Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To escape the crowds, stroll for a while in either direction along the tranquil canal; it's
possible to walk east from here all the way to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford
(about six miles away).
All three of these East End markets are busiest and most interesting on Sundays. For a
walk tying together these three markets—and a lot more in this neighborhood, which com-
Spitalfields Market:
This huge, mod-feeling market hall (pronounced “spittle-
fields”) combines a shopping mall with old brick buildings and sleek modern ones, all
covered by a giant glass roof. While the shops, stalls, and a rainbow of restaurant options
are open every day, the scene is best on Sundays, when you'll find a lively organic food
market, many ethnic eateries, crafts, trendy clothes, bags, and an antiques-and-junk mar-
ket (Mon-Wed 10:00-17:00, Thu and Sun 9:00-17:00, Fri 10:00-16:00, Sat 11:00-17:00,
Tube: Liverpool Street; from the Tube stop, take Bishopsgate East exit, turn left, walk to
Brushfield Street, and turn right;
www.visitspitalfields.com
)
.
Petticoat Lane Market:
Just a block from Spitalfields Market, this line of stalls
sits on the otherwise dull, glass-skyscraper-filled Middlesex Street; adjoining Wentworth
Street is grungier and more characteristic. Expect budget clothing, leather, shoes, watches,
jewelry, and crowds (Sun 9:00-14:00, sometimes later; smaller market Mon-Fri
8:00-16:00 on Wentworth Street only; closed Sat; Middlesex Street and Wentworth Street,
Tube: Liverpool Street). The Columbia Road flower market is nearby (Sun 8:00-15:00,
Brick Lane Markets:
Housed in the former Truman Brewery, this cluster of markets
is in the heart of the “Banglatown” Bangladeshi community. Of the three East End
market areas, Brick Lane's markets are the grittiest and most avant-garde, selling hand-
made clothes and home decor as well as ethnic street food. The markets are in full
swing on Sundays (roughly 10:00-17:00), though you'll still see some action on Saturdays
(11:00-18:00). The Boiler House Food Hall and the Backyard Market (hipster arts and
crafts) go all weekend—and the Vintage Market (clothes) even operates on Fridays
(11:00-17:30). Surrounding shops and eateries are open all week (Tube: Liverpool Street
or Aldgate East, tel. 020/7770-6028,
www.bricklanemarket.com
).
Covent Garden Market:
Originally the convent garden for Westminster Abbey, the iron-
and-glass market hall hosted a produce market until the 1970s (earning it the name “Apple
Market”). Now it's a mix of fun shops, eateries, and markets. Mondays are for antiques,
while arts and crafts dominate the rest of the week. Yesteryear's produce stalls are open
