Must-visit markets in south-east London

Borough Market, SE1

Arguably London’s favourite foodie meeting point, Borough Market needs little introduction. A stone’s throw from London Bridge station and in the shade of the imposing Southwark Cathedral, this massive, centuries-old space with its photogenic halls and buzzing communal tables is an experience in itself. And just wait till you start trying out the latest global flavours dished out in the dozens of stalls, stands, shops and restaurants here.

Larger producers and merchants gather at Three Crown Square; small, specialist produce traders at the Green Market; while the Borough Market Kitchen is where you'll find the best in street food.

A fantastic range of olive oils from artisan producers, raw honey, truffle products, wines and spirits await you at organic Greek grocers Oliveology (https://oliveology.co.uk). Humble Crumble (www.humble-crumble.com/) doesn't stop at custard but sprinkles its luscious artisan creations with dried rose petals and edible glitter. Or opt for a curry cheese BAO to be instantly transported to the late-night grill houses favourite with Asian commuters, that inspired Taiwanese restaurant BAO Borough (https://baolondon.com)

Finally, a range of cookery demonstrations, masterclasses and tips, courtesy of the Borough Talks podcast, will turn you into a bonafide foodie in no time.

Location: 8 Southwark St, SE1 1TL

Website: https://boroughmarket.org.uk

Opening hours:

Monday-Thursday: 10am-5pm

Friday: 10am-6pm

Saturday: 8am-5pm

Sunday: 10am-2pm

Greenwich Market, SE10

With a history stretching back to 1737, the covered market in the heart of Greenwich takes pride in supporting ethical trade and products made in Britain. Over the years, its become a hub for arts and crafts and small creative businesses, so everyone walks out of here having discovered or tasted something special.

A revolving selection of traders pack their stalls with one-of-a-kind arts and cΩrafts, antiques and collectables - while an attractive choice of surrounding independent shops and cafés complete the Greenwich Market experience.

We love the range of beauty products here, spanning Beesü’s aromatic beard products (https://beesu.co.uk/), aiming “to build body confidence and love across genders and ethnicities" and Shea Geniius’s pure skincare and bath treats handmade by a women’s cooperative in Ghana (https://www.sheageniius.com/). Sustainable clothes designs, crocheted decorations, bespoke jewellery, vintage finds and world foods by a rotating cast of independent traders make every visit to Greenwich Market a thrill.

What’s even better, area highlights such as Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory are only minutes away on foot so that you can chow down on delicious Chinese noodles and vegan Brazilian churros from the food stalls with a hell of a view.

Location: 5B Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ

Website: www.greenwichmarket.london

Opening hours: Every day 10am-5:30pm

Brockley Market, SE4

The car park of Lewisham College serves as the humble backdrop to this award-winning Saturday market in arty Brockley. But don't be fooled by its less-than-glamorous setting. The market celebrated its 11th birthday in September 2022, 573 weeks since its inception, during which its top-notch culinary offerings have been steadily gaining new fans.

Fill your basket with organic and seasonally sourced produce, like local honey, freshly-picked herbs, mushrooms and berries. Get a taste of the delicious Vacherin Mont D’or Sancey, one of the traditionally made British, French and Swiss cheeses brought to you by the family-owned Mons Cheesemongers (https://mons-cheese.co.uk/). Or share a serving of fluffy, sesame-sprinkled dumplings from Chubby Dumpling’s old fire engine (www.chubbydumpling.co.uk). From breakfast muffins to Malaysian street food to pizza, you will leave here with a full belly - and a beautiful bouquet of flowers to brighten up your home.

Location: Lewisham College car park, Lewisham Way, SE4 1UT

Website:www.brockleymarket.com

Opening hours: Saturdays: 10am-2pm

Maltby Street Market, SE1

An intimate - even pocket-sized in comparison - weekend alternative to the bustling Borough Market, Maltby Street Market is easily one of London’s best food markets, cinematically tucked under Bermondsey’s railway arches and jam-packed with top-quality foodie offerings.

Weekend staples and rotating guests here will keep you coming for more. Stock up on sourdough loaves, baguettes and viennoiserie from The Snapery Bakery, or indulge in succulent Venezuelan street food from La Pepia - London’s only purveyors of rainbow arepa (https://lapepialdn.com/).

Keep in mind that an array of Maltby Street grocers and restaurants, offering both indoor and on-market seating on Ropewalk, have longer operating hours; so you can come back here most days of the week for local fruit and vegetable, or wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and sustainable wines.

Location: Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA

Website:http://www.maltby.st/

Opening hours: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm

Crystal Palace Food Market, SE19

This south-east London community food market is worth a visit on Saturdays for its flavourful mix of products from small sustainable farms and local producers, as well as arts and crafts in a relaxed, tucked‑away setting. Any profits are used to support Crystal Palace Transition Town, small local businesses and charities.

Street food stalls are ultra-local, with exciting special guests keeping things fresh. You'll find natural honey from Swanley, Kent, mackerel from Eastbourne, fresh pasta, non-alcoholic ginger drinks and MUNCH more! The Wine Scouts take pride in natural wines that cannot be found at the supermarkets - unusual but “never boring” (https://thewinescouts.co.uk/). Palace Culture will lure you in with award-winning plant-based cheese - almond ricotta or creamy Kimcheese (https://www.palaceculture.co.uk/). If you want to add a bit of spice to your culinary life, look no further than the healthy sauces with a West African twist courtesy of Funkee Foods (https://www.funkeefoods.com/).

Location: Haynes Ln, SE19 3AN

Website:www.crystalpalacefoodmarket.co.uk

Opening hours: Saturday: 10am-3pm

Herne Hill Market, SE24

Sundays are happily spent in this friendly Sunday local market - one of several City & Country Farmers’ Markets across London - held in the small but vibrant square outside Herne Hill station and across Railton Road.

You'll mostly find small and family-owned businesses here selling local, organic and biodynamic produce next to a healthy dose of colourful arts and crafts. Get your artisan caffeine fix from locally-owned Perks & White (www.perksandwhite.com) before you start sourcing ingredients for an unforgettable Sunday table in stalls selling fabulous baked goods, dairy alternatives and fresh seafood.

The street food options at Herne Hill Market are just as exciting, combining fragrant French tartiflette and Ethiopian specialities. Grab some mouth-watering takeaway before exploring the market’s wonderfully eclectic collections of handmade baby clothing, jewellery, ceramics, vintage fashions and accessories.

Location: Railton Rd, SE24 0JN

Website: https://weareccfm.com/locations/herne-hill/

Opening hours: Sunday: 10am-4pm

Deptford Market, SE8

From fresh fish and global foods to vintage clothing and bric-à-brac, there’s nothing you won’t find in this sprawling market that has been held for centuries along Deptford High Street and Douglas Way. The Saturday market is your best bet for mega deals on flea market treasures (Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9am–5.30pm).

Horniman Market, SE23

Do your weekly shop with London at your feet at Horniman Museum and Gardens’ Sunday market - a favourite family pastime in leafy Forest Hill. Local traders selling fresh-off-the-farm fruit and veg rub shoulders with independent businesses spanning vintage goods and vegan skincare (10am-3pm).

North Cross Road Market, SE22

Beloved by the south London community, North Cross Road Market in East Dulwich is a local favourite for the organic coffee, homemade specialities, finger-licking street food and handcrafted treats. Don’t leave without a bag of freshly-popped kettle corn (Friday & Saturday, 8am to 5pm).