Going gourmet at London’s markets

With organic produce and gourmet goodies ever more popular in Britain, London’s markets are booming. Even if you don’t have access to catering facilities, it’s still worth wandering round at least one when visiting London, as there’s plenty of take-away food and other treats on offer.

If you’re looking for a low-key market which mixes culinary delights with flowers, crafts and vintage clothing, Hackney’s Broadway Market (station: London Fields) is the place to go. Held every Saturday on the street of the same name, this manageably-sized outdoor market has a neighbourhood feel, with plenty of well-heeled local families perusing the stalls and sipping on Merito Coffee lattes. There are plenty of places to grab lunch to go – make sure to same room for one of Violet’s inventively-flavoured cupcakes (including salted caramel and almond polenta).

The crowd-shy would do well to visit south London’s Borough Market (station: London Bridge) on a Thursday or Friday. On Saturday, London’s most famous food market is packed with Londoners and visitors alike, mingling in between the many international stalls. As well as artisanal goods to take home (fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meat, bread and more), there are also plenty of takeaway food options, including the perennially popular sausage stall. It’s a wise idea to visit with an appetite: stallholders often offer free samples of their wares to whet shoppers’ appetites.