Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lunchtime, when everyone in London seems to descend.
Southwark St., SE1.
&
020/7407-
1002.
www.boroughmarket.org.uk. Tube: London Bridge.
Camden Market & the Stables
This market has had a revamp since the 2008
fire, but it hasn't lost any of its grungy charm. There's no doubting that Camden isn't
the prettiest area in London, but it is cool in its dinginess. If you're looking for an
alternative shopping scene, head here for all the silver jewelry and PVC clubwear you'll
ever need. Most stalls are open every day of the year except Christmas Day. A lot stay
open well past 6pm, too.
Camden High St., NW1.
&
020/7974-6767.
Tube: Camden Town.
Columbia Road Flower Market
This East London flower market really is
worth the trip (unless you suffer from hayfever). The flowers are beautiful, but it's the
shops on either side of the road that deserve the most attention. Make sure you go up
every open door—they're studios and usually full of lovely things.
Vintage Heaven,
82 Columbia Rd. (
&
01277/215968;
www.vintageheaven.co.uk) has all sorts of tea
sets and a little tea room out back. The market is open from 8am until 4pm every
Sunday.
Columbia Rd., E2.
&
07708/921550.
www.columbiaroad.info. Tube: Old St./Train: Hoxton.
Covent Garden
Right in the middle of town, Covent Garden conveniently
offers several markets, including all-purpose Apple Market and hippy-style Jubilee
Market, running Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. The best way to
tackle them is to just dive in and explore the area, stopping to watch the human
statues and magicians along the way. Monday is antiques day.
The Piazza, WC2.
&
020/7836-9136.
www.coventgardenlondonuk.com. Tube: Covent Garden.
Greenwich Indoor Market
A haven for craft and vintage lovers, this is a real
gem of a market. The outdoor market in Greenwich is closed now, but the indoor
market—open Wednesday through Sunday—is great for gift buying. There are little
boutiques and cute shops around the outside, and a food market at weekends too.
Greenwich Market, SE10.
&
020/8269-5096.
www.greenwichmarket.net. DLR: Cutty Sark.
Portobello Market
This is the market for West Londoners, spanning the
whole of Portobello Road, and made world-famous by Richard Curtis' movie
Notting
Hill
. It'll take you all day to walk down here properly on a Saturday. You'll pass through
cheap tat, leather goods, antiques, and craft stalls. Take your time, enjoy, and haggle
like you've never haggled before. It's open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from
8am to 6:30pm; Thursday 8am to 2pm; and Saturday 6am to 6:30pm.
Portobello Rd.,
W10.
&
020/8960-5599.
www.portobellomarket.org. Tube: Notting Hill Gate.
Spitalfields Market & UpMarket
Spitalfields is one of the best all-rounders
in London. A new area of “proper” shops leaves a little to be desired, and still feels
out of place, but the old market is among the best for vintage clothing and antiques.
The trendy
Sunday UpMarket
(www.sundayupmarket.co.uk) is a 5-minute walk
away, at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, and if you're looking for more per-
sonal homemade items and unique clothes, this is the place for you. It's open on
Sundays from 10am to 5pm. The food at both markets is tasty, so arrive hungry.
Com-
mercial St., E1.
&
020/7247-8556.
Tube: Liverpool St./Train: Shoreditch High St.
Shopping A to Z
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Alfie's Antique Market
This is the biggest (and one of the best-stocked) con-
glomerates of antiques dealers in London, crammed into the premises of a 19th-
century store. It has more than 370 stalls, showrooms, and workshops in over 3,252
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