Best Food Markets in London

As Autumn nears, peak farmers market season also moves a step closer. Here we run through Sphere's pick of the best of London's food markets. From artisan pastry shops tucked away beneath viaduct arches to discovering eclectic bites on the cobbled streets of Bermondsey. From instagrammable desserts to humble produce from the finest of local farmers. The walking tour begins now. 

Best Food Market in London for Artisan Produce - Spa Terminus

Walk along the arches to find Maltby Street's next-door neighbour, Spa Terminus. A hotspot of over 25 artisan food producers, located at Dockley Road Industrial Estate in Bermondsey. Sample artisan cheese from Mons cheesemongers including their specialty Vacherin Mont D'or cheese, a rich and creamy cheese with a woody flavour of spruce. Where there is cheese, of course there must also be wine. Follow up with a taste of Aubert and Mascoli's vintage seasonal fine wines - anytime between 9am and 2pm on Saturdays. 

Best Food Market London for Global Food - Maltby Street Market

The flying flags as you wonder through Maltby Street are a reflection of the eclectic range of cuisine on offer within the tented stalls below. Satisfy both savoury and sweet tastes with flaky empanadas from La Criolla, from traditional spicy beef filling to decadent caramel. Alternatively head down to enjoy a bowl of hearty Indo-persian inspired goodness at Devi's or delectable confit duck loaded fries from Duck Frites. Visit on Friday from 5.30-9pm, Saturday from 10am-5pm or Sunday from 11am-4pm. 

Best for Fruit and Veg - Marylebone Farmers Market

Beyond the weekly wander through Whole Foods, find an array of London’s best seasonal fresh fruit and veg at Marylebone Farmer’s Market. Running from Aybrook street down St Vincent to the top of Moxon street – discover organic produce from hand-made honey to glasses of local wine as well as interactive elements such as Dallaways’ ‘Rent a Cherry Tree’ programme allowing you to grow your very own cherries from your home. An ever-changing profile of seasonal fruit and veg is waiting for you to sample, only on Saturdays from 10am-2pm.

Best for Local Produce - Alexandra Palace Market

The North London buzz flocks to Alexandra Palace Park from 10am-3pm on Sundays craving a chic, relaxed farmer’s market morning complete with top-quality local produce from pastry treats at Life of Pie bakery to Guadalupian eats, hand-made relishes and even crafts such as ceramics by Kerry Hastings. Be sure to head down to this pup-friendly market for a leisurely wander this Sunday, but be wary of events at Ally Pally as the market moves to the close by location of Campsbourne School at these times.

Best for Historic Location - Broadway Market

Broadway Market in Hackney has been home to vendors selling goods since the 1890s, yet the history of the road itself goes even deeper being part of the 'Porter's Path'. A vital trackway for trading as early as 1000BC. Back to the present, this East London gem offers over 70 shops, cafes and restaurants open seven days a week. The lively market stalls however run exclusively on Saturdays from 9am-5pm. Without further ado, hop on the Central Line to Bethnal Green for an afternoon of award-winning pressed juices and duck confit burgers.

Best for Sustainability - Stoke Newington Market

The importance of sustainability is highlighted at Stoke Newington Farmer's Market. Located at St Pauls Church, Stoke Newington - this market is passionate about reducing waste by selling the majority of their produce without packaging. Encouraging you to make use of any little tubs and empty packaging you have lying around. Taking the conscious thinking a step further, all produce is from organic farmers that fairly trade their goods - leaving no secrets on the origin of what is sold. Enjoy a guilt-free visit on Saturdays from 2-7.20pm.

Best for Social Media - Borough Market 

A tourist hotspot for a reason is Borough Market, home to some of London’s most post-worthy food vendors. From a paper pot of Crumbrûlée at Humble Crumble to viral chocolate strawberry stalls. A must visit from us at Sphere is Richard Haywards Oysters, a more luxurious option at the market offering West Mersea and Colchester native oysters with a glass of bubbly alongside. Borough Market runs on all days of the week other than Mondays. From 10am-5pm on Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. To plan around the crowds and have the best experience, it is recommended to visit on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons or first thing on a Saturday.