London is a great place for tourists and business travellers as it has a lot of tourist attractions, shopping districts and business offices. However, the city also has some great market shopping in almost every corner. These markets offer much more than mere shopping as they are often surrounded by independent boutiques and coffee shops. The following 5 favourite London markets provide much more than retail shopping.
A favourite London market is the Portobello Road market which is one of London’s oldest markets and where you can find some excellent antique items along with the latest fashionable clothing items and the well-known Hummingbird cupcake bakery. You may even be able to spot the home of Hugh Grant in the movie Notting Hill.
The Columbia Road Flower Market, lining a narrow Hoxton Street, offers a wide variety of flowers ranging from flower box blooms to orchids and all sorts of floral fancies can be found here. The market also has pastel-coloured independent boutiques selling a variety of items ranging from handmade lamps to retro sweets.
The Sunday UpMarket on Brick Lane is another favourite London market. It is located over several floors in the east end’s Old Truman Brewery and its stalls sell a large variety of items ranging from original art to homemade cakes. It also offers international cuisines at its various eateries which occupy one whole corner of the market.
The Stables Market Camden is another important London market where the gothic stalls sell leather, studs, platforms and kilts along with up-market gift and jewellery items. The market is converted into a live music venue by night.
The Borough Market, nestled under the railway lines near London Bridge station, is the place for foodies. The local traders of fish, fruit and vegetables, stand alongside stalls selling and cooking an array of delicious international cuisine.
