South London’s best food markets

In the northern hemisphere, summer is joining us in a couple of days, which means it is officially food markets and rooftops season in London! If you have been hanging around my little corner of the internet, you will know that there is nothing I like more than good street food and a drink with a sunset view. So I thought I would share with you my favourite street food markets in South London! No obvious ‘it’s in all the guides’ addresses here, only Londoner approved places to grab a decent plate of food while hanging out in the sun.

“And why South London?” you may ask, simply because it often gets less attention than its northern or eastern counterparts, so let’s give it a bit of love!

Brixton Market

In the centre of the very lively and multicultural Brixton, you will find one of the best food market hidden under railways. With strong influence from its Afro-Carribean heritage, Brixton Market is a great place to shop for food, gifts and vintage items. If you are feeling peckish while shopping grab some delicious jerk chicken at Fish, Wings & Tings, a very filling okonomiyaki at Okan, a giant brisket sandwich at The Joint or Mexican food at Jalisco.

Deptford Market

Welcome to South East London, where you will find only locals and zero tourists! To access Deptford Market you take the train and alight at Deptford station which is right above Deptford Market Yard. The area has been fully refurbished to make the most of the train tracks’ arches, transforming them into trendy shops and restaurants.

Not sure what to eat? Here are some of my favourites! The Cheese Truck serves the best grilled cheese sandwiches you will ever have! If you fancy a British classic with a twist, the Muffin Man is a great option with tasty meats and vegetables served on a good old English muffin. End our visit with a cocktail either at Little Nan’s or a micro-brewery beer at the Taproom SE8.

Flat Iron Square

Flat Iron Square is part of London’s Low Line project aiming to open South London railway arches to local businesses. Hidden under some of London Bridge’s train tracks, it is an indoor/outdoor food market, and only opened in 2016 so a bit of a newbie on the London street food scene.

Grab a sandwich, coffee and one delicious cinnamon roll at Burnt Lemon Bakery if you are visiting for lunch. If you are heading there in the evening, take a seat outside with a fresh beer and nibble on some fried chicken from Mother Clucker!

Herne Hill Market

Taking place every Sunday, Herne Hill Market has more than 50 traders. Food, furniture, clothes and art, you will always find something you will like there. While you are there, make sure to take a digestive walk in Brockwell Park which is right next to the market and has amazing views of London.

Maltby Market

Squeezed between a railway and some residential buildings just south of London Bridge, Maltby Market isn’t the easiest place to find. Luckily, once you have been you will always find your way back!  There you will find everything from rice burgers to mini doughnuts. I recommend the hotdogs from Herman Ze German, Da Ja Chicken, and anything sweet (they are all good!).

The great thing about Maltby Street Market is all the breweries and distilleries hiding under the arches of the train track. Hiver Beers is great if you are a beer lover looking for a local drink. If like me you love a good gin and tonic, make sure to swing by the Bermondsey distillery for a taste of Jensen’s Old Tom and Bermondsey Dry.

Mercato Metropolitano

One of my favourite food markets in London and probably one of the most famous on this list, Mercato Metropolitano is also the biggest food market in London. Set up in a big warehouse in Elephant & Castle it is the perfect market to go to on a raining or cold day.

Explore the Italian Deli where you can buy food and wine to enjoy in the market. Browse all the different food stalls before selecting your lunch or dinner. Finally, grab a table inside or outside in the huge patio area.

Model Market

People will know you are a local or London connoisseur if you refer to Model Market! This one is further away but a real gem if you want to adventure where us Londoners really hang out. It is one of the Street Feast food markets you can find around London and is only open Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 1am so make sure to plan a visit not to miss it!

There you will find intoxicating rum punches (in a good way!), delicious steamed buns, burgers, fried chicken, gin and tonic, and any good street food classics!

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