Farmers’ markets sound self explanatory but the reasons to visit one are numerous. Reasonably priced, fresher, and more exciting produce sold by the people who grew it.
Beyond apples and pears, a trip to a farmers’ market is grocery shopping upgraded with ceramics, condiments, local booze and homemade sauces.
In the spirit of the autumn harvest, sample before you stock and join the farm-to-fork bandwagon. Most traders alternate between the capital’s farmers’ markets, but here are some of the markets bringing consistently great produce to town.
Islington Farmers’ Market
Islington Farmers’ Market is London’s oldest. Highlights here include fresh coffee beans, plenty of local honey, artisan bread, cheese, kimchi, flowers from Grange Nurseries, and biltong. That’s alongside the usual fruit and vegetables.
- Sunday between 10am and 2pm
Chapel Market, between Penton Street and Baron Street, N1 9PZ, www.lfm.org.uk
Notting Hill Farmers’ Market
Contrary to belief, this one is not located on the main Portobello Road. It’s tucked away at Fox Primary School, but offers some of the best produce in W11, including small batch gin producers Graveney Gin, which is made down in Tooting. There’s also a wealth of baked goods, fresh pasta, and pies.
- Saturday 10am to 2pm
Fox Primary School, Edge Street, W8 7PP, www.lfm.org.uk
Stoke Newington Farmers’ Market
Growing Communities Farmers’ Market in Stoke Newington is the UK’s only all-organic market. There’s homemade cordials, kombuchas, the usual fruit and veg, and freshly excellent street food from Turkey, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
- Saturday 10am to 2:30pm
St Paul's Church, Stoke Newington, N16 7UE, www.growingcommunities.org
Canopy Market
Not strictly a farmers’ market as this one has become more popular for its street food, but it’s still worthy of a mention. Bread Ahead often trade here and in addition to fresh bread, you’ll find ceramics, jewellery, oysters, churros, and natural wines to name a few.
- Friday 12pm to 8pm, weekends 11am to 6pm
West Handyside Canopy, 2 Granary Square, London, N1C 4BH, canopymarket.co.uk
Parliament Hill Farmers’ Market
On the doorstep of Hampstead Heath, this busy farmers’ market has earned its footfall for its selection of freshly cooked street food (including moussaka and dosa), chutneys, herbs, and cheeses. The Garlic Farm and Potato Shop also make regular appearances here.
- Saturday 10am to 2pm
Entrance on the heath near tennis courts, William Ellis School, off Highgate Road, NW5 1RN, www.lfm.org.uk
Ally Pally Farmers’ Market
This Alexandra Palace Market has been going since 2003 and though it primarily focuses on fresh local produce, it has branched out to include local crafts and vintage stalls. Vegan mushroom rolls and wraps are also up for grabs.
- Sunday 10am to 3pm
Muswell Hill (bottom) entrance, N10 3TG www.weareccfm.com
Duke of York Square Food Market
One of the snazzier food markets curated by London food shop Partridges. If its artisinal produce, game, and preserves you’re after, this is the market for you.
- Saturday 10am to 4pm
80 Duke of York Square, London, SW3 4LY, dukeofyorksquare.com
Herne Hill Market
This market has a real village feel with a lot of stalls being family-owned. Condiments, ceramics, and vintage clothes are also on offer alongside plenty of sweet treats and pastries.
- Sunday 10am to 4pm
Outside Herne Hill Station, Railton Road, SE24 0JN, www.weareccfm.com
Queens Park Farmers’ Market
Another great option in North London for poultry, seasonal veg, flowers, and freshly squeezed juice. Open rain or shine this is a favourite among locals and has been running since 2005, but it’s worth noting that dogs are not permitted inside.
- Sunday 10am to 2pm
Salusbury Primary School, Salusbury Road, London NW6 6RG, www.lfm.org.uk
Chatsworth Road Market
This market was reintroduced to East London in 2011 and has been a hit ever since with plenty of local traders selling handmade pies, meats, baked goods, and even organic skincare. Favourites include Paddy Field’s Japanese rice parcels filled with fresh fish and fresh sugar cane juice to wash down the street food offerings.
- Sunday 11am to 4pm
Chatsworth Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0LH, www.chatsworthroade5.co.uk
