Want to eat like a London local? This insiders guide offers you the low-down on the hippest pop-up food markets in London this Autumn.
While locations such as Borough Market and Southbank Centre Food Market are internationally renowned for supplying exceptional bites, below we’ve gathered up our top ten up-and-coming, less recognised faves in the pop-up world. Step off the beaten track for an authentic taste of what London has to offer.
1 - Flat Iron Square
Photo credits @flatironsquare_ Instagram
Mixing cuisine with culture, Flat Iron Square is a popular hangout among Londoners in-the-know. With an extensive range of traders catering to all, from modern Eastern Mediterranean cuisine to stacks of sweet and savoury buttermilk pancakes, it’s no wonder why this open-air space is buzzing day and night. Bars, street food trucks, live music and more, it makes for the perfect spot to relax with friends and enjoy some drinks alfresco. Head to Bankside and experience the trendy, vibrant atmosphere for yourself, making sure to pop in on a weekend and have a browse through the vintage flea markets.
Photo credits @flatironsquare_ Instagram
Where: 53a Southwark St, London, SE1 1RU
When: Mon 12AM - 9PM, Tues-Fri 8AM - 12AM, Sat 9AM - 12AM, Sun 9AM - 8PM
A constistant go-to among locals since it landed nearly a year ago, with an impressive 34 Traders producing some of the most innovative, exotic eats existing in London right now. Chill by the canal with a few drinks, or go all out with Baba G’s mammoth burgers and Masala fries. Not a meat-eater? Opt for The Cheese Wheel to experience the creamiest cheesiest pasta of your life (adding truffle for the ultimate taste sensation). Still have room for more? Go Spanish style and satisfy the stomach with a chocolately Churros fiesta at La Churreria.
Photo credits @thewheeluk Instagram
Where: Camden Lock Pl, Camden Town, London, NW1 8AF
When: Mon-Thurs 11AM - 6PM, Fri-Sun 11AM - 7PM
3 - Urban Food Fest
Photo credits @urbanfoodfest Instagram
Open till midnight on Saturday, an abandoned car park transforms into an all-day food-fest, featuring 15 tasty trader-trucks which switch and swap on a weekly basis. Vintage sweets, Sushi wraps, Nutella Crepes and Chicken baps, there’s no limit to what you can find. Head over to the Flowery Cocktail Bar for some fancy drinks or sit in the sun to enjoy the live music and vibrant atmosphere of East London's foodie find. Start the night right by emailing events@urbanfoodfest.com for a free drink on arrival!
Where: Euro Car Parks, 162-167 Shoreditch High St, London, E1 6HU
When: Sat 12AM - 12PM
Photo credits boxpark.co.uk
The world's very first pop-up mall combines food, drinks, fashion and culture. Osteria della Pasta boasts the freshest ingredients around, mixing street-food style with gourmet serving the finest Italian pasta in quirky cardboard boxes. For the ultimate sweet-tooth treat, the Nosteagia bubble waffle is a must-try.
Where: 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6GY
When: Mon–Sat 8AM - 11PM, Sun 10AM - 10PM
5 - Pergola Paddington Central
Photo credits pergolalondon.com
This tropical summer paradise is hidden away amongst the rush and noise of London town. Pergola On The Roof is perfect for both a late lunch or partying until the early hours, as many locals flock here to kick back under the vines. With London’s coolest up-and-coming food establishments like the incredible Patty&Bun (Dua Lipa’s go-to for a burger), the alfresco sanctuary is the hippest place around to enjoy the last of the summer sun. With over 800 seats, two bars, weekend DJs and of course a roof (it is England after all), head down to West London to experience this swanky hideaway.
Where: 5 Kingdom St, London, W2 6PY
When: Wed 12AM - 3:30PM, 6PM - 11PM, Thurs-Sat 12AM - 11PM, Sun 12AM - 10:30PM
Photo credits @mercatometropolitano Instagram
Situated in the borough of Elephant and Castle, the authentic warehouse environment of Mercato Metropolitano matches with its concept perfectly. Focusing on small-scale producers from both Italy and the UK, it is home to some of the freshest artisanal products and ingredients in the city. Championing all things Italian, from coffee roasters to pizza chefs, Mercato Metropolitano is the ultimate destination for those craving a taste of la dolce vita. Not only will you find an extensive range of food and drink, as an in-house cinema, barber shop and boxing gym are present in the midst of it all, making it an ideal location for fitness-enthusiasts and foodies alike! Take a trip here to experience cucina italiana at its finest.
Where: 42 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6DR
When: Mon-Fri 8PM - 11PM, Sat 11AM - 11PM, Sun 11AM - 10PM
7 - Broadway Market
If you are looking for a traditional British food-market experience, head over to Hackney on a Saturday to sample the street-food of community run Broadway Market. From over 135 stalls to chose from, there is literally no limit on what you can try. Not only are there pubs, restaurants and bars lining the streets, this Market is also great for those on the hunt for vintage clothing and original arts and crafts.
Photo credits @broadwaymarket Instagram
Where: Broadway Market, London, E8 4QJ
When: Sat 9AM - 5PM
A relatively new addition to the pop-up food scene, opening in 2010, south-east Maltby Street Market is a go-to weekend destination for locals and tourists alike. Championing the curation of start-up traders, the impressive selection of eats certainly tempts the tastebuds. Whether you indulge in the premium peri-peri of award-winning African Volcano or keep it light with Comptoir Gourmand’s freshly baked artisan pastries, there is something for everyone. Wash it down at one of the drinks stalls - from gin cocktails to wine tastings - it’s a given you’ll end your day more than satisfied.
Photo credits africanvolcano.com
Where: Maltby St, London, SE1 3PA
When: Sat 10AM - 5PM, Sun 11AM - 4PM
9 - POP Brixton
An innovative space for young, local entrepreneurs, POP Brixton is South London’s artistic gem in the world of food, retail and social enterprise. Winner of the Foodism “Best Food Market” 2018 award and home to 55 independent businesses, head to the Raclette brothers for a cheese coma, Made of Dough for a carb overload and Other Side Fried for your buttermilk chicken fix. If you’re not feeling hungry by now, the mouth-watering sweet Crêpes at L’Amuse Bouche are sure to satisfy.
Photo credits @othersidefried Instagram
Where: 49 Brixton Station Rd, Brixton, London, SW9 8PQ
When: Sun-Wed 9AM - 11PM, Thurs-Sat 9AM - 12PM
10 - Peckham Levels
The clue is in the name, Peckham Levels is a rennovated multi-storey car park with seven levels that cater to all your needs. It is an urban space that supports the development of young locals creative minds and ideas, boasting everything from Cahoona’s Hair Hub to its own personal Wellbeing studio… oh, and obviously a lot of food! Come here for great deals that include £5 lunches from renowned local food brands such as Lords of Poke and Canard, and don’t forget the daily happy hour and sunset specials, perfect to enjoy drinks with friends this autumn!
Photo credits @lordsofpoke Instagram
Where: Peckham Town Centre Carpark, 95A Rye Ln, London, SE15 4ST
When: Sun-Wed 10AM - 11PM, Thurs-Sat 10AM - 12PM
What are you waiting for?! Get to London, stay in one of our low-cost hostels and eat yourselves silly!
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