Flea markets are the essence of London. No matter the rain or the scorching sun, markets are the Londoners’ favourite plan. Today I bring a personal selection of various London markets, and the soundtrack they inspire.
Cosy Markets
Canopy Market
This market is in the middle of King’s Cross, it is tiny and still not very crowded. Located on the banks of the canal in Granary Square, this market only opens the last weekend of each month and it is an ideal excuse to visit this new developing area.
Following the rhythm of Daft Punk, the market offers stands with exclusive clothing made from young designers, fresh food directly from producers (including premium Iberians), and food trucks with food of all kinds.
Camden Passage Market
It has absolutely nothing to do with the well-known Camden Lock Market. North of the city, in the charming district of Angel, the Camden Passage is a delightful area of cobbled alleys. The main market days are Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The best song that can identify the market is Once Around the Block from Badly Drawn Boy. In this market we will find an eclectic mix of vintage and retro clothing, photos, antique suitcases, and other unique items. In addition, we will find very edgy cafes with terrace, where we can order a cortado in the purest Spanish style.
Bazaars
Shepherds Bush market
With the vibes of LDN from Lily Allen, an interesting antithesis of its neighbor the glamorous Portobello Road Matket. Located in a passage next to a railway bridge, it is an authentic market that defines very well the essence of London: full of life, exotic and multicultural, and a bit shabby. It dates from the beginning of the last century and offers us local fruit and vegetable stalls, as well as street clothes and bazaar items. Opens every day.
Walthamstow Market
The most similar to El Rastro in Madrid, but sounding Banana Skit from M.I.A as soundtrack. Located in a multicultural neighborhood that is on the way to becoming a new hipster neighborhood, the Walthamstow Market is the longest in Europe. With a diverse and ethnically mixed population, the market maintains its cockney essence. It offers stalls with dishes from any country in the world, vegetables, fish and bazaar products. Closed Mondays and Sundays.
For tourists
If you are visiting London for the first time, dont leave without visiting the Borough Market (playing Bridget Jones Diary soundtrack), Camden Lock (Listen to Valery from Amy Winehouse), and Portobello Road Market (Ain’t No Sunshine from Bill Withers). In addition, Brixton markets deserve special mention. A few years ago Brixton was a dangerous neighborhood not to walk at night (listen to The Clash Guns of Brixton). However, it is now a edgy neighborhood with lots of vibrant life.
There are three markets with very different styles. Brixton Market sells fresh vegs, meat and fish. Pop Brixton has a great gastronomic and leisure offer. Finally, we can find Brixton Village, in my opinion, the most original of the three. It is a covered market under the train tracks, with very tiny shops, where each store is a work of art, or a restaurant of incomparable flavors.
As you can see, in London there are many markets with very different personalities that reflect the spirit and the soundtrack of this cosmopolitan city.
Stereo Giraffe 