London has a thriving market scene but knowing which one to visit is eye to a successful shopping trip. I take a look at two bustling markets so you can choose where to spend your time (and money). Will it be Brick Lane Market or Camden Market? Whichever market you choose both are easy to reach from the Park Grand London Hyde Park hotel on public transport.
Brick Lane Market
The Brick Lane Market is actually a collection of markets run in the old Truman brewery that opens at various times throughout the week.
The vintage market is open 7 days a week and has vintage clothes from the 1920s all the way up to the 90’s. If you are looking for Vintage this is the place to go. Bustling with vintage boutiques you will be hard pushed not to find what you need at this market.
The Tea rooms are open on a Saturday and Sunday and is home to an eclectic range of antiques and homewares from taxidermy to typewriters you never really know what you will find in the next shop but you will have fun exploring.
The Sunday Up Market is surprisingly only open on a Sunday but you will find a range of independents here as well as fruit, vegetables, food and drink. The independent shops here are trendier than those at Camden where the alternative is more the normality.
The Boilerhouse Foodhall is open each weekend and is home to over 30 stalls that will tempt you with their international culinary delights. You can find a lot of variety here so if there is a group of you and you don’t know what to eat why not walk the hall.
The Backyard Market is also only open at weekends but it has a whole different set of stalls. Celebrating the creative community The Backyard Market is full to the brim with arts and crafts and handmade goods that would make thoughtful gifts.
Camden Markets
Camden Market isn’t just one market but more like a town of markets all linked by walkways, alleys and rows of shops. Home to some big names and lots of independents it is a great place to find antiques, music memorabilia, clothes and quite a lot of punk and goth accessories. Split into different markets you can head to the one that suits you most.
Camden Market (originally known as Buck Street Market) is home to around 200 stalls selling handmade jewellery and clothing with lots of individuality shown across the stalls.
The Stables Market has a rich history and is home to DR Martens and Cyberdog one of the coolest places to buy your clubwear from. Camden Market is the place to go if you are looking for something vintage, leather, silver or just a little bit unusual.
Camden Lock Market is at the heart of Camden town and enjoys a bustling trade. With good food, interesting bars and beautiful views of the lock this is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. The market stalls hear have a variety of products from gifts to vintage clothing and more. Camden Lock Market is open 7 days a week unlike some of the smaller offshoot markets which only open on certain days.
So there you have it two great market areas that are sure to fulfil your shopping needs. Why not take a look at some of the tourist attractions in London that you can visit to fill in the rest of your time in our vibrant capital.
Love Camden. Grew up there x