Best Street Markets in Staines-upon-Thames

"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."

"Located in this spot in some form or another since the 13th century (possibly since 1014), this fantastic market is a sight in its own right. Expect it to be crowded – even on days with limited traders (Monday and Tuesday) it always seems to be overflowing with food lovers, wide-eyed visitors and Londoners in search of inspiration for their meals. The market specialises in high-end fresh products; there are also plenty of takeaway stalls and lots of dessert options."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Southbank Centre Food Market is a weekend market every Friday to Sunday on Southbank Centre Square behind the Royal Festival Hall. This market features more than 40 producers in confectionary, spices, fresh meat, and more. The scenery here is lovely, and after visiting the market you can stroll along the Thames with your chosen treat."

"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"

"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!"

"A small, vibrant market with a good range of quality street food stalls, food producers and cafes. Open: Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 11am–4pmAddress: 41 Maltby St, London SE1 3PATransport: London Bridge tube/train station or Bermondsey tube stationmaltby.st"

"Whitecross Street Market is a friendly and scrumptious market that’s a favourite amongst hard working locals, and has been serving up delicious food for over 150 years. It’s still relatively unknown, tucked away behind The Barbican Centre, so the food here is unpretentious and on point. Don’t miss long-time favourite Ravello’s Italian for some authentic Italian eats."

"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."

"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."

"Located in a complex of historic railway arches off Deptford High Street, the Market Yard is a hip hub of indie shops, bars and on-trend street-food eateries. If you’re peckish, head to the Tapas Room for Spanish nibbles and fine wine or Mama’s Jerk for funky Caribbean classics. If you’re simply after some booze, set your sights on Taproom SE8 (a real ale and craft beer mecca with pizza) or Little Nan’s Bar, where the cocktails are served in teapots."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Art galleries don’t come much more cutting edge than White Cube, which was set up by Jay Jopling, a key figure in the famous Brit Art movement of the 90s. The gallery made its name by curating works from art megastars Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Marc Quinn before they hit the big time; so you can be sure the stuff on show now is worth making a note of!. 144 – 152 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ Free entrywhitecube.com"

"Above the gallery’s corridor spans almost 70 metres ©Courtesy White Cube Bermondsey. White Cube is a gallery in Bermondsey, South London owned by art dealer Jay Jopling. The building was designed by CMK architect’s Marianne Mueller and Olaf Kneer Jay Jopling’s newWhite Cube arises in Bermondsey."

"The Barbican Centre is London’s prime venue for the arts – home to the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Barbican also hosts an Art Gallery with regularly updated exhibitions and a public library with a fantastic collection to browse. The Barbican Centre © Flickr damo1977"

"This indoor haven contains tropical plants, trees, birdlife and over 2000 species of exotic fish. Under the safety of its glass roof, you can (almost) pretend that you’re on a romantic getaway in a faraway country. Hidden behind the leafy shrubbery, it’s easy for the two of you to hold hands and wander around uninterrupted."

"The Barbican is Europe’s largest performing arts centre, located right in the City of London. Its Brutalist styled architecture offers lots of opportunities to take some unique photos, like the one below by Chris Martin Scholl. Make sure to plan enough time to explore all the hidden corners of this fascinating landmark."

"24-27 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PL EnglandItalian, PizzaLunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late NightTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service[email protected]+44 1753 842909http://www.zizzi.co.uk/italian/restaurants/winchester/high-street"

"A welcoming and well-run chain of Italian restaurants, service is of the cheerful, smooth variety we have come to love and expect. Pizzas, Pastas and a few other main dishes."

"Italian Pizza Low delivery fee"

"From a whole menu dedicated to meat-free sides to their garlic chilli paneer, there's no holding back on vegetarian food at Mint Leaf Lounge. Join them for sumptuous Indian plates in a slat-up, City of London setting."

"Cuisine: IndianHalal Options: Halal Lamb and Chicken optionsAddress: 1B Suffolk Pl, London, SW1Y 4HX Website: https://www.mintleaflondon.com/Nearest Tube Stop: Charing Cross"

"About: Enjoy a fun, relaxed dinner at Alto Lounge where 'Little Loungers' can choose dishes from the kids' menu. From morning to night Alto Lounge pretty much has every base covered - so even the fussuiest of eaters are sure to find something they like. Each Kid's meal includes a 'Feel Good’ Juice Drink - 1 of your 5 a day."

"Alto Lounge is always ready to welcome its Littleloungers, with board games for families to play. Options include chicken lollipops, pesto pasta and sausage and chips. All mains are also served with a pot of breadsticks, crunchy carrot, cucumber and red pepper sticks."

"Where: Church Street in Caversham or Crockhamwell Road in Woodley. Full menu: thelounges.co.uk/menus/. Laura recommended the black bean burrito, saying: "Bosco Lounge in Woodley and Alto Lounge in Caversham have a separate vegan menu that you can request at the bar."

"There are wraps, and then there are double stuffed chip-filled Greek wraps. Souvlaki Street serves up proper souvlaki made using quality local ingredients. There is a choice of pork shoulder, chicken or halloumi, and you can go ALL IN with three in one."

"What a relief that Souvlaki street – along with other al fresco establishments – has reopened at Pop Brixton. We will be getting extra halloumi and spicy feta dip with ours, obviously."