’s biggest flower market, with many independent growers selling flowers, plants and more. Even if you’re not out to buy any plants yourself, the market is still a great free place to visit in London – a colourful oasis filled with the scent of florals and sound of bargaining traders."

"Tower Hamlets had staggered the return of their markets, with less-popular markets such as Whitechapel Market opening first, but Columbia Road Flower Market was able to join them on the first weekend of July. To keep people safe, the number of visitors at any one time has been strictly capped, and more of the surrounding roads have been closed."

"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."

"A bustling market with some of the best food stalls in London, the Southbank Market is a definite must-visit for food lovers in London. It’s tucked around the back of the famous Southbank Centre, so is the perfect stop to refuel whilst exploring the area. As one of London’s best food markets, the competition to get a spot here is fierce – with the end result that the stalls are absolutely brilliant."

"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."

"Kind of like the Borough Street Market but with a little more room to breathe and browse, Maltby Street Market is a favourite of both locals and visitors. I know it’s naughty to have favourites, but IMHO Maltby Street is pretty much the best street food market in London – it’s not too corporate, not too slick and the food is insanely good. My biggest recommendations are the steak frites at The Beefsteaks, the ridiculously decadent cheese toasties at The Cheese Truck and gyoza at Gyoza Guys."

"One of our very favourite outdoor markets in London, Maltby Street Market is back with a slightly different look. Like Camden Market, they’ll be using a one-way system to ensure social distancing, and street food traders are making a slow, distanced return to the market. The market’s permanent residents will be selling produce from the railway arches, and opening hours are 8am-3pm on Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday."

"Venture beneath the arches of London Bridge on a weekend where foodie playground Maltby Street Market comes to life. There's a fantastic range of street food sellers lined along the Ropewalk, from New York-style sandwiches at Sub Cult, to Little Bird gin cocktails and Waffle On's sweet and savoury waffles."

"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."

"There’s been a market on Berwick St in Soho since the late 1770’s. There are a few good street food stalls, especially the tiny Pit Stop Cafe trailer at the south end of the market serves excellent Chinese and Malaysian food. Try their fried sea bass."

"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."

"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."

"Just round the corner from the beautiful white houses of Notting Hill you will find the cute coloured houses of Portobello. Portobello is famous for its vintage and street food market, with the coloured houses coming up close after it. It’s not quite as fancy as Notting Hill with the white columns and houses, but if like me you love colourful places Portobello is a more fun photo location."

"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…"

"Today we are going to explore even more of London’s central highlights, including the British Museum, Covent Garden, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Today all of the attractions are within walking distance but you may want to use public transit to reach some of them. It may also be a good day to use a hop-on hop-off bus if you have a free ticket with the London Pass as the bus routes go to or near all the attractions on today’s route."

"After a relaxing treatment at the spa, head on over to Covent Garden for an afternoon of fun and experiences. First, why not check out the upscale shops and possibly splurge on a thing or two!. Afterall, your 4 day London itinerary is the perfect time to get some shopping done!. Lulu Guinness is my favorite – one of the only shops left in the world!"

"Additionally, the Amba just might be the best place to stay in London for walking as numerous attractions – including the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, 10 Downing Street, and Covent Garden – lie just steps away. Check rates:Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia Read reviews:on TripAdvisor"

"I wonder how many of those souls queuing for hours to enter Westminster Abbey have ever broken away to venture inside this fascinating Westminster church. St Margaret’s Church Westminster is located in the churchyard of the Abbey,and is often called the ‘parish church of the House of Commons’. It is often frequented by politicians and parliamentarians, and the connection dates back to the 17th century when Puritan MPs started to worship there as they disapproved of the style of worship in Westminster Abbey."

"The parish church of Parliament is next to Westminster Abbey. Samuel Pepys got wed here and Sir Walter Raleigh is buried in the yard"

"Why: Adding a grungy vibe to Soho House’s Electric Cinema, this stylish eatery ensures you won’t go hungry during one of its well-chosen films. The long, vaulted room is every inch the New York diner complete with red leather booths and a long, kitchen-facing bar, while the menu is all-American too, featuring the likes of hot dogs in brioche rolls and double cheeseburgers stacked with bacon. US ales will quench your thirst.Where:The Electric Diner, 191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill"

"A palatable playground of French-American foods, Electric Diner comes to you from the infamous Soho House group. Taking residency on the iconic Portobello Road in Notting Hill, Electric Diner is one of our more relaxed restaurants for a spot of celeb-heavy dining that's less pretentious and more 'fancy seeing you here' kinda vibes."

"This place dishes up all the usual American fare in classic booth seating. Pop-in to satisfy your cravings day or night, as they serve until midnight (or until 1am on Friday and Saturday) and offer an extensive American breakfast menu from 8am."

"If you’re craving classic American diner favourites, like fantastic burgers, milkshakes, hot dogs, and US breakfasts, head to Big Moe’s Diners. Kids can choose from vegan nuggets, a Texan burger, or chicken strips, all served with hand-cut chips. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Big Moe’s massive selection of shakes and soda floats – you’ll feel like you’re on holiday in the Big Apple."

"People ask us the secret to why our food taste so great, but it’s really no secret at all. In fact, we proudly boast about it."

"You may have heard of British vegan activist Earthling Ed, whose calm and collected approach to educating people on the realities of animal agriculture has helped to spread awareness to hundreds of thousands of people. Unity Diner is his restaurant, and in true Earthling Ed fashion, all profits at Unity Diner are put towards animal rights campaign work. Unity Diner is a great place to be, with beautiful decor in the form of greenery and fairy lights to set the scene."

"Nestled in East London's Spitalfields, Unity Diner has expanded to a much larger space shortly after opening, making this wholesome restaurant one of the biggest completely vegan diner and cocktail bars in the city. Founded by a couple friends, including vegan advocate Earthling Ed, this not-for-profit eatery is a safe haven for everyone, with options so good it's hard to tell the difference from traditional fish and meat dishes."

"Earthling Ed’s non-profit restaurant Unity Diner deserves a spot on this list for the three epic burgers that don’t just taste great but help animals too. You can choose from the classic Moving Mountains Burger featuring ‘beef’ patties, cheese, bacon, and all the trimmings. There’s also the VFC Burger – a vegan take on the Southern-fried chicken patty with cheese, bacon, and a hash brown."

"A post shared by C R Y S T A L (@ourlifeinseasons) on Sep 9, 2016 at 1:44am PDT. Built to cater to a burgeoning population in 1824, St Luke’s is one of the earliest Gothic Revival churches in London. It’s also, with a nave that measures 60ft high, one of the tallest in the city, too."

"St Mary Woolnoth was said to have been founded originally by Wulfnoth, a Saxon noble, on a Roman Temple to Concord. The church is famous among architects. It was built by Nicholas Hawksmoor in 1716-1721."

"This bizarre looking Anglican church was designed by Hawksmoor – his only City of London church. The original dated back to Norman times"